THE FRIDAY night headliner for this year’s Bestival festival has been announced as Florence and The Machine.

A longstanding Bestival favourite, Florence Welch and her trusty Machine have wowed festival goers across the years.

From her mesmerising early performance in the Club Dada tent to a handful of those in the know, to her all-conquering Main Stage set in 2009, her epic vocals and quirky melodies have created some utterly jaw-dropping moments that will live long in Bestival lore.

Her second album Ceremonials, released at the end of last year, has cemented her reputation as one of the biggest stars on the planet and gained her accolades by the bucket-load.

Radio 1 DJ and Bestival founder Rob Da Bank said: “The first time I met Flo she was whirling around like a spinning-top to a Paul Simon track at a party I was DJ-ing at.

“I hadn’t even heard her open her mouth, but she had this alluring vibe already.

“Once I heard her scratchy demo I was sold and, when she did her first radio session for me at Radio 1, I couldn’t believe this flame-haired eccentric young lady had such a stunning voice.

“Her shows for us at both Bestival and Camp Bestival over the last few years have always been highlights for many and I’m glad we can finally seal the deal with a headline show on the Friday of Bestival.”

Bestival takes place at Robin Hill, Isle of Wight from September 6-9.