Musicport announces much of the line-up for October

Musicport world music festival takes place in coastal Bridlington, North Yorkshire from Friday 17th to Sunday 19th October in a new venue, for this its ninth year, the newly refurbished Bridlington Spa Theatre and Royal Hall, on Bridlington's sea front, which boasts an Edwardian theatre and art deco style 1930's ballroom.

Headlining the festival is kora player (21 string African harp) Toumani Diabaté, with The Levellers celebrating their 20th anniversary, Rolf Harris, Ska Cubano and Ivo Papasov & his Wedding Band.

Other musicians at the three day event include legendary drummer Billy Cobham and Asere, The Warsaw Village Band, Moussu T E Lei Jovents and desert blues band Etran Finatawa. Palestinian singer, musician and broadcaster Reem Kelani returns to the festival this year.

Other performers booked to appear so far include Zoe Rahman with her new Bengali Project, Martin Simpson ( a Musicport patron), Papa Noel & Adan Pedrosa, Mitch Benn from Radio 4's The Now Show, American slide guitarisrt Bob Brozman, Israeli singer Mor Kabasi, and The Outernationalists consisting of Simon Emmerson and Phil Meadley on decks. For the line-up details as available please click here.

Ahead of the festival, Festival Director, Jim McLaughlin commented: "A line-up that people will travel miles to see, performing along a stunning coastline that people travel miles to see – and all of the usual upbeat, life-affirming music that keeps people returning to Musicport year on year- an indoor festival with an outdoor spirit – is what we expect from Musicport 08."

The musical bill will be complimented by dance/drama from the Kathakali Theatre Company from Kerala, India. As well as two main stages there will be a DJ room, a visual arts and a workshop area, a festival club, film programme, children’s festival, an expanded market area, and Musicport's first silent disco.

Tickets are available to buy now, priced as follows: full weekend (Early Bird) adult £75.00; full weekend (Early Bird) young person 11-18yrs £40.00; Children from 0-10 years old inclusive are Free; Friday night ticket including The Levellers £27.50. To buy tickets, click here.

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