X-FACTOR favourites Chico and Journey South will entertain up to 10,000 fans at this summer's Pop in the Park event in Bailey Park, the Free Press can reveal.

Chico-mania is set to sweep across Monmouth-shire in the run-up to the two-day pop marathon in July.

Also signed up to join the X-Factor stars are ex-Spandau Ballet front-man, Tony Hadley, and Ireland's biggest blues-soul export The Commitments. Tony Hadley scored 17 Top 40 hits - including the timeless number one True - as lead singer for Spandau Ballet in the '80s and has gone on to enjoy a successful solo career.

The singer has toured with fellow '80s legends Go West and ABC and starred in ITV's Reborn in the USA series.

But it is the news Journey South, whose self-entitled debut album raced to the top of the UK charts last month, and pop's cheekiest star Chico, who became only the second X-Factor contestant from the last series to land a chart topping hit with Chico Time, that is set to have fans ringing the ticket hotline in their droves.

Chico fan James Coulton, aged 8, of Park Street, Abergavennny, was thrilled when the Free Press broke the news to him.

"I'm a huge Chico fan. He's cool," he said.

"I watched him on X-Factor and think he is groovy.

"I hope I can get tickets to see him as I really like his song Chico Time." The event takes place on July 22 and 23.

Tickets for opening day featuring Journey South, Chico and Tony Hadley are £20, and just £25 for both Pop in the Park concerts.

"We're delighted that such big pop music stars will be appearing in Abergavenny this summer," said Carol Mutlow, owner of Hannah's Music Promotions (HMP) who is putting on the event.

"It's going to be a real party atmosphere and a great event the whole family can enjoy,"

To book tickets, contact the HMP ticket line on 01291 621 050.