LOVERS of world music are in for a treat after the line-up for this year's Bowl concerts was announced.

No fewer than six fantastic concerts have been lined up for the World Music at the Bowl events in the Old Town Gardens throughout the summer along with the Swindon Mela on July 31.

Swindon Mayor, Coun Derek Benfield (Lab Covingham and Nythe) who is a big fan of Reggae said he was looking forward to the events.

He said: "I think they are a good thing for Swindon and the line-up looks even better than it did last year.

"If the weather is great, these events will really draw the crowds."

The events begin on June 5 with the Tex-Mex band Los Pacaminos, led by 80s soul superstar Paul Young. They will provide a hot-footing start to the Bowl Concert season.

The Bowl concerts will take place each fortnight including Bana Congo featuring Congolese music great, Papa Noel on June 19.

This will be followed by a classical extravaganza by the City of London Sinfonia Orchestra.

July 17 will be Cuban group, Caramelo Son one of Havana's hottest, all-female salsa bands who are making Swindon their first-ever stop in Europe.

Coinciding with the Mela event, Malkit Singh the king of Bhangra music will be performing with his nine-piece band Golden Star.

Finishing off the exhausting list of bands is Albert Nyathi and Imbongi from Zimbabwe who are only group yet to have been invited back to perform again after four years.

Toby Rathbone, Swindon council's performing arts officer said: "This year's line-up is really exciting and we have some big names, particularly Paul Young.

"I am really pleased to be bringing back Albert Nyathi and Imbongi because the roar of the crowds was amazing the last time they were here and they will be a great way to finish the season off."