Ashcroft will appear at the Last Days Of Summer festival at Stowe, in August – his only solo festival performance this year – as part of Cohen's testimonial year.

Mr Cohen said: "When my testimonial was started the committee knew that I liked my music and I wanted to do a concert. We booked Take That, but it didn't happen, but I wanted to do something.

"They knew that I'm good friends with Richard Ashcroft, and he always said if I had a concert he'd play.

"I didn't want to ask him because our friendship is about being friends but he really really insisted and I'm very honoured by that.

"He's a legend in his own right and other people want to be on the same stage as Richard."

The full line-up for the festival has not yet been announced but seven of the nine acts so far confirmed played at this year's Glastonbury Festival.

Mr Cohen said: "Richard and I met when we played in a legends football game. We genuinely respect each other.

"I've gone through some difficult times in the last year with leaving the Saints and he was a real pillar of support.

"He'd hinted that there was something on the horizon with The Verve reforming and I knew it was going to happen. If you put a guitar into Richard's hands he's in a world of his own."

Also on the line-up for the festival are Supergrass, Athlete and the Fun Lovin' Criminals.

Mr Cohen said: "It will be a fine day and it will bring something to Northampton. It's something people will enjoy and it's not expensive.

"Hopefully we can grow it into a two-day event. I'm really looking forward to it, I wouldn't miss it for the world."

The Last Days Of Summer takes place at Stowe Gardens on Monday, August 25. For tickets call 0871 220 0260 or visit www.thelastdaysofsummer.com