De La Soul are the fourth act to be announced for this years Stockton Weekender, which returns for its third year on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th July. 

The event organisers Tees Music Alliance (TMA) add the act to their diverse line up that already features NME's 'God Like Geniuses' Primal Scream, genre-flexing chameleons Dexys and anthem-wielding The Proclaimers. 

De La Soul formed in 1987 in New York and is best known for their eclectic sampling, quirky lyrics, and their contributions to the evolution of the jazz rap and alternative hip hop subgenres. The trio are universally recognised for changing the landscape of hip-hop. 

Their debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising, shot the band to fame and has been called "a hip hop masterpiece.” It was also voted Album of the Year by NME, which was a first for a hip-hop group and cemented its crossover appeal. 

They went on to release a further six albums, including Are You In? a collaborative effort with sport giants Nike. In 2006, the group won a Grammy for their collaboration with Gorillaz on the single Feel Good Inc. and returned to guest on the Damon Albarn fronted project's album Plastic Beach in 2010. 

The trio will perform on Saturday 27 July, just before ‘God Like Geniuses’ Primal Scream, adding a little variety to the day’s proceedings with hits such as Magic Number, Me, Myself and I, Eye Know and Say No Go. 

TMA Director Paul Burns said, “The reaction we’ve had so far from announcing Primal Scream, Dexys and The Proclaimers has been great; by adding De La Soul to the bill as special guests underneath Primal Scream, we’re really pleased at the way things are shaping up.” 

Saturday night of 2013’s event will see influential band Primal Scream bring their world-renowned live show to the banks of the River Tees. 

The band, formed in 1982 by Bobby Gillespie (then drummer for The Jesus & Mary Chain) and Jim Beattie, have released nine studio albums in their 30 year career – most notably the ground breaking Screamadelica, which saw the band shift from their indie rock sound to a more alternative rock/acid house sound that captured the early 90s perfectly. 

UK chart toppers Dexys, formerly Dexys Midnight Runners, top Sunday’s bill, with Scottish hit-generators The Proclaimers performing just before them. 

More announcements are still to come including further acts for the Main Stage, as well as the Vela Stage, Cabaret Tent and The Georgian Theatre. 

Tickets are on sale now and selling very fast. Early Bird prices are £25 a day, £35 for the weekend and £70 for camping. Ticket prices will increase in price from 1 May onwards. 

As in previous years each adult ticket entitles the holder to 2 free Under 14s tickets. Tickets and more information HERE.