Simple Minds, Tom Jones, Lionel Richie and The 1975 among acts announced for Edinburgh Summer Sessions

Simple Minds, The 1975, Sir Tom Jones and Travis are among the headliners unveiled for this year’s Edinburgh Summer Sessions.

Lionel Richie, Michael Kiwanuka and McFly will also headline shows at Princes Street Gardens between August 8 and 20.

Sir Tom, complete with tartan jacket, headlined the festival’s inaugural year in 2018. He’ll open the festival, which has Edinburgh Castle as a backdrop, on Saturday August 8.

Former Commodores frontman Richie, who plays the following evening, said: “I’m really looking forward to heading back to Scotland this summer, the crowds are some of the best in the world and I can’t wait to get back over there to see you all.”

Brit Award nominee Michael Kiwanuka will play the Scottish capital on Tuesday August 11 followed by The 1975 – whose new album is set for release this April.

McFly will continue their pop comeback on Thursday August 13, with the band saying in a statement: “We’re so excited to play Edinburgh Summer Sessions for the first time ever.

“It’s going to be an amazing show in front of Edinburgh Castle and we really can’t wait to get back to Scotland.”

Two Scottish bands will also take to the Edinburgh stage in Simple Minds – playing Tuesday August 18 – and Travis on Thursday August 20.

Fran Healy’s band return to Edinburgh after a seven-year absence to close the festival, with the frontman calling the venue “pretty breathtaking with Edinburgh Castle as our backdrop”.

Jim Kerr of Simple Minds said: “Among the 100-plus shows we have lined up for our upcoming world tour, we are delighted to now be added to the line-up for the Edinburgh Summer Sessions.

“No-one enjoys playing in Scotland more than we do, and we are sure that Simple Minds fans from far and wide will want to join us for what is set to be a memorable concert in our capital city. We look forward to it immensely.”

Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday at smmrsessions.com