Sundance Film Festival heading to London in 2012

Robert Redford is taking the Sundance Film Festival to London.

The 74-year-old actor - who set up the Sundance Institute for aspiring filmmakers in 1980 - has announced a four-day festival including screenings, music performances and discussions will visit the British capital from April 26 to 29, 2012.

He said: "It is our mutual goal to bring to the UK, the very best in current American independent cinema, to introduce the artists responsible for it, and in essence help build a picture of our country that is broadly reflective of the diversity of voices not always seen in our cultural exports."

The festival will take place at London's O2 Arena and Keri Putnam - the executive director of the event, which takes place in Park City in the US state of Utah ever year - said she thought the European city was a great place to hold it.

She added: "The environment provided by AEG and The O2, coupled with London's reputation as a global cultural destination, should make for a rich and rewarding festival experience and provide the artists with a unique and memorable opportunity."