Rising star Joe Flanagan from Bournemouth is flying high after being selected to open the prestigious Islington Radio Festival in London this month.

The festival is a carefully-curated line up of up-and-coming future stars who have been hand-picked by the founder, musician Tom Bright.

Running from Friday September 10 to Sunday September 12, it’s a chance to see the music stars of tomorrow at the Archway Tavern in Islington.

Islington Radio is home to a stellar line up of DJ’s, including James Walsh (Starsailor) award-winning music producer Ed Harcourt, Gail Porter, Paul Gallagher, Seye Adelekan (Gorillaz) and many more.

Joe was invited to join the line-up after impressing the festival’s owner, Tom Bright, who had heard Joe’s original material.

The 36-year-old lives in Bournemouth and is an acclaimed musician who has been compared to Noel Gallagher, Paul Weller and others.

He has been writing original material for several years and has previously supported the likes of ‘Catfish and the Bottlemen’.

His appearance is just one of three dates he will play in London.

They include The Old George in Bethnal Green (Thursday September 9), Islington Radio Festival (Friday September 10) and The Amersham Arms (Saturday September 11) where he will be following in the footsteps of Mark Morriss of The Bluetones – who Joe has also previously supported – Public Service Broadcasting, Ben Ottewell (Gomez) and Steve Pilgrim.

Joe said: “I am so excited to open the Islington Radio Festival.

“Music has been such a huge part of my life since I was a teenager.

“I can’t wait to play all three of these gigs and to perform for such a great crowd of music lovers.”

Joe can be followed on Instagram and Facebook.

More information about the Islington Radio Festival can be found at islingtonradio.co.uk