Kershaw: Will broadcast live on Radio 3

More than 19,000 fans are expected to gather at the festival - one of more than 12 Womad events around the world.

And the fans look set to enjoy sweltering weather, with temperatures expected to hover at 27C for the whole weekend.

Also appearing are the Afro-Cuban All-Stars, Rwandan singer Cecile Kayirebwa, Brazilian songwriter Bebel Gilberto and Armenian duduk flute master Djivan Gasparyan.

Live broadcasts

The groups will appear on five stages, with dance music taking over until the early hours.

BBC Radio 3 will broadcast live from the event, as well as recording sets for future transmission.

DJs Andy Kershaw, Lucy Duran and Andrew McGregor will present live performances by Zimbabwe's best-selling artist Oliver Mtukudzi, Malian group Tinariwen and Jamaican Ska pioneers The Skatalites.

A mirrored cabaret tent featuring magic, mime and comedy is a new addition for this year.

Womad USA

The festival even has its own on-site artist. David Cox will be creating installations inspired by the music during the weekend.

The Womad USA festival, in Seattle, is taking place at the same time and features a similar array of worldwide stars.

Isaac Hayes, Peter Gabriel and Youssou N'Dour will perform there.

Other forthcoming Womad dates include festivals in Singapore, Prague, South Africa and the Canary Islands.