Maximo Park to open Glastonbury

Maximo Park are about to launch their third album

Rock band Maximo Park will officially open this year's Glastonbury festival, organisers have confirmed.

The group have been lined up to play the new William Green area of the site at 1600GMT on Thursday, 25 June.

Lead singer Paul Smith said: "It's an honour for us to be the first band on, in such intimate surroundings."

Other confirmed artists for the festival include headliners Blur, Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young. Lily Allen and Tony Christie will also appear.

'Really excited'

Only 1,500 festival goers will be able to watch Maximo Park - whose hits include Apply Some Pressure and Our Velocity -perform in the new area.

However, big screens will broadcast the gig across the site.

The group will then play the Other Stage on Saturday night.

"Glastonbury's still a festival that takes chances, as proven by Jay-Z's triumphant appearance last year," said Smith.

"So it's an honour for us to be the first band on, in such intimate surroundings.

"It's also an excuse to hang out and watch loads of brilliant music until we play the Other Stage on Saturday."

A Glastonbury spokesman said: "We are really excited about this extra special Maxïmo Park gig to kick off the festival."

Maxïmo Park are about to release their third album, Quicken the Heart.

Tickets for Glastonbury are now sold out.