THE first artists have been announced for this summer’s Cloudspotting music and arts festival

Set in the picturesque surroundings of the Gisburn Forest in the Ribble Valley, the festival has built up a growing reputation as a family-friendly festival.

This year it runs from Friday, July 28 to Sunday, July 30 and for the first time will include international artists in the line-up.

Headlining on the Saturday night is Congolese poet, composer-lyricist, scriptwriter and performer Baloji who will be making his only northern UK festival performance of the summer.

The opening Friday night will be headlined by cosmic concept band Henge who will be returning to festival near Slaidburn after wowing crowds at leat year’s event.

Sundays at Cloudspotting are traditionally a more relaxed affair and for this year three female artists all creating a stir on the music scene have been lined up - This it the Kit, Jesca Hoop and Hannah Peel.

The festival’s artistic director, Matt Evans, said: “We’re really excited by the spread of great artists booked so far. Each year we strive to ensure the majority of the line-up is new to the festival – attracting really high quality music to this idyllic location.”

“We’re particularly chuffed to have Baloji for Saturday night. He’s been making great music for many years but really gaining exposure off the back of his recent record.

“We’ve worked hard to bring him and his band from Belgium and being able to introduce international music to our line-up shows how far the event has progressed in recent years.”

Production director Helen Ficorilli added: “As ever the festival will be promoting quality across all artistic platforms with families particularly well catered for.

“We are excited to be closing in on the final stages of our family arts and activity programmes which will be announced in the coming month.”

Another artist with an international reputation is world champion DJ Woody. The Burnley-born DJ has won a series of awards around the world for his skills behind the decks and this year he produced his debut album The Point of Contac, with ex Earlies keyboard wizard Christian Madden.

DJ Woody will play on the Friday night on the main stage before Henge.

On the Saturday, other confirmed acts include Gulp, fronted by Guto Pryce (Super Furry Animals) and Lindsey Leven; The Wave Pictures, popular and prolific London-based trio who are fast becoming alternate year residents, and Manchester’s excellent Horsebeach,

The Breath have been confirmed for the Sunday and other artists making their festival debut include The Big Eyes Family Players, All Hail Hyena, Cairobi, and a solo slot from Matthew Whitaker.

Clitheroe singer Hannah Spurgeon’s new project, Indigo Rose, will open the festival.

Cloudspotting Music and Arts Festival, Stephen Park, Slaidburn, Friday, July 28 to Sunday, July 30. Details and tickets from cloudspotting-festival.co.uk