Global rock giants Starsailor look set to top the bill at a huge summer concert being planned for Astley Park.

Hopes are high that a 10,000 capacity show will go ahead in the park on June 18, with promoters and leisure chiefs close to reaching agreement with the band's management.

The gig would provide an emotional homecoming for Starsailor's Chorley-born lead singer and songwriter James Walsh. Walsh grew up in the town and attended St Michael's High School before forming the band while attending Wigan College.

Starsailor found fame in 2001 with their debut album Love is Here. In October, 2005, the band received critical and commercial success with their third offering, On the Outside.

Cultural and leisure services officer for Chorley Borough Council, Chris Mellor, said: "Things have not been completely finalised but we are very hopeful of confirming Starsailor as the headline act.

"A large stage and other facilities will already be set up as the Pictures in the Park concert with the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra is being held the night before.

"If the show goes ahead it will be a fantastic way the start our midsummer festival, especially with the strong Chorley links to Starsailor."

Rumours of former Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft playing Astley Park in June have proved wide of the mark as he has confirmed a show at Wigan's JJB stadium in June.

Chorley Borough Council is working alongside Lupine Promotions from Wigan to organise the show.

Promoter Dylan Harris said: "We should be in a position to finalise the bill in a few days. I've put on bands such as Arctic Monkeys and Babyshambles at venues in Wigan, but this would be the biggest event we've done.

"There is no Glastonbury Festival this year, so there is more scope for some big outdoor gigs around the country."