We chat to Marc Almond of Soft Cell who will headline at Rochester Castle Concerts as well as Peter Hook, the Sugababes and more, 6th, 7th, 8th & 9th July

Q. What is your favourite festival moment?

“I have had so many. Doing festivals is always so great. There is such a feeling of ‘out for a great time’ and people really are so up for it and generous.”

Q. Which performer are you most excited about seeing this summer?

“OMD are always special, and I love Glen Gregory and Heaven 17.”

Q. Do you have anything on your rider?

“I have the most basic rider of tea, honey and lemon. Preparation for most performers is a set routine you go through – I do some vocal warm up exercises (though never enough) and begin getting ready about an hour before.”

Q. What’s your earliest memory of music?

“I had young parents who were always listening to music, this would be the early 1960s and I suppose in many ways they were quite ‘on trend’ then.”

Q. Who was your hero growing up?

“Marc Bolan and David Bowie – they both spoke to me about being outsiders, exploring gender and image, and I loved the theatrics and performance art surrounding them. It was through them too that I was introduced to a wider genre of musical styles.”

Q. What are your festival survival tips for those venturing on their first one (or parents preparing to send their youngsters off on one!)?

“I don’t think I’ve ever been to a festival, outside of performing at them. It comes from the fact that I was relatively young when Tainted Love was a hit and being recognised so easily you tend to shy away from large gatherings. But my nephews go to festivals and their tip is get a £10 motion detector alarm to put in your tent when you’re not there. It will deter thieves!”