MULTI-MILLION-SELLING Ash and Idlewild are coming together for a special double-header at Fringe by the Sea.

Both bands’ stories start way back in the 1990s and the North Berwick festival will celebrate their incredible careers alongside guests Honeyblood and DJ Steve Lamacq.

Fresh from playing at this year’s Glastonbury Festival, Ash were formed in County Down in 1992 by vocalist and guitarist Tim Wheeler, bassist Mark Hamilton and drummer Rick McMurray.

As a three-piece, they released mini-album Trailer in 1994 and full-length album 1977 in 1996.

The 1996 release, which featured singles including Girl from Mars, Goldfinger and Oh Yeah, was named by NME as one of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

After the success of their full debut, the band recruited Charlotte Hatherley as a guitarist and vocalist, releasing their second record Nu-Clear Sounds in 1998.

The band released Free All Angels in 2001 and a string of successful singles.

Idlewild are heading to Fringe by the Sea next month. Image: Donald Milne

Idlewild are heading to Fringe by the Sea next month. Image: Donald Milne

Joining them on August 10 at the Big Top will be Scottish rock band Idlewild, who were formed in Edinburgh in 1995.

The band's line-up consists of Roddy Woomble (lead vocals), Rod Jones (guitar, backing vocals), Colin Newton (drums), Andrew Mitchell (bass), and Luciano Rossi (keyboards).

To date, Idlewild, famous for singles including You Held the World in Your Arms, American English and When I Argue I see Shapes, have released nine full-length studio albums.

BBC Radio 6 DJ Steve Lamacq has been working as a DJ since the early 1990s and together with Jo Whiley presented the very successful The Evening Session on Radio 2.

Fringe by the Sea returns to North Berwick in August

Fringe by the Sea returns to North Berwick in August

Ash and Idlewild become the latest big names to be confirmed for the festival, which takes place from August 2 to 11.

Already confirmed are Scottish rockers Del Amitri and British punk rock icons The Stranglers.

Best-selling author, broadcaster and journalist Caitlin Moran, woodsman, author and television presenter Ray Mears, and journalist, newsreader and presenter Clive Myrie are also on the line-up for the festival.

For more information and to book tickets, go to fringebythesea.com