American singer-songwriter and Grammy award winner Mary Chapin Carpenter is to headline this summer’s Underneath the Stars Festival in Cawthorne.

The event, which is being organised by Yorkshire’s own award-winning folk songbird Kate Rusby and members of her family, is expected to attract crowds of up to 10,000.

It is only the second such South Yorkshire festival and will take place at the historic and scenic Cannon Hall Farm on July 24 and 25. Ticket sales are brisk with 1,400 full weekend passes already in the bag. Last year 5,000 people attended.

Festival artistic director Joe Rusby, Kate’s brother, is delighted that Mary has agreed to join them. He said: “Mary is a huge name in the music industry and the fact that we have been able to attract a quality performer like her is testament to how quickly we have established a good reputation for the festival.”

Mary has sold more than 13m records in a career spanning 25 years. Her original work and distinctive heartfelt style have gained her an international fan base, five Grammy awards and a place in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Her most recent album, Songs from the Movie, made its debut last year with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra at the prestigious Celtic Connections Festival in Glasgow.

Underneath the Stars, a not-for-profit venture, will showcase an eclectic mix of music - from folk and swing, to jazz, rock and roll, blues and world music. Arts, crafts, cultural activities and artisan food from local suppliers will be an important part of the festival.

Kate, one of the most-respected singer-songwriters in the UK, will also be performing at the festival, alongside former Fairground Attraction vocalist Eddi Reader; Philip Selway (Radiohead) and other artistes with national acclaim.

A major feature of this year’s event will be the presence of a giant planetarium dome and vintage fairground rides.

The festival will, of course, be geared up for campers and have family-friendly activities for all ages. It’s chosen charity for the year is Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Tickets are now on sale from www.underthestarsfest.co.uk Volunteers for the weekend are also needed – and receive free passes for the festival.

For information email stewards@underthestarsfest.co.uk