**Security concerns in Mali have led to a change in venue for the opening of the renowned annual Festival in the Desert.**For the first time, the 10-year-old music event is being held on the outskirts of Timbuktu rather that at a desert oasis further north of the city.
Some Western tourists have been kidnapped for ransom in northern Mali in recent months.
That has prompted warnings from some governments for foreigners to stay away the area.
The vast area of the Sahara Desert is now being used as a hiding place for a relatively small number of militants from a group known as al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.
The organisers say transport between the various events will be improved, as will the campsite’s security, to ensure the safety of the festivalgoers.
The three-day festival usually takes place in Essakane, a Saharan oasis about 65km (40 miles) from Timbuktu.
It evolved from a cultural Tuareg event, when the nomadic people came together to exchange information, make music and celebrate.
The festival now attracts many world-class acts.
The BBC’s Caroline Jones in Timbuktu says visitor numbers may be down this year because of the security fears but the line-up is still impressive.
Malian musicians like Oumou Sangare and husband and wife stars Amadou and Mariam will be performing.
Other acts include Deacon from US band Animal Collective and a laser show from dance music legend Paul Oakenfold.