WOMAD's return to Wiltshire was marked with a performance of live music at the music studios of festival founder and former Genesis drummer Peter Gabriel.

The 25th World of Music, Art and Dance Festival will take place 15 miles away from the Box-based Real World Studios at Charlton Park near Malmesbury.

During the launch of the event on Thursday, South African duo Sam Tshabalala and Patrick Bebey performed two live tracks, giving a taster of the type of music on offer at the festival on July 27-29 next year.

Mr Gabriel said it was the right time to bring the festival home: "I have always had good experiences with the friendly people of Wiltshire and it will be great to hold WOMAD in some beautiful countryside.

"This is what drummers who cannot make it get up to, we organise festivals.

"It gives people a simple way to approach music from around the world and I challenge anyone not to be amazed by at least one thing at WOMAD next year."

Speaking at the launch, Liberal Democrat leader of North Wiltshire District Council Carol O'Gorman, said: "An event like this gives us an opportunity to show off to visitors.

"More people will be encouraged to come to north Wiltshire and they may even stay a while to spend money, meet our wonderful people and just enjoy themselves."

Paula Henderson, festival director, said: "We are putting together a programme of fantastic music, art, dance, cinema, comedy and workshops for children and adults alike. The final list of performers will be publicised in January next year."

The Viscount Andover, whose family owns Charlton Park, said: "We have got 300 acres of incredibly good-looking land here that will provide a fantastic home to a vibrant, colourful, family-orientated festival.

"I am really persuaded by the emphasis the organisers place on children and young people. I think that is key."

Tickets for the event are now on sale at www.womad.org/charltonpark