ENGLISH rockabilly star Si Cranstoun will headline this year's Cooly Rocks On festival in June.

Festival organisers sought a headlining act after feedback from last year's inaugural event.

Cooly Rocks On CEO Bob Newman said people will soon know the name if they do not already.

He's young, he's fresh, he does rockabilly in the same vein as legends like Jackie Wilson and he is quickly building a reputation throughout Europe and America as one of the most exciting finds on the rock'n'roll circuit in decades," Mr Newman said.

"His age and energy bring a whole new dimension to rock'n'roll and to Cooly Rocks On as we know it."

Cranstoun said America's black rock'n'roll artists influenced his music.

"Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, Nat King Cole; but I don't want to be colour specific so let's throw in Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley," he quipped.

"I love retro stuff but at the same time I'm very aware that there is an energy or a dynamic that exists in modern music today."

Cranstoun's latest album, Dance Hall and Supper Clubs, was scheduled for release in time for Cooly Rocks On.

The artist has a hectic year with performances planned at Viva Las Vegas, Summer Jamboree in Italy, Screamin' in Spain, Rock that Swing in Germany and Rhythm Riot in London.

Si Cranstoun will perform two shows at the Cooly Hotel.

Tickets go on sale on Monday 9 April on the Cooly Rocks On website.