REM have been confirmed as the first headline act at this year's Nokia Isle of Wight Festival.

The US rockers will close the festival on Sunday, June 12, playing in front of up to 40,000 fans.

Tickets for the event went on sale earlier this month and telephone lines are likely to be red hot now the Georgia trio have been confirmed as the first big act.

Led by singer Michael Stipe, REM are one of the biggest bands in the world today, having sold in excess of 70 million albums worldwide.

They tour the UK in February in support of their new studio album, Around the Sun, though this will be their first festival appearance in the country since 2003's Move festival in Manchester.

Guitarist, Peter Buck, said they could not wait to play at the Isle of White Festival.

"As someone who grew up in America, the Isle of Wight was a distant legend.

"We're all really excited to play on the same stage Bob Dylan, The Who and Jimi Hendrix have in the past," he buzzed.

The festival was revived three years ago after over a 30-year absence.

Last year's sell-out event was headlined by The Who and David Bowie.

Today's announcement that REM will be one of the headline acts only confirms the festival's place alongside Glastonbury as one of the UK's premier music events.

Details of the other bands signed to play at this summer's festival will be released over the forthcoming months.

The event runs from June 10-12. Tickets for the full weekend, with camping, cost £90.

For more information log on to www.isleofwightfestival.org