OVER 130 acts have been announced for this year’s Mugstock, making it the biggest yet.

Homegrown musical heroes The Supernaturals will headline the festival which returns to Mugdock Country Park from Friday to Monday.

The band — most of whom hail from East Dunbartonshire — notched up two top 40 albums in the UK and Japan, as well as seven UK Top 50 singles between 1996 and 1998 — including Smile, Day Before Yesterday’s Man and I Wasn’t Built To Get Up At This Time.

The Supernaturals were created from a shared passion for music by James McColl, Derek McManus and Gavin Crawford who all attended St Joseph’s Primary in Milngavie and St Ninian’s High in Kirkintilloch.

Lead singer and guitarist James, said: “We’re really looking forward to playing MugStock. We played at Milngavie Town Hall in 1998 which was good fun — and a shorter drive home than usual!

“When we were kids we used to go fishing for pike in Mugdock Loch. It was a bit of a wilderness in those days — the main buildings were just old ruins with the remnants of a zoo — but it’s completely changed now.”

WHO ELSE IS ON?

THE Supernaturals will be joined by The John Langan Band whose music is rooted in Celtic Folk but encompasses Balkan, Roma and Flamenco elements, fuelled by a visceral punk spirit. Also in the line up are Glasgow legends, the Amphetameanies, DJ Rebecca Vasmant, pop rock sensations Single By Sunday, singer Rachel Sermanni and alt blues guitarist and songwriter Dave Arcari.

In addition there will be stomping ska from Bombskare and performances from Fat Suit, Trembling Bells, The Imagineers, China Shop Bull, The Hostiles and Pyro. The festival’s new, larger dance tent will feature slots from Frogbeats, Making Things Happen, Electrikal, We Should Hang Out More and one of the last performances from returning band Orkestra Del Sol before their members move on to other things.

Now in its third year, MugStock has become popular for its family-friendly mix of music, theatre, art, comedy, performance, crafts, nature trails, and food and drink and more — attracts hundreds of people from all over Scotland and beyond.

WHERE IS IT?

ONLY eight miles outside Glasgow, MugStock is designed as an intimate, family-friendly celebration of the natural landscape and festival-goers have the chance to enjoy other parts of the park, including the 14th century Mugdock Castle, gothic mansion Craigend Castle, lochs, ponds, and a Victorian walled garden.

The festival is all the more remarkable for being run by a team of volunteers, supported by East Dunbartonshire Council, on a not-for-profit basis.

“It’s fantastic for East Dunbartonshire to have an event of this size and profile on our doorstep,” said Councillor Jim Gibbons, convener of Place, Neighbourhood and Corporate Assets.

“Mugdock offers a great mix of natural beauty, facilities and accessibility — the perfect setting for MugStock.

“As well as boosting visitor numbers, MugStock has helped to introduce a whole new audience to the park — one of the jewels in Scotland’s crown — where there’s a wealth of activities, attractions and events all year round.”

ANY OTHER HIGHLIGHTS?

MUGSTOCK’S volunteers say they are motivated by the “sheer love of bringing lovely people together to have a great time in a beautiful place”.

“We pride ourselves on being as inclusive, accessible and family friendly as possible,” said Stuart Nelson, one of the festival’s five directors. “Whether you have never been to a festival before or are a seasoned festy goer you will feel right at home at Mugstock.

“Our beautiful children’s walled garden features storytelling, workshops, craft activities, performances and even a disco especially for wee ones.

“This year we have loads of new features and improvements that we are really excited about including showers, a steam room and wifi. We have also enhanced the food and drink offering, with a bigger selection of street food and a bespoke MugStock Ale made for us by local business Jaw Brew.

“We are especially delighted to announce that Headset Disco will be at the festival this year so prepare to get your silent groove on”.

Tickets are on sale now — children get in free while tickets for teenagers and over-60s are half-price. Visit www.mugstock.org and www.facebook.com/Mugstock. Tickets are also available at the park’s visitor centre.