first acts announced for Greenbelt

Billy Bragg, Idlewild, and Mark Thomas are amongst the first acts announced for this year's Greenbelt which happens at Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham over bank holiday weekend from Friday 26th to Monday 29th August 2011.

Alongside singer and activist Billy Bragg and Scottish rock outfit Idlewild, festivalgoers can also look forward to folk favourite Kate Rusby, multi award winning Soweto Kinch, and Violent Femmes founder Gordon Gano and The Ryan Brothers, and a breathtaking aerial theatre show from Ockham's Razor.

As well as music and performing arts, the festival hosts a wide range of talks with the likes of political satirist Mark Thomas and best-selling American theologian Rob Bell.

"We're so pleased with the line-up that's coming together," said Greenbelt Chair, Andy Turner. "Only Greenbelt could host such a diverse group of incredible artists, thinkers and activists."

Further contributors will be announced over the next few months.

Greenbelt is an all-age Arts Festival with its roots in the Christian faith and a welcome that's wide and inclusive. It's a place to learn, to experience, to be. It's like nothing else in the world, and that's what keeps thousands of people keep coming back year after year.

Greenbelt features a great range of music on 5 stages and showcases brand new artists and bands. In addition, the Festival hosts a selection of varied talks, workshop and debates; exploring contemporary issues, faith, social justice, politics ­and more.

Greenbelt also has a visual and performing arts programme, exploring a variety of alternative worship styles, and runs a daily Children's Festival.

Early bird tickets are on sale. Ticket prices are as follows Adult - £99; Concessions £68; Under 18s Ticket (5-17) £55; family ticket (2 kids/2 adults) £259; and Single Parent Family Ticket (1 Adult, 2 Under 18s) £165. Infants aged 0-4 years can attend for free but still need a ticket.

To buy tickets, click here.

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