One of Switzerland's smallest open-air rock festivals, "Rock Oz'arènes", begins on Thursday with an impressive line-up. Placebo, Patricia Kaas and Michael von der Heide are among the big names performing in the Roman arena at Avenches.

The little festival is also growing. New seating has allowed the organisers to boost the arena's capacity from 6,000 to 8,000. A smaller stage in the town has also been redesigned to boost capacity.

Twenty-two bands and singers will be performing at the festival between Thursday and Saturday. The event will be opened by Heather Nova, K's Choice and Placebo, who will be giving their only concert in Switzerland at Avenches.

Friday is World Music day, with Touré Kunda and the trip-hop band Lamb, the Jamaican reggae singer, Linton Kwesi Johnson, and Cuban salsa by Celia Cruz.

The highlight of this year's festival is expected to come on Saturday, with performances by Switzerland's Michael von der Heide, the French star, Patricia Kaas, and South Africa's Johnny Clegg.

A variety of Swiss rock, reggae and trip-hop bands will also be present at the festival, most of them performing on the smaller stage.

swissinfo with agencies

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