THE excitement is building for Barn on the Farm this year; the tiny Gloucestershire music festival that has, in the past, hosted the likes of Ed Sheeran, Bastille and George Ezra.

This year the hype is all about James Bay, winner of the 2015 BRIT's Critics' Choice award, who will be returning to the farm to close this year's festival on the Sunday night.

Joining James on the main stage at this year's festival will be Jack Garratt, Rhodes, Nothing But Thieves, Port Isla, Osca and The Academic. Foy Vance will be headlining the old Wooden Barn Stage, and there is also a brand new stage at this year's festival, topped by no other than Amber Run.

The Gazette talked to the Amber Run's bassist, Tom Sperring, ahead of what could be a very special year for the boys from Nottingham, who are on the cusp of realeasing their debut album ‘5 am’.

“We are just a group of friends who have been playing music together since they were at school, and then, by weird coincindence ended up at the same university. The whole thing has been pretty organic really,” said Tom.

“We've just had a brilliant year playing at all sorts of festivals and we are looking forward to more of the same. Festivals were always huge for me as a kid, and I always went to Reading. Obviously nowadays we get all the fun of the festival and get to play, too – it’s brilliant!

“Barn on the Farm is an amazing Festival in a beautiful setting. We went two years ago and played an acoustic set on the Friday night. It was magical. It’s got a great family vibe, where everyone is included and everyone knows each other.”

And it seems that as long as the boys are having fun, and people are enjoying their music, chart success would be just a bonus for Amber.

“ We grew from folky roots and want to produce multi-dimensional music that evokes emotion. We want to play shows where people are having the time of their lives but where we are still sincere and true to ourselves, both lyrically and sonically.”

“We are excited about the release of the album and we want as many people to hear our music as possible, but chart success isn’t everything. We always set out to be in it for the long run and have staying power."

You can see Amber Run play Barn on the Farm Festival at Over Farm, Near Gloucester, July 3-5 2015. Visit www.barnonthefarm for more details.