More than 160 Malmesbury schoolchildren are tuning up for this year’s grand opening of the WOMAD Festival.

They will take the stage with the legendary James Brown, saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis and established world music stars Justin Adams, Juldeh Camara and Mim Sulieman.

Performers came together on Tuesday for the first mass rehearsal.

Justin Adams is a British guitarist and songwriter who co-wrote Robert Plant’s 2005 album. His work fuses African, Celtic and blues.

He said: “This project gives young musicians a chance to become part of a cutting edge team.”

Pee Wee Ellis was lead saxophonist in James Brown’s band throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

It is another exciting WOMAD experience for teacher Angelique Martin, who has the massive logistical effort of co-ordinating Malmesbury Secondary School and five primary schools.

She said: “It is just such a wonderful opportunity for another year of youngsters to get to perform with the world’s top musicians on a huge stage in front of thousands. Every year it is so exciting and each year gets bigger and better.”

Annie Menter, from the WOMAD Foundation, was pleased to continue the festival’s schools link.

She said: “We are delighted to be working for our fourth year with students from Malmesbury schools.

“Together with an amazing group of musicians from the UK, Zanzibar, Gambia and USA, they will be on stage to open this year’s festival.

“Huge thanks to both Pee Wee, Justin, Juldeh and Mim for taking time out of their busy schedules to inspire some of the musicians of the future.”