Rokia Traore is first act confirmed for Glastonbury Festival

Malian singer, songwriter and guitarist Rokia Traore is the first act to be officially confirmed for this summer's Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts.

A statement on the Festival's website says, "We're pleased to announce our first act for Glastonbury Festival 2013. It's Malian singer Rokia Traore. In an act of solidarity with the musicians from Mali - where Islamists in the north have banned music - an artist from the country will open the Pyramid Stage each day."

Emily Eavis has spoken to the Guardian about the decision to support Malian music at Glastonbury 2013. (Click here) to read the interview.

The Festival will show various acts of solidarity with musicians in Mali, and will also feature a heavy west African presence in other parts of the festival site, including a revamped dance area.

Festival co-organiser Emily Eavis told the Guardian, "We have a long tradition dating back to the 80s of African acts playing the festival. Given the situation in Mali at the moment, it felt particularly important to show some solidarity. We want to stay out of the politics, but if we can give musicians a platform we will always do that."

Rokia Traore from north-western Mali is one of the country's most celebrated performers, and has previously played the festival in 2009. Referring to the intervention of French troops in the country's conflict she said, "What is happening with the Islamists is a tragedy, although we have been given some hope by events this week. All we want to do is to get on with our normal lives. Music is such an important part of our culture. It has always been a way of bringing together the different ethnic groups; it is what makes the country. If it can happen in Mali, it can happen anywhere. We're very grateful to Glastonbury for allowing us the opportunity to help draw attention to what's going on."

The newspaper also suggests that only one headliner has been booked so far, and their identity remains a secret. Emily added, "It's a relief not to talk about the headliners. The festival is so much more than three bands at the top of the bill. It's good to remind everyone what we're really about – and we've got a responsibility to introduce people to great music that they may not have heard before. One of the best things I've ever seen at Glastonbury was Amadou and Mariam on the Pyramid stage in 2009."

No other acts are confirmed as yet, and the full line-up won't be revealed until mid-April, although the first names are expected be announced sometime before that. As usual eFestivals will bring you the very best-sourced rumours, allowing festival-goers to see who is playing long before the bands are formally announced - keep your eyes on the Glastonbury 2013 rumours, updated as we receive information. Help us to help you - if you hear of a band that's playing, please let us know.

Tickets for Glastonbury have completely sold out, although there is likely to be a resale of returned tickets in the spring, and eFestivals will let ticket buyers know beforehand when the re-sale will be.

UK ticket balances of £155 per ticket, will be payable in the first week of April 2013 following the Easter Weekend (from 9am Tuesday 2nd April until 23:59 Monday 8th April, when there will also be options to book everything else needed (tipis, campervan tickets, parking, cancellation protection).

International ticket balance payments will be taken from 9am (GMT) Monday 25th February until 23:59 (GMT) Sunday 3rd March 2013.

Anyone who decides not to pay their balance in 2013 will be refunded their deposit, minus a £10 administration fee. The deadline for ticket refunds is Friday 3rd May 2013.

For more details about registering and ticket information click here.

Glastonbury Festival takes place from Wednesday 26th June until Monday 1st July 2013 across over a 1,000 acres of beautiful countryside at Worthy Farm, Somerset and, as ever, includes a free programme. Once again, the Festival will be raising funds for Oxfam, Wateraid, Greenpeace and a host of local charities and causes (in 2011, more than £2m was raised).

Expect something like 2,000 performances at 50 or so venues including music, cabaret, theatre, circus, a fantastic Kidz area, poetry, green crafts and information and loads, loads more ... much more than just the music, so make sure you check it all out!

Registration for Glastonbury Festival 2013 is now open. Everyone who plans to the come the Festival must register, and that includes children aged 13, 14 and 15. Each ticket sold will feature a photograph of the person in whose name it is registered and will be non-transferable. So if you plan to buy tickets for friends or family you must make sure they all register. Tickets are expected to go on sale some time in the autumn this year.

Registration does not reserve or guarantee you a ticket when they go on resale in April, exact date to be confirmed, but if you don't register you will not be able to buy a weekend ticket for Glastonbury Festival 2013.

Online registration can be carried out by clicking here.

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