YET more good news for fans of al fresco music, this week, with a clutch of announcements which have left us hankering for summer, more than ever.

First came the news that Duran Duran are to top the bill at Oxford’s Common People, headlining Saturday’s proceedings.

The multi-platinum Wild Boys stars will play to an anticipated crowd of 25,000 people. Also joining the bill is Katy B, who finally makes it to South Park after her appearance at the ill-fated Oxford Oxford event was cancelled when the plug was pulled on the event due to poor ticket sales and dreadful organisation. The same can’t be said for Common People, with early bird tickets flying out of the box office following this latest announcement.

Other acts booked to play include Primal Scream, Public Enemy, Craig David and Chas & Dave. See commonpeople.net

We were also excited to see Oxford’s very own Foals headling the country’s biggest and messiest rock festival - Reading.

Yannis and the lads joined Disclosure as co- headliners for this year’s festival taking place across Bank Holiday Weekend 26-28 August 2016. They also play the event’s sister festival in Leeds, of course.

No strangers to Reading’s Little John’s Farm – which, for the sake of a couple of miles, is practically a home county (if not hometown) show, the lads last crossed the Thames and performed in its fair acres last year, playing a surprise set.

Before that the five piece of Yannis Philippakis, Jack Bevan, Jimmy Smith, Walter Gervers and Edwin Congreave, stormed it in 2014, playing what was widely acknowledged as not only the best set of the weekend, but of the entire festival calendar.

They joina bill which already features Red Hot Chili Peppers and The 1975.

Festival director Melvin Benn says: “I couldn’t be more excited about this announcement - a co -headline with two of the most promising British acts out there.

“Foals’ secret set last year was a highlight for me, as I’m sure their debut headline slot will be, coupled with the phenomenal Disclosure. “We’re very proud to be able to give these acts the recognition they deserve.”

Yannis said: “We're absolutely buzzing to be headlining Reading this year. It's a dream come true. I used to watch Nirvana live at Reading '92, on vhs, repeatedly while dying my hair blue and learning how to play guitar, badly.

"We've worked our way up on our own terms & to be given the chance to headline one of the world’s most iconic festivals is a huge achievement for us and hopefully a sign for all bands, that, if you stick to your guns and focus on what matters, you'll get there and smash it. Onwards & upwards friends. Long live the guitar band”

Reading festival.com