WOMAD Festival has announced the first names of its line-up for 2013, with performers from all four corners of the globe.

The festival returns this summer to Charlton Park in Malmesbury, from July 25 to 28, 2013. Tickets are on sale now.

The line-up includes musical revolutionary Gilberto Gil, a key figure of Brazil’s tropicália movement in the late 1960s with his songs of protest and dissent.

Malian Rokia Traoré will also perform her elegant, eloquent songs speaking against the plight of women worldwide, along with soul singer Alice Russell, from Brighton, and disc jockey David Rodigan MBE.

Canterbury-based four-piece Syd Arthur, who have performed at the Old Road Tavern, Chippenham, in the past, will also make an appearance.

Paula Henderson, who books artists to perform at WOMAD, said: “You may only know one band in the line-up but go away and look up a bit more or download different music.

“It’s always interesting when people find their favourite band isn’t the headliner, but maybe one of the smaller bands in one of the smaller tents or workshops.

“I’m really excited for Gilberto Gil, this is the first time we’ve managed to book him for WOMAD UK, he’s been at some of our other events over the world but we’re really looking forward to having him. He is one of the ones I really want to see.

“Sam Lee & Friends, he was nominated for a Mercury prize and I’ve seen him a number of times and you can’t help but love him.”

Others artists confirmed are, Asif Ali Khan (Pakistan), Bwani Junction (UK), Canzoniere Grencanico Salentino (Italy) David Wax Museum (USA), Debapriya and Samanwaya (India), Dub Inc (France),
Emel Mathlouthi (Tunisia), Fanfare Ciocarlia (Romania), Fredy Massamba (Congo), Gocoo (Japan), Huun Huur Tu (Russia), Jagwa Music (Tanzania), Kissmet (UK/India), Le Vent du Nord (Québec),
Lévon Minassian (Armenia), Mala in Cuba (UK), Malawi Mouse Boys (Malawi), Mokoomba (Zimbabwe), Nano Stern (Chile), Ondatrópica (Colombia), Osibisa (Ghana/Antigua/Jamaica/USA), Schlachthofbronx (Germany), Tamikrest (Mali), and Urna & Kroke (Mongolia/Poland). More acts will be confirmed in the coming months.

To book tickets for WOMAD click here or call (01189) 606060.