Vernon Kay says he is excited to return home to the northwest, as he has been announced in the DJ set line-up at Radio 2 in the Park, in Preston.

Host of Radio 2's mid-morning show Vernon, from Horwich, will be hosting 90s DJ sets on Friday, September 6, and Sunday 7 at Moor Park.

Vernon, known for presenting All-Star Family Fortunes and other shows, said he is excited to bring the sounds of the 90s to crowds.

Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph, he said: “It’s nice to get up to the great northwest and play some tunes that resonate with people.

"The 90s is perfect for the demographic of the Radio 2 audience.

“I always say collective euphoria is the best drug and there is no better feeling than watching people enjoy themselves.”

Vernon has visited Preston before, playing American football at Deepdale Stadium in the past.

He said the music festival, which runs from Friday, September 6,  until Sunday 8, will be a great thing for Lancashire.

When asked if he thinks Preston is overlooked, he said it is nice that a spotlight is being shone on the area.

“It gets overlooked because it’s pretty close to Bolton and obviously that town takes all the limelight because we are selfish like that,” he joked.

“When anywhere in the northwest is highlighted, it is good for the whole region.

“We are all much of a muchness from up north. We are all nice people and when we are given the opportunity to have a good time we have a good time.”

Vernon hopes it will be an event that ticket holders will remember for years to come.

He said: “We will be playing all the classics. If you ask yourself what the most popular dance tunes of the 90s are they are probably the ones we will be playing.

“It will be a really good weekend and I am looking forward to it.

“When I [hosted a DJ set] in Leicester it got a really good reaction so I am excited to be doing it again.

"It gives the DJs the chance to play the music they like and give people a chance to see more entertainment away from the main stage.”

When he isn’t mixing tracks, Vernon says he is excited to watch the festival’s headline performers, which include Sting and the Pet Shop Boys.

He said: “I can’t wait to see Sting and the Pet Shop Boys. Obviously Chris Lowe [singer and songwriter from Pet Shop boys] is from Blackpool too so he’s a local lad.

“There is a huge spread of entertainment in the line-up and I think there is something for everyone.”

Off shift, Vernon says he will be heading home to see his parents in Horwich and also says he will meet and greet the locals in Preston’s pubs.

He said: “I will go and see my mum and dad after and I might stay over the night when the festival is over. Who doesn’t love a cuddle from your parents?

“Keep a look out for various Radio 2 staff and DJs. We might be out in Preston enjoying the local drinking establishments.

“[It is important to get out and meet local people in the town and cities I visit] so you don’t get tunnel vision in London.

"A lot of entertainment and TV shows are made in London but there is a hub of talent from all over the UK.

“I enjoy getting out and doing outside broadcasts. The BBC isn’t about London, it’s about the regions [across the nation] and getting out there.

“If you haven’t got a ticket yet come and join us because it’s going to be awesome.”

Radio 2 in the Park will feature performances from some of the world’s most-loved pop stars alongside DJ sets from presenters.

The Manic Street Preachers, Sugababes, Craig David, Snow Patrol, Travis, and other musicians are all set to perform.

Head of Radio 2, Helen Thomas, said: “Everyone at the station is really excited about coming to Preston.

"I am really excited to come and spend quite a bit of time there and see what the city has to offer.

"I hope it will be an event people in Preston remember for a long time. No other radio station would be able to put this bill of artists together.

“There is something for everything and we hope this will be a living and breathing embodiment of this amazing radio station.”

Helen said last year’s event, in Leicester, was a great thing for the area, and hopes this year's event will have a similar impact in Lancashire.

She added: “We feel it is important to get out and about across the UK and meet our listeners.

"Last year, there was a massive boost to the economy in Leicester

“People are really excited about the DJ sets. They will get to see the people they know and love from the radio DJing to thousands of people in a tent.

“You can expect bad dancing, medallion flinging from Tony Blackburn, hip-hop shakes from Romesh Ranganathan and maybe a few surprises along the way.

“I want to thank the people of Preston for extending such a warm and generous welcome.”

The full line-up for Radio 2 in the Park in Preston

Saturday, September 7

  • Sting
  • Sugababes
  • Snow Patrol
  • Craig David
  • Kim Wilde
  • Pixie Lott
  • Shaznay Lewis
  • Travis

Sunday, September 8 

  • Pet Shop Boys
  • Manic Street Preachers
  • Sister Sledge feat. Kathy Sledge
  • Paul Heaton
  • Gabrielle
  • Shed Seven
  • Delta Goodrem
  • Haircut 100

DJ line-up for Radio 2 in the Park

Friday, September 6

  • DJ Spoony’s Good Groove
  • Rylan's Rybiza Anthems
  • Sara Cox’s Wower Hour
  • Scott Mills’ Wonder Years
  • Vernon Kay’s Dance Sounds of the 90s

Saturday, September 7

  • Dermot O'Leary's Alternative Sounds of the 90s
  • Jo Whiley's Shiny Happy Playlist
  • Michelle Visage's Handbag Hits
  • Romesh Ranganathan's For The Love of Hip Hop
  • Rylan's Rybiza Anthems
  • Scott Mills' Wonder Years
  • Tony Blackburn's Golden Years

Sunday, September 8

  • DJ Spoony's Good Groove
  • Gary Davies' Sounds of the 80s
  • Paddy McGuinness’ Sunday School Disco
  • Sara Cox's Wower Hour
  • Trevor Nelson's Rhythm Nation
  • Vernon Kay's Dance Sounds of the 90s