Africa Express - the thrilling live band led by Damon Albarn and featuring artists from Africa and the West - have announced they'll perform a unique one-off headline gig at Leytonstone's Wanstead Flats on 29 March 2019.

The location of the gig - it is the southernmost part of Epping Forest - is unusual as it’s booked as part in the London Borough of Culture 2019 activities. 2019 marks the first ever London Borough of Culture year and it’s Albarn’s old stomping ground Waltham Forest in the spotlight.

Ever the revolving cast, the Blur man’s joined by some incredible names to play the show titled Africa Express: The Circus.

The full, esteemed names, getting together for the cause, which is close to the heart of those involved, is: Batida, Damon Albarn, Django Django, Ellie Rowsell (Wolf Alice), Gruff Rhys, Imarhan, Joan As Police Woman, Mista Silva, Moonchild Sanelly, Morena Leraba, Muzi , Onipa, Rokia Traoré, Sibot and The Good, The Bad & The Queen.

Albarn has, in a press release, described being booked to play the gig as a "great honour."

He added: "Growing up in a multi-racial community like Leytonstone had a profound effect on me as a boy, being so near to magical places such as Epping Forest… The Wanstead Flats helped define who I am."

Much of the performance is based on on the spot collaboration and Africa Express lead the way in showing the magic of breaking boundaries and bring together different cultures. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has praised this aspect in a press statement and says to expect a "spectacular show".

Making this Africa Express gig particularly special is the ability to embrace local artists in the mix with world-renowned stars.

One of the musicians picked is Tom Excell of Onipa (signed to Wormfood label) and he says: "It's a real honour to be involved with the Africa Express show. Me and K.O.G (Kweku of Ghana) are extremely grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with so many world class musicians on home turf!”

Africa Express will rehearse in Leytonstone before the show in March.

The idea of having a Borough of Culture may be new but it appears to be something that will stick. Mayor Khan says of the activities as a whole that it "puts culture at the heart of local communities and ensures young Londoners can access the transformative power of art and music." And who can argue with that?

To book tickets to Africa Express: The Circus check here