CHEMICAL Brothers, Flaming Lips and Future Islands lead the line-up for Cheshire’s out of this world festival, Bluedot.

The award-winning celebration of music and science returns to Jodrell Bank observatory from July 19 to 22.

Other highlights include the Halle Orchestra performing Blue Planet in Concert for a new Thursday opening night show.

Manchester’s renowned orchestra will be playing live against a backdrop of footage from the original Blue Planet 2001 BBC series.

Ben Robinson, festival director, said: “Heading into our third year we really wanted to go above and beyond and we’re absolutely delighted to announce Blue Planet in Concert for our new Thursday slot.

"Our mission is to not only erode the boundaries between science, culture, art and technology but to also highlight the beauty and fragility of our planet Earth, and what a better way to achieve this by opening proceedings with such a remarkable spectacle.”

Born out of the late 1980s Manchester scene and with hits like Hey Boy Hey Girl, Block Rockin Beats and Galvanize, The Chemical Brothers continue to lead the way in progressive electronica.

Warrington Guardian:

American champions of psychedelic pop The Flaming Lips are returning to observatory after performing at the first Live From Jodrell Bank festival seven years ago.

And synthpop band Future Islands have established themselves as one of the best live acts after their breakthrough with the hit Seasons (Waiting On You).

Ben added: “To be able to offer to these curious minds the return of The Flaming Lips is one thing but to set the stage for The Chemical Brothers to showcase their innovative and ever evolving artistry as both musical innovators and purveyors of world class light and visual stage productions is a true honour and will be a weekend not to miss.”

The likes of Gary Numan, Unkle, The Orb and Public Service Broadcasting will be joining the headliners over the four days and will all perform under the shadow of the iconic Lovell Telescope.

Warrington Guardian:

With a series of talks, workshops and hands-on experiments, Bluedot will also explore the latest scientific discoveries from space and our planet. There will be discussions of key issues such as climate change combined with an opportunity to pose life’s big questions to leading researchers.

Prof Teresa Anderson, director of the Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, said: “The science and culture programme at Bluedot is going from strength to strength.

“This year we are delighted to welcome some of the UK’s best-known scientists and writers, discussing the latest developments in areas ranging from quantum biology to wildlife conservation.”

Professor Tim O’Brien, associate director of the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, added: “Bluedot is a unique opportunity to combine a love of music with curiosity about the universe, all taking place alongside the fabulous Lovell Telescope – itself a symbol of humanity’s ingenuity and will to explore. It’s going to be another classic.”

  • The full bluedot programme will be announced in the coming months. For more information or tickets, visit discoverthebluedot.com