VAMPIRE WEEKEND will make a much-anticipated return to the Eden Sessions to play the first show of the year on June 24 with special guests Broken Bells.

The New York indie quartet first played against the backdrop of the biomes in 2008. They were the special guests of The Raconteurs at what many consider to be one of the best Eden Sessions in the gigs' nine-year history.

Famed for their sunny African and classically-influenced tunes peppered with literary and historical references, Vampire Weekend hit the Top 20 in the UK with their self-titled, self-produced debut album in January 2008.

The record went platinum and the singles Oxford Comma, Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa, A-Punk and Mansard Roof became an integral part of the soundtrack to the year.

This January saw the release of the band's second record, Contra, which reached number three in the UK album chart, topped the US chart and has so far spawned the singles Cousins and Giving Up The Gun.

Broken Bells are an indie-rock duo comprising Brian Burton (otherwise known as Danger Mouse of Gnarls Barkley fame) and James Mercer, lead singer and guitarist with The Shins. The group released their self-titled debut last month to critical acclaim and a Top 10 placing in the US charts.

James takes on vocals, guitars and bass duties while Brian plays organ, drums, piano, synths and bass. The pair play all the instruments on the album with the exception of a full string section arranged by Daniele Luppi.

Tjarko Wieringa, Eden Sessions Creative Director, said: "We're thrilled to be welcoming Vampire Weekend back to Eden after they played such a magnificent set here two years ago. We're also in the privileged position to be able to showcase Broken Bells, a collaboration between one of the best producers in the world and the singer-songwriter of The Shins, one of the finest indie bands of recent years. What a fantastic way to kick off a summer of live music at Eden!"

Vampire Weekend and Broken Bells join a stellar Sessions line-up, which also features Jack Johnson and Mojave 3 (June 26 – sold out), Mika (June 27), Doves and Mumford & Sons (July 2 – sold out), a dance extravaganza with Calvin Harris, Annie Mac, Audio Bullys and Reverend Soundsystem (July 3) and Paolo Nutini and Martha Wainwright (July 13 – sold out).

Tickets for the Vampire Weekend and Broken Bells Session go on general release at 6pm on Tuesday. They are priced at £35 plus booking fee.

To buy tickets call the Eden box office on 01726 811972.