A HOST of big music stars are set to rock the town later this year, we can exclusively reveal today.

Fresh from his sell-out performance at the Regent Theatre last December, singing superstar Peter Andre is bringing his Up Close and Personal concert to Christchurch Park.

The show, set to be one of the highlights of this year’s Ip-art summer festival, takes place on Sunday, July 10.

Rising to fame in 1995 with his hit Mysterious Girl, several albums, TV shows and book releases later he’s now one of the most enduring stars of the past two decades.

Claire Trickett of Envy Productions UK, who worked with Ipswich Borough Council’s events team to make the show happen, said: “Following his huge arena tour at the end of 2010 this concert, by contrast, offers fans a real opportunity to see him perform in an exclusive, intimate setting with a relaxed feel.”

Councillor Andrew Cann, the borough’s culture portfolio-holder, added: “This is another highlight for our Ip-art festival, along with Katherine Jenkins in the park and other fantastic events in venues across Ipswich.”

Heading to the Regent on October 29 will be Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra.

The undisputed king of boogie-woogie will be joined by the legendary Shane MacGowan, creating a unique collaboration not to be missed.

One of Ireland’s most illustrious musicians, he formed The Pogues in 1982 and by 1988 they were supporting U2 in America and had sold more than a a million of their album If I Should Fall From Grace With God. They also reached number two in the UK single charts with the Christmas anthem Fairytale Of New York with the late Kirsty MacColl.

MacGowan left in 1991, going on to work with the likes of The Jesus and Mary Chain, Nick Cave and Van Morrison before founding The Popes. He’s recently been back on the road with The Pogues and is writing a new album.

With long time guest vocalists Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall, Holland will perform tracks spanning his entire solo career as well as songs from his latest album Rockinghorse.

Tickets go on sale at the Regent box office for Peter Andre on Monday, from 9am; and for Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra with special guest Shane MacGowan today, from 10am.