An extra day of festivities is also slated for the event’s 26th year, six months before performances and activities take over Tuggeranong Town Park in November.

Irish-born Gribbin joined INXS as lead singer less than three years ago and will lead this year’s line-up of acts.

Although the Grammy-nominated songwriter will not be joined by his INXS bandmates, fans of the Aussie rockers won’t be disappointed.

Festival media spokesman Michael Lindfield said Gribbin would perform INXS hits alongside his own original material.

“Signing Ciaran and his band is phenomenal, a triumph for the festival and a great occasion for INXS fans in Tuggeranong, all of Canberra and the surrounding region for that matter,” he said.

Canberra-based support act Drawing North will also enliven Tuggeranong Town Park with their rock-anthem style pop-rock.

Since releasing their first EP in 2011 the five-piece has dived into numerous music festivals including Vans Warped and last month’s Groovin’ the Moo, and recorded a debut album in the US set for release later this year.

Band members are also supporting the festival as ambassadors of the event.

Children haven’t been left out with the Outback Aussie Show to lead youngsters’ entertainment this year.

The high energy, high participation musical act has already snagged success in the US with catchy Australian-themed songs penned by the songwriter behind The Wiggles, John Field, and is yet to premier in Australia.

Aside from weekend music, a mega DJ event is earmarked for additional Friday festivities.

Meanwhile a string of local bands and artists and as well as a fireworks display on Saturday will return for another year.

Mr Lindfield said the line up was an exciting coup for the community and expected attendance records to be broken.