AN ECLECTIC mix of international musicians are due to perform at an exciting four-day event near Malmesbury this summer. 

WOMAD - which stands for World of Music, Arts and Dance - returns to the picturesque landscape of Wiltshire’s Charlton Park from Thursday, July 25 until Sunday, July 28.

Organisers have announced that Sicily-born and Jamaica residing singer-producer reggae sensation Alborosie will be kicking off the festival on Thursday night.

Joining the line-up will also be progressive hip-hop trio Young Fathers from the UK and Sampa The Great, regarded as one of southern Africa’s greatest hip hop heroes.

Dance icon Alison Goldfrapp from the UK will also be showcasing her recent debut solo album, The Love Invention, which she said is her tribute to the dancefloor.

Mali blues musical legends Amadou and Mariam will make a timely return to the festival along with the musical powerhouse Baaba Maal from Senegal.

Also making a triumphant return to international arts festival are legendary gypsy punks Gogol Bordello from the USA and hip-hop crew DAM who live in the mixed Israeli cities of Lydda and Haifa. 

Other artists hailing from across the pond are contemporary New Orleans jazz band The 79rs Gang and San Francisco’s indie-rock innovators Deerhoof.

From South America come two Latin Grammy-Award winners; the euphoric sounds of Brazil's very own Bala Desejo and iLe from Puerto Rico.

Known for its exciting collaborations, WOMAD will see the first female professional tabla player Anuradha Pal join forces with brothers Kedia Bandhu at this year's festival.

More acts are due to announced soon.

To buy tickets visit www.womad.co.uk