Liverpool five piece The Hummingbirds have been confirmed to head a talent packed line up at The Sun Inn at this year’s Stockton Calling, lovingly curated by promoter Grass Route Middlesbrough. 

The pioneers of modern-skiffle will join fellow headliners The Sunshine Underground, Nine Black Alps, Chapel Club, Jon Windle and Fossil Collective in an eclectic line up at the fourth year of the multi-venue festival on Saturday 30 March. 

There’s a huge buzz growing around the five young men that make up The Hummingbirds, with footballing hero Wayne Rooney making it known via social media website Twitter, to his 5 million followers, that they’re his favourite group. 

The band has put a new twist on the popular Merseybeat sound made famous by The Beatles, combining acoustic, folk, pop and country. 

The band will be joined on the venues line up by another retro sounding act The Quangos. The Guardian said of the Manchester four-pieces sound “vintage rock'n'soul and the sort of Motown-influenced R&B the Stones and Spencer Davis were doing circa 1964/65.” 

More up and comers will be on display in the shape of The Vaccine’s choice support act Little Night Terrors. The band have been recording material with Arctic Monkeys, Temper Trap and Bombay Bicycle Club producer in between performing sell out gigs across the UK. 

Flying the flag for Teesside is soaring indie rockers The Panoramic, Stockton Calling debutants The Smiles, alt-rock trio The Port Authority and bluesy foot stompers Club of Rome. 

A new member to the Stockton Calling – Grass Route Middlesbrough, has put the line up together after fellow promoter The Kids of Solid Gold moved from the venue on Knowles Street to The Storytellers.  

Leon Pape of Grass Route said of his involvement “Having been to every Stockton Calling as a fan since it started I have gained  countless memories; from the bands I planned to see to the ones I stumbled across.” 

“It means a lot for Grass Route Middlesbrough to be asked to curate a stage at The Sun Inn and hopefully create some quality memories for others. I’m proud to be part of one of the greatest festivals in the North-East if not the UK". 

The full line up, for all seven venues, will be revealed shortly. After an advance sell-out in 2012, and tickets already selling fast, festival organisers are urging those wishing to attend to book sooner rather than later as ticket demand is high. Tickets are priced £14.50 in advance and £17.50 on the day, and on sale now for tickets and more info click HERE.