The Evening Post can today reveal the first bands confirmed for this year's Dot To Dot music festival.

Dot To Dot is a one-day event on Saturday, May 29, that will see dozens of bands play in music venues across the city.

The biggest name on this year's bill so far is rising star Ellie Goulding, a singer-songwriter who received the critics choice award at this year's Brit Awards.

Two big announcements are still to come at the end of this month, one of which had an album on "all the critics' lists" last year according to organisers.

Other confirmed acts include indie group Los Campesinos! and rock band Blood Red Shoes.

Both have played the Thekla in the past week to enthusiastic crowds.

Mystery Jets are set to return to the festival after playing in 2008, and Radio One DJ Zane Lowe will also take to a stage in the city.

Lesser known acts Liars, Egyptian Hip Hop, Jakwob, Rox, Washed Out, Doorly, Twisted Wheel and Chapel Club have also all been confirmed.

The festival has developed a reputation for securing up and coming acts just before they break through into the mainstream.

Santigold, Marina and the Diamonds, Little Boots and Ladyhawke are among the many "next big things" that have played the festival previously.

Venues involved this year include the Anson Rooms, the Academy, the Thekla, the Louisiana, the Cooler and the Fleece.

Gigs are set to kick off at around 1pm and continue until 5am on Sunday.

This will be the fourth Dot To Dot festival in Bristol.

Some music lovers expressed concerns the festival was cut back from the two-day event in 2008 to one day last year, but this year sticks to that format.

Organisers Anton Lockwood said: "We felt we were spreading acts over two days rather than making one spectacular day.

"We differ from events like the Camden Crawl in London by starting at 1pm and going on until 5am. We pack quality into that day, last year we sold out when he hadn't the year before.

"Bristol is an incredible music city and there a lot of people who are enthusiastic.

"There are few big things we can't announce just yet but it's a pretty good selection."

Tickets cost £25 and are available from www.dottodotfestival. co.uk.