The Great Escape 2016

Various venues, across Brighton, Thursday, May 19, to Saturday, May 21

BRIGHTON’S celebration of new music has just announced another wave of 100 acts for its 11th visit.

And following the announcement of Oh Wonder as a Spotlight act late last year, displaced Malian refugees Songhoy Blues are set to play a special headline slot at The Old Market on Friday, May 20.

The four-piece met in a refugee camp, having been forced to leave their northern home of Gao when it was taken over in 2012 by an Islamist group - who banned music.

They got gigs playing weddings in Bamako before being spotted by Damon Albarn’s Africa Express project. Their critically debut album Music In Exile was produced by Yeah Yeah Yeahs guitarist Nick Zinner. For their Great Escape return they will be supported by Fatoumata Diawara.

Also announced in this second wave of acts are Southampton rockers Band Of Skulls, Stockport synth-indie-poppers Blossoms, West London MC AJ Tracey, YouTube star Alec Benjamin, former BBC Sound Of 2012 winner and Mercury Music Prize nominee Michael Kiwanuka, indie-pop quartet Teleman, guitar-wielding girl band The Big Moon, and Finland’s brilliantly named Have You Ever Seen The Jane Fonda Aerobic VHS?

They will join the likes of Dilly Dally, Mystery Jets and Oh Wonder playing stages across the city in May.

Tickets from £59.50. Visit greatescapefestival.com/