ROKIA Traore was in attendance to help launch the 2019 Brighton Festival.

The Malian singer joined festival chief executive Andrew Comben to officially unveil the line-up for the month-long schedule of events, now in its 53rd year.

Acts such as Ruby Wax and Jon Ronson will join Rokia in bringing specially curated events to the festival

Annual events like the Children’s Parade and City Reads will also return to the calendar.

With more than 130 events on the calendar, and artists coming from more than 20 countries to take part, the organisers of Brighton Festival are hoping to showcase “diversity”.

Songwriter Rokia, who been a popular musical figure since the release of her debut album, Mouneïssa.

As well as performing a series of her own shows, she has arranged for other young talents from her native Mali to join the festival.

Speaking of her hopes for the festival, Rokia said: “What we are all here trying to do is make diversity and shared space a normal thing for the community.

“We are trying to show our vision of the world.

“We want to show how big the world is and the importance of diversity.”

Andrew shared these views and was eager to get the festival under way.

He said: “We are excited to share what we have in store.

“At the heart of the festival is Brighton Dome and this community.

“It has been such a privilege working with Rokia, her team and the artists she’s bringing from Mali.

“We look forward to learning from her unique perspective and hope visitors to Brighton and loyal festival-goers will enjoy three weeks of engaging and inspiring cultural events.”

This year sees the festival expand its venue choices, with events being held at in Worthing for the first time in its 53-year history.

Rokia is a world traveller, but says that it is back home in Mali, specifically the capital, Bamako, where her creativity shines.

She said: “In Bamako we are surrounded by art.

“It is my favourite place to live and work.”

She added that she hopes to bring some of that African influence to the festival this year.

Brighton Festival runs from May 4 to May 26 in venues across Brighton and beyond.

For a full list of events visit https://brightonfestival.org/

Tickets go on general sale on Friday, February 22