BBC radio DJ Mark Radcliffe has lent his support to Knutsford Music Festival by announcing a series of gigs in the town this June.

The Radio 2 and 6 Music broadcaster, who lives in the town, will transform Knutsford Little Theatre into a folk club for three nights from Friday, June 22 to Sunday, June 24.

The first announcement for this year’s festival – a follow-up to a successful inaugural event in 2017 – ‘Mark Radcliffe Presents Folk at the Theatre’ will draw on its namesake’s Radio 2 Folk Show connections.

Before stepping onto the stage himself on Sunday night, Mark has also booked Pilgrim’s Way, Mike McGoldrick, and acclaimed duo Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar as headliners. Each performer will also have a support act.

Mark said: “I’m thrilled to be part of Knutsford Music Festival as it’s the town I live in and wanted to make a contribution.

“I can promise people three evenings of truly exceptional music in a folk and roots style and look forward to counting on their support at our cherished Little Theatre.”

On Friday night, in a nod to Knutsford’s Highwayman Higgins connection, Pilgrim’s Way will bring tales of highwaymen, robbers and brigands through a quirky blend of traditional English folk song and 1980s disco.

Hailing from Stockport, the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominees enjoy the talents of multi-instrumentalist Jon Loomes, who remarkably played 22 instruments on the band’s 2016 album, Red Diesel.

On Saturday Mike McGoldrick and friends will take to the stage. Having mastered numerous instruments including Irish flute, uillean pipes and bodhrán, Mike has been in bands since his schooldays.

He also performs regularly with the BBC Four Transatlantic Sessions and with Dire Straits frontman, Mark Knopfler.

After the host’s stripped back folk performance with former Family Mahone bandmates Dave Russell and Chris Lee, duo Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar will close the show on Sunday.

The two – both still in their early 20s – met by chance and have since won two BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

Sarah Morgan, deputy town clerk at Knutsford Town Council, said: “Given his excellent reputation as a broadcaster, extensive knowledge of music and enthusiasm for our event, we are delighted to have Mark involved with Knutsford Music Festival.

“We’re determined to make this year’s festival even bigger and better than the launch event in 2017 and so look out for many more announcements in the weeks to come.”

Further acts and ticket information for the second annual Knutsford Music Festival will be revealed in the coming weeks.