Tbilisi Open Air festival welcomes local, global artists

Georgia's capital Tbilisi is gearing up to host one of the largest festivals of the year – the Tbilisi Open Air festival.

The 2016 annual event will launch this Friday and continue for three days, bringing together more than 60 artists from 15 countries. The acts will perform on four stages in a sprawling Lisi Wonderland area outside Lisi Lake recreational park.

The line-up of artists include headlining performances by famous international performers such as Irish singer Damien Rice, British electronic music band UNKLE and German DJ Henning Baer.

Other popular artists and bands include Welsh rock band Bedford Falls, American guitarist and composer Steve Vai and French duo Air.

See Irish singer Damien Rice perform his song 'Volcano' below:

In parallel shows, more than a dozen Georgian performers including Kung Fu Junkie, The Young Georgian Lolitaz and Natalie Beridze will perform across four stages.

For this year's festival, organisers set up a special Camping Zone, designed to hold 180 tents brought by visiting music fans.

Furthermore, over the three days a program of interactive games will see activities hosted by T.G. Nili Art Space gallery, GameLab Iliauni, Artileria street art community and other groups.

See music video for the song 'Push' by the Welsh band Bedford Falls below:

The events will involve re-enactment of medieval battle scenes modelled on popular worldwide Live Action Role-playing Games (LARP) as well as workshops and live action painting by street artists.

For visitors looking for more relaxed time, a special picnic zone will be set up while another area will welcome visiting children looking to hear fairytales narrated by hosts.

Last year's Tbilisi Open Air festival involved over 70 artists and bands at Tbilisi Sea New City.

The 2016 Tbilisi Open Air festival will run until July 31. 

The full program of performances can be viewed here.