MUSIC will meet space-age science when Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne joins Professor Tim O’ Brien at Jodrell Bank.

Wayne will be ‘in conversation’ with the associate director of Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, and avid pulsar hunter, as part of a series of new announcements for Bluedot festival.

Tim wrote a personal letter to Wayne having hosted the Flaming Lips back at the first music event at the observatory in 2011 where Wayne was also given a tour around the control room of the iconic Lovell Telescope, declaring it was ‘the greatest place to be on Planet Earth’.

Wayne and Tim will talk about everything from their love of astronomical live shows to the possibility of alternative dimensions. The Bluedot team have also announced a new ‘Roots’ Stage, produced in partnership with Arts Council England and Manchester venue Band on the Wall.

Over three days, the Roots stage will feature music from South Asia, some of the most exciting emerging urban jazz talents, and a programme of Afro-Caribbean grooves.

Friday’s lineup is a celebration of South Asian music including a show by British-Asian supergroup Electronic Empires.

Saturday will focus on modern jazz, soul and global R&B, including Band on the Wall favourite XamVolo and Columbian pop sensation Lao Ra. On Sunday the lineup features a performance from one of the finest Kora masters in the world, Jali Nyonkoling Kuyateh.

n Bluedot is at Jodrell Bank from July 19 to 22. Visit discoverthebluedot.com