Oxford country-rock band The Epstein has beaten almost 2,500 other groups to win a spot at the world-famous Glastonbury Festival in June.

They will follow in the footsteps of the likes of Oasis, Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan and The Kinks by playing at the huge three-day event in Somerset.

The Binsey-based band, consisting of Olly Wills, Jon Berry, Ed Hawkesworth, Rowland Prytherch and Stef Hamilton, were selected after sending in a sample of their work to festival organiser Michael Eavis. Out of 2,500 entries, they made a shortlist of 500, which was whittled down to 60, then 24, and last month they were invited to Somerset for a final audition - leaving judges suitably impressed.

Frontman Olly, 28, said: "It's amazing. We are over the moon.

"It's a big boost for us and it's nice to be recognised. I've never really won much before, so this is very exciting."

It will be Olly's first Glastonbury as a fan as well as a performer. He said: "I've heard so much about it. Just getting to the final was a really big thing. It's so important, and it's really going to give us a push.

Drummer Ed, 28, who rejoined the band after leaving five months ago due to work pressures, said: "For a musician, playing Glastonbury is at the top of the list of things you want to do in your life."

He added: "There's something about Glastonbury which is unlike any other festival. It's like a city built on hippy values of peace, love and music. We hope this kick-starts our next phase of world domination!"

Although the full line-up for this year's Glastonbury festival has yet to be announced, Australian singer Kylie Minogue is expected to be among the headline acts.

Tickets for this year's festival sold out in 90 minutes after they went on sale, but if you were one of the millions unable to secure a ticket, you can pick up The Epstein's new single Black Dog from Truck Records. Also look out for album The Last of The Charangistas.