WHATEVER happened to the heroes?

In the case of punk rock legends, The Stranglers, they made Wychwood Festival’s birthday bash go with a slightly disturbing swing five years ago.

And they are set to return this year for the festival’s 15th birthday celebrations.

Wychwood Festival has just announced that the legendary punk band, men in black to a man, will head to Cheltenham Racecourse to close this year’s festival in fine, rocking style.

The Stranglers are one of the longest-surviving and most successful bands to have emerged from the UK punk scene, with 23 UK top 40 singles and 17 UK top 40 albums to date in a career spanning four decades.

A spokesman for The Stranglers said: “We really enjoyed ourselves when we played at Wychwood’s 10th birthday bash, and we’re delighted to be back to bring on the party for their 15th. Roll on the summer.”

Wychwood Festival Director Graeme Merifield said: “I’m very pleased with the latest additions to our line-up, as always lots of fun for everyone of all ages, as we celebrate 15 years of Wychwood.

“The Stranglers gave a thumping performance when last with us, and I can’t wait to see them again”

Also announced are funk and soul DJ Craig Charles, 60’s soul superstars Geno Washington & The Ram Jam band, chap-hop star Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer, and up and coming Rock n Roll band Penny Mob.

Other big attractions in the line-up include Scouting For Girls, T’Pau, Toyah, DJ’s Steve Davis and Kavus Torabi, Tankus The Henge, John Otway and Wild Willy Barrett, and Bez.

Mr Merifield added: “The latest additions to the workshops programme include the Danceworks Studio, pre-school yoga sessions with Andrea from Tatty Bumpkin, Tiny Wild Fox - actors and interactors who will be running sports, games and activities for the whole family and The Olá Samba Bateria bringing a taste of Brazil to Wychwood; all joining the already announced Chichi Fit, Mr Dilly’s World of Wonder, Jo Porter’s Kitchen Dancing, comedy juggler Ben Cornish, Aardman model making and family songs with Nick Cope, with more to come.

“For cycling enthusiasts, Wychwood has launched discounted festival tickets when purchasing a Red Fox Cycling Tour through the English countryside – a chance to make new friends, reduce your environmental impact and enjoy picturesque beauty, with start locations in Bristol, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.”

Craig Charles will be bringing his legendary Funk & Soul Club to the Dance Stage on Sunday afternoon.

While Penny Mob’s Jamie Quinn (Fergie in BBC2’s Still Game, and Ian in BAFTA award-winning comedy Two Doors Down) and Andrew Mullan will be rocking out the Hobgoblin Stage on the Saturday.

Wychwood takes place this year from May 31 to June 2.

For further info and to buy tickets head to www.wychwoodfestival.com