Greenbelt Festival announces first headliners

Greenbelt will take place from Friday 23 to Monday 26 August

Amadou and Mariam, and Lemar are the first headlining acts to be announced for this year's Greenbelt Festival.

The 40th Greenbelt Festival will be taking place over the August Bank Holiday weekend under the theme "Life Begins".

Amadou and Mariam hail from Mali and their music combines traditional Malian and international flavours. They'll be headlining the Greenbelt Mainstage.

Brit and MOBO Award winning soul singer Lemar will also perform on the Mainstage, as will folk singers Eliza Carthy and Jim Moray, orchestral folk artists The Moulettes, Swiss swamp rockers Mama Rosin, and beatboxers The Boxettes.

Talks will be given by American priest and theologian Barbara Brown Taylor, "Unapologetic author Francis Spufford, and writer and broadcaster Bidisha among others.

Around 20,000 people are expected to gather at the Cheltenham Racecourse for the annual event.

Alongside music and talks, there will be a full programme for children and families.

Tickets are available at discounted prices until 30th April from the online box office at www.greenbelt.org.uk