Greenbelt this year celebrates its 40th festival, taking place over the August Bank Holiday weekend. The theme for this year is "LIFE BEGINS".

The first acts announced today are Grammy-winning Malian superstars AMADOU AND MARIAM who will headline the Greenbelt Mainstage. Their second announcement

is North London's own king of soul LEMAR, the winner of two Brit Awards and three MOBO Awards, and creator of seven top ten UK singles.

Also appearing on the Mainstage will be folk legends ELIZA CARTHY and JIM MORAY, dramatic orchestral folk from THE MOULETTES, Swiss swamp rockers MAMA ROSIN, and accapella and beatboxing from THE BOXETTES.

Speakers include BARBARA BROWN TAYLOR, author FRANCIS SPUFFORD, writer and broadcaster BIDISHA, artist BILL DRUMMOND, and award-winning author JON MCGREGOR.

The programme also features performance from THE HIP-HOP SHAKESPEARE COMPANY and their MOBO Award winning Artistic Director AKALA, and a full programme for children and families.

Greenbelt Festival takes place annually over the August Bank Holiday weekend, gathering together artists, musicians, speakers and performers, alongside 20,000 festivalgoers at Cheltenham Racecourse , Prestbury Park , Cheltenham , Gloucestershire , GL50 4SH. More information and ticket links Here.  ,discounted tickets are available until 30th April.