Ash and Pale Waves set to headline alternative Shetland music festival

Tim Wheeler, the lead singer of Ash, said he would be visiting Shetland for the first time and loved the variety of festivals.

He said: “You never quite know what it’s going to be like. There’s an element of surprise.

“We’ve played small marquees and huge outdoor stages. We’re very adaptable.”

While Rising North may be a “a bit of a trek” from his London home, Wheeler said he was looking forward to taking to the stage on Saturday.

Part of that journey will see the band’s equipment take the 12-hour long overnight ferry from Aberdeen.

Ash enjoyed early success during the 90s Britpop era, with hit songs including Girl from Mars and Shining Light.

The band are celebrating the 30th anniversary of their debut album 1977, with plans to tour Australia, New Zealand and Japan later this year.