The Rubens to headline North West Festival

Voted this year’s hottest band by radio station Triple J’s listeners, Aussie alternative rock band The Rubens are now also set to headline the 2016 North West Festival.

Unveiled today as the first band joining the festival’s 2016 line-up, The Rubens have had a big year after their 2015 single Hoops also took top spot on January’s Triple J Hottest 100 listener poll.

Rubens’ keyboardist and vocalist Elliott Margin said his band’s five members had been thrilled by their fans reception of their new album, also titled Hoops.

He said they were revved up to perform to an energetic Hedland audience.

“It is really fun to play our new music ... it feels fresh for us, so there is a lot of energy,” he said.

The headliner announcement allows festival organisers Sunset Events and the Town of Port Hedland start building much-needed momentum and hype for the August 18-21 event.

Like The Rubens other hit single “Hallelujah”, it is almost miraculous the 2016 North West Festival will take place this year, after councillors cut the Town of Port Hedland’s event sponsorship from $500,000 to $150,000.

However, with increased private sponsorship from Roy Hill and MACRO Realty Developments, festival fans can again rock out over three days.

Town chief executive Mal Osborne said the festival had been fortunate to again attract a leading Australian headline act.

“What ... better place to hear “Hoops”, “Lay it Down” and “My Gun” than (against) the backdrop of the world’s largest bulk port,” he said.