Winners of the BBC Radio 3 World Music Award and previous collaborators with Björk, the Congolese band Konono N°1 are a unique and fascinating addition to The Big Chill’s line-up. Taking to The People’s Ear Stage as Friday headliners is the seven-strong group fronted and formed by Mawangu Mingiedi and who in the 1960s, carved an unlikely niche between their Bazombo trance sounds, electro-infused rhythms and avant-garde DIY approach. The addition of Konono N°1 completes the headliners for The People’s Ear Stage with Buraka Som Sistema topping the Saturday night bill and Four Tet’s appearance on the Sunday.

Geordie duo Smoove & Turrell bring to the table the smoothest funk and soul sounds. The pair will delight crowds with a slick set aboard The Revellers’ Stage on Friday. Receiving praise from the likes of Clive Anderson and Janice Long to name but a few, Smoove & Turrell Singer, John Turrell also stars in Craig Charles’ “Fantasy Funk Band” who performed triumphantly at The Big Chill last year.

Now a fully fledged member of the Festival Republic family The Big Chill is poised to build further on the successes of 2010. Last year saw an international line-up of some of the biggest selling names in electronic, indie and pop music and 2011 sees another all-star cast taking to The Big Chill stages including an exclusive UK festival appearance by Kanye West plus The Chemical Brothers and Rodrigo y Gabriela. The Big Chill takes place from 4th to 7th of August 2011 at Eastnor Castle Deer Park in Ledbury, Herefordshire.