THE sounds of world music will fill the air this summer as a new festival comes to Bangor.
Reggae legend Lee "Scratch" Perry will headline the Kaya festival at the Faenol Estate on the Queen’s Jubilee weekend (June 1-3).
Organisers Thabani Nyoni and Dece Gambe aimed to keep the festival affordable, while Gwynedd Council hopes the event will provide a significant economic boost.
Mr Nyoni said: The Faenol excelled when they hosted the Radio 1 music festival, we perform regularly in North Wales, we wanted the opportunity to enjoy this fantastic location.”
The festival will blend international DJs with African and Caribbean music.
Acts on the on the bill include Dub Pistols and Ska Cubano, with more to be announced.
Teenagers from the area wil have the chance to enjoy festival’s Do Youth Day on the Saturday, with a headline act, training and mentoring to celebrate the potential of young people in North Wales.
10 young people will have the chance to get involved in the running of the festival.
Festival organisers are working with local companies to source goods and services from North Wales.
Mr Nyoni aded: “We are looking forward to Bangor becoming the Kaya ‘home to the world’.”
Gwynedd Council leader cllr Dyfed Wyn Edwards said that the success of many other festivals held in Gwynedd underlined the the country’s strong reputation as a location that can successfully host a range of major sporting and cultural events.
He added: “As a council we have been working with the organisers of the Kaya Festival to develop this international music event and we are delighted that the organisers have decided to hold the event at the Faenol.
For more information, visit www.kayafestival.co.uk