Rats are revealed

The band had number one hits in the late 1970s with Rat Trap and I Don’t Like Mondays but disbanded in the following decade while frontman Bob Geldof concentrated on his charity work and a solo career.

However, the Irish new wave band reformed in 2013 when, in Geldof’s own words, he felt it was the right time to “re-Rat, go back to Boomtown and start doing all those great songs once again”.

Support will be Elton John Tribute Ultimate Elton and Thin Lizzy tribute act Limehouse Lizzy.

Nick Wigley, CEO of event organiser Goose Live Events, said: “It’s clear from the growing demand for weekend tickets that more and more visitors are turning the Classic into a full three-day summer festival.

“With so much nostalgic racing on the full grand prix circuit, so much fantastic family entertainment on the in-field and now a full bill of outstanding live music line-ups on both Friday and Saturday evenings, one day really isn’t enough.”

All three will join The Stranglers, Reef and AC/DC tribute act Livewire, who have previously been announced to play the Classic.

The world’s biggest classic motor racing festival returns in July.

Performances take place within the venue and, along with paddock and grandstand access, admission is included to all ticket holders.

The Stranglers are certain to prove a hit with festival goers, with very special guests Reef and renowned AC/DC tribute band Livewire also set to take to the stage for Saturday’s programme of live music, while Friday’s live acts will be confirmed very soon.

Born in the 70s’ punk rock era, The Stranglers have had no fewer than 23 UK Top 40 hits and 17 UK Top 40 albums in a career spanning five decades, with major hits including Golden Brown, Peaches, No More Heroes, Always the Sun and Skin Deep.

Reef have also enjoyed considerable chart fame. Their most successful hit Place Your Hands reached number six in the UK singles charts while the album Glow went straight to number one when released in 1997.

Reef are regular favourites at major festivals and, since being joined by guitarist Jesse Wood on guitar in April 2014, are back stronger and better than ever before.

There are also Early Bird tickets to take advantage of which are available until the end of March. They offer significant savings of up to 17 per cent.

The Silverstone Classic is from July 29 to July 31. Early bird tickets for all three days cost £99 and are available until the end of March.

For full details of all the tickets available and to book visit www.silverstoneclassic.com