Fat Freddy’s Drop and the Ethiopiques head to Womad

WOMAD Festival announce the first names of the exciting line-up for 2009; Ethiopia's biggest music names, the Ethiopiques, the funky, hi-Tec septet from New Zealand Fat Freddy's Drop and US soul legend and Grammy winner Solomon Burke will be joined by his band.

Also joining this years line-up will be Nigeria's Afro beat singer/songwriter Nneka, another thrilling sound from Ethiopia, Dub Colossus, and two of Mali's most talented musicians, Oumou Sangare and Rokia Traoré.

WOMAD is so much more than just first class world music festival and returning this year will be the popular 'Taste the World' tent where some of the artists will show off their cooking prowess and which, more often than not, turns into a impromptu gig. The Drum and Dance Tent will make a welcome return with early-bird yoga sessions to salsa lessons to night owl happenings. And for those who fancy a luxurious moment to themselves and a scrub up, the WOMAD spa, complete with treatments, spa pools, great showers and a cocktail bar, is the place to go.

WOMAD promises to be bigger and better for kids and young people than ever before. The World of Kids will have the usual comprehensive programme of workshops, entertainment and activities being held throughout the weekend and the magnificent Children's Parade through the arena will be one of the festival highlights. WOMAD continues its well established place as the best festival for the whole family, by allowing all children 13 years and under, in for free.

Others artists confirmed are, A Filletta (Corsica), Acetre (Spain), Andy White (Northern Ireland), Ba Cissoko (Guinea/Conakry), Besh o droM (Hungary), The Black Arm Band (Australia), Caravan Palace (France), Darbar Morchang Party (India), Dhoad Gypsies of Rajasthan (India), Enkh Jargal (Mongolia), Etran Finatawa (Niger), Hindi Zahra (France), Mad Professor, Dub Show (UK), Mariem Hassan (Western Sahara), Portico Quartet (UK), RSD featuring Joe Peng (UK), Spiro (UK), Victor Démé (Burkina Faso) and Wang Li (China). More acts for 2009 will be confirmed in the coming months.

Festival director Chris Smith said, 'Whether you are looking for the excitement of the main stage experience or keen to discover something new, WOMAD 2009 has some of the very best and most exciting music from around the world. This is going to be one great festival"

WOMAD returns this summer to Charlton Park in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, from 24 to 26 July 2009. Tickets are on sale now.

The WOMAD Festival experience is not about the familiar, the tried and tested; its essence is in the discovery and enjoyment of a totally unexpected artist or a style of music which would never otherwise have been encountered. It's a magical, musical melting pot, enriching all who experience it.

www.womad.org