An Irish folk legend, an American two-time Grammy award nominee and a chart-topping UK band are among the first wave of artists announced for this year’s Shrewsbury Folk Festival.

The four-day festival will play host to Mary Black, American blues singer songwriter Eric Bibb and Ward Thomas over the late summer Bank Holiday from 23-26 August.

Other acts included in the initial line-up release are sensational Scots Mànran making their Shrewsbury debut, Quebecois band Le Vent du Nord, Dream in Colors – a new festival band from Show of Hands Steve Knightley, Johnny Kalsi (Afro Celt Sound System, The Dhol Foundation), Eliza Marshall (Ranagri), and Bennet Cerven (The Trouble Notes), The Longest Johns, Spanish band El Pony Pisador, Suntou Susso Band, Ranagri, Joshua Burnell Band, Nati Dreddd, The Hunch, Rosie Hood Band, Cajun band Joli Blon, The 309s, The Lost Notes and duos James Delarre & Saul Rose, Winter Wilson, Harbottle & Jonas and Patakas.

Exclusively to Shrewsbury, Danish band The Sentimentals will celebrate 20 years of playing together with two special shows that will include guest appearances from some of their musical friends and heroes.

The first names for the Shrewsbury dance line-up have also been released with acclaimed folk pairing Spiers & Boden topping the bill for a rare ceilidh performance. Also confirmed for ceilidhs and social dance to date are Banter, Cri du Canard, Crowdy Kit, The Dancing Mister, EFDSS Ceilidh Band, James Delarre, Saul Rose & Dave Delarre, Monster Ceilidh Band, Tom Moore & Archie Churchill-Moss, Steamchicken and The Oakstone Trio. Entertainer Dan the Hat will also make his first visit to Shrewsbury to entertain festivalgoers with scheduled and impromptu shows across the weekend.

Day and weekend tickets are on sale at shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk, starting from just £43 with carer concessions and a three-month payment plan available.