THE Isle of Wight Festival is undoubtedly one of the most iconic rock festivals in the world, and many a musical legend has performed there over the years – Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Robert Plant, Iggy Pop, Paul Weller, David Bowie, The Who, The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney – the list goes on.

To appear on stage at the Isle of Wight Festival, therefore, is sure to be a thrill for any band, and that honour falls on York ‘super group’ Halo Blind when they play at this year’s festival this weekend (June 10-12), alongside the likes of Kasabian, Foo Fighters and Kings of Leon.

However, fans in York are in for a treat as they play their festival ‘warm-up’ gig at Kennedy’s tonight, previewing their festival set.

The evening also features a rare performance by Heather Findlay, ex-lead singer from Mostly Autumn, who will be playing acoustic versions of her new solo material.

Having been voted Best New Band by the Classic Rock Society in March 2011, Halo Blind – formerly known as Parade - released their first album, The Fabric, through Voiceprint records in 2010 to much critical acclaim and have built up a reputation for a live show more raucous and sharper-edged than on the recordings.

Halo Blind are Chris Johnson (Fish, Heather Findlay band), Anne-Marie Helder (Panic Room, Mostly Autumn), Stuart Fletcher (The Seahorses, Happy Mondays, St Etienne), Gavin Griffiths (Panic Room, Fish) and Chris Farrell (The Yards).

Halo Blind's Chris Johnson said: “We’re really honoured to have been asked to play at the Isle of Wight. It’s a legendary festival and a really big deal for us to play it. We’ll be representing York so if you’re going, come and cheer us on - we’ll be on the Garden Stage at 5.30pm on Friday.”

Tonight’s warm-up gig is from 8.30pm. Entry is £5 on the door.