Bestival have announced the first raft of artists to play this years nautically-themed festival – and they’ve surprised everyone by bagging Elton John.

The glam-rocker will headline the Sunday night (8 September), and hip hop star Snoop Dogg will be headlining on the Saturday. Friday’s headliner hasn’t been announced/arranged yet so we’ll have to wait a bit longer for that.

Speaking of his decision to play Bestival, Elton John said:

I haven’t played any of the major festivals in the UK in recent years, so when the opportunity to play Bestival came up I was very interested. I’ve heard that the Bestival audience comes in fancy dress and I can’t wait to see that, they must all look amazing from the stage. At various times I have worn enormous feathered head-dresses, cloaks, hot pants, jumpsuits, clown suits, Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse, French Maid, The Eiffel Tower and The Statue of Liberty onstage! Wearing fancy dress makes us all feel less inhibited so I think it’s a great way to enjoy live music.

Other notable acts confirmed so far include MIA, Franz Ferdinand, The Flaming Lips, The Knife, Bombay Bicycle Club, Disclosure and Johnny Marr. More acts are expected to be announced soon.

For full details on the festival, and tickets, head over to the Bestival site.