Mavis Staples to headline Greenbelt 2011
For immediate release
Gospel legend Mavis Staples has been unveiled as the latest act confirmed to headline Greenbelt 2011. Staples will be playing the Mainstage alongside Billy Bragg, Kate Rusby, the Unthanks and Idelwild who were announced last month.
As well as being a gospel singer, since the early fifties Staples has been a leading voice of the civil rights movement. With appearances alongside Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and presidents Kennedy, Carter and Clinton and recordings with Pink Floyd, Santana, Bob Dylan, and Aretha Franklin, few artists have such a wide ranging influence.
Elsewhere in the programme organisers have confirmed author and playwright Stella Duffy, comedian Jo Enright, and talks from Christian Aid’s Loretta Minghella, clinical psychologist Oliver James, HIV campaigner Margaret Sentamu, human rights campaigner and physician Sheila Cassidy, and Apple’s Erik Lammerding.
Details of the Village - a new section of the festival dedicated to all-age activity - have also been announced; the Village Playhouse will house children's theatre, the Village Screen will provide a dedicated venue for Children's Films, the Village Green will host games, workshops and circus skills and Messy Space and a new Make & Take Venue will provide creative space aplenty.
The festival takes place from Friday 26th - Monday 29th August 2011. Tickets are now on sale at greenbelt.org.uk/tickets. Early bird discount available until 30th April.
NOTES TO THE EDITOR
Supporting image: Mavis Staples - High Resolution
About the Festival:
Greenbelt Festival takes place annually over the August Bank Holiday weekend, gathering together artists, musicians, speakers and performers, alongside 20,000 festivalgoers at Cheltenham Racecourse.
Greenbelt’s 37-year history is firmly rooted within a Christian tradition which is politically and culturally engaged. The festival is a family-friendly celebration, inclusive and accepting of all, regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexuality, background or belief.
Greenbelt 2011 : Dreams of Home takes place from Friday 26th - Monday 29th August. Early bird tickets are available until 30th April. Adult weekend tickets costing £99 (with a wide range of concessions available at £68).
Praise for Greenbelt:
“I was deeply impressed by the mood and spirit of the festival. Most people were Christians and almost all had some religious faith but there was absolutely no dogmatism. Everyone was welcome and there was a shared spirit of belief in justice and caring.” Clare Short
“I believe in dialogue, and that’s what Greenbelt is all about” Peter Tatchell
“People here are very questioning, not merely of other people, but of their own thoughts and beliefs too. It’s a very thoughtful festival” Robin In ce
“Greenbelt was an eye opening experience. Here was a Christian festival where I was made to feel welcome and included. Here were people, like me, committed to a better world, where poverty and injustice were no more and who were prepared to put their faith into action.” Mohammad Imran
“No matter who you are or where you come from or what you believe in, if you’re open-minded and care about the arts, or think for yourself and forge your own opinions, you’ll be at home in this place.” Art Rocker
Contact:
Phil Smith, Head of Business Development and Communications
T: 020 7374 2755 | W: www.greenbelt.org.uk | E: phil@greenbelt.org.uk
P: Greenbelt Festivals, 83 London Wall, London, EC2M 5ND
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