THE first wave of acts have been revealed for this year’s WOMAD, which will be making its 35th outing with a typically diverse lineup.

As well as musicians from all corners of the globe WOMAD will play host to its usual vibrant mix of art, dance, food, wellbeing, discussion and family activities, all taking place at the idyllic Charlton Park, near Malmesbury, between July 27-30.

Topping the bill, Ladysmith Black Mambazo have been a household name across the globe ever since they appeared on Paul Simon’s Graceland album more than three decades ago, and the African group will demonstrate why they have garnered high praise on the main stage.

Also performing over the weekend will be prolific British poet Benjamin Zephaniah, side project of Squarepusher, Shobaleader One, Sudanese refugee Alsarah & the Nubatones and many more.

This year the festival is setting out to prove that music is capable of bringing people together from all around the globe at a time when ‘division and isolation are increasingly prominent’.

WOMAD’s global festival director Chris Smith said: “This is the perfect collection of artists to kick off WOMAD 2017.

“Some new faces and some old friends are returning after a long absence, all of whom I’m certain will demonstrate the extent to which WOMAD still, after thirty-five years, has the power to surprise people and give them a musical experience they’ve never had before.

“As well as providing a festival experience like no other, we increasingly, in the age of Brexit and Donald Trump, feel responsibility to champion those who are willing to share their culture with others, celebrate variety and build bridges not walls.”

As well as featuring familiar headline names, WOMAD prides itself on being a festival at which people can easily discover talented musicians ranging in genre from all over the world, with the first wave of acts including acts from Colombia to Zanzibar.

WOMAD takes place at Charlton Park, near Malmesbury, between July 27 and Sunday 30.

Tickets and full details can be found at womad.co.uk.