IT’S nearly time to dig out the tent again from the garden shed and shake out your wellies, as this year’s three-day Upbeat Festival is back.

Announced today is a selection of headline acts before the second Upbeat Festival opens its gates to the public this August Bank Holiday weekend at Upton Country Park.

Headliners for the local festival include chart toppers The Feeling who top Sunday’s bill, alongside a whole host of quality original bands including ’90s summer pop sensations Dodgy, famous for Brit pop anthems such as Staying out For The Summer and Good Enough.

Also taking to the stage will be first-wave British Invasion legends The Zombies, and a whole host of nation-ally and internationally acclaimed acts.

Last year’s festival featured such internationally recognised artists such as Imelda May, Sandi Thom and Toploader, plus an entire day devoted to the cream of the crop of Britain’s tribute acts.

This year will be no different, with Saturday’s festivities seeing the very best tribute bands from all over the country performing during the day.

From Dirty DC to JK as Robbie Williams, Viva Santana to RU40 and some of the best local bands in the shape of Lady Winwood’s Maggot and The Rat Pack.

There will also be as yet unannounced special guest headliner rounding off Saturday night. Monday’s show is aimed at families and £10 on the gate will get you in to see a fantastic line up of Bootleg Blondie, Dorset’s ultimate party band Rat Race, local soul survivors Souled Out, and of course the inimitable Queen imitators, and Mr Kyps favourites, The Great Pretender with The HRH Band.

Alongside the main stage this year will be a second stage that will play host to a selection of the top local bands from around the area. As well as the music, Upbeat Festival 2012 also features gourmet festival cuisine courtesy of Urban Guerrilla.

Tickets from upbeatfestival.com or via BHLive on 01202 456400.