A free, two-day music festival celebrating Stoke-on-Trent artists is set to take over the city centre in May.

Foundry Festival will feature a programme of live performances taking place on outdoor stages in Piccadilly and Tontine Square in Hanley on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 May.

The full line-up of rising and established artists from across the region has now been announced and includes Black Coast, Kira Mac, Darla Jade, and Pale Red, alongside FOARN, Era's End, Greg Murray & The Seven Wonders.

Lee Barber, Festival Music Producer, added: "Foundry Festival is all about shining a spotlight on the incredible music talent we have right here on our doorstep.

"We're proud to be platforming some of the best artists from the local and regional scene at a brand-new event, bringing their music to a big outdoor audience and giving the dedicated followers of the local music community something really special to get stuck into across the whole weekend."

The free wristbands, which are available on the Foundry Festival website, will also unlock 50 per cent off entry at selected city centre gigs across the weekend.

The name Foundry Festival draws inspiration from Shelton Bar, the historic Stoke-on-Trent steelworks which has often been linked to H. G. Wells' novel The War of the Worlds.

A spokesperson for Foundry Festival said: "The festival name reflects the idea of strength forged through shared endeavour, the same spirit of creativity, collaboration and community that continues to power the city's music scene today."

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Headline acts: (top left to right) Black Coast and Darla Jade (bottom left to right) Kira Mac and Pale Red (images via PH Production Services)

Foundry Festival is funded by the Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID and delivered in partnership with Honey Box Live, PH Production Services Ltd, The Buzz Stoke and Your City Festival.

Richard Buxton, Manager of the Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID, said: "We've relocated the festival from Marsh Street Car Park into the heart of the city centre, bringing it to Piccadilly and Tontine Square.

"The aim is to create a vibrant atmosphere across the weekend while driving more people into the surrounding shops, cafés, bars and businesses.

"Events like this help showcase the energy of the city centre and encourage visitors to spend time here, discover what's on offer and support local businesses."

The event is produced by the team behind Honey Box Live, which has been platforming emerging artists and hosting live music events across the area for nearly a decade, alongside the creators of Stoke Buzz, a new website and independent 'zine which highlights local bands, venues, gigs and new releases from across the region's grassroots music scene.

For details of the full line-up and to book free tickets, visit the Foundry Festival website here.