What’s it about? Now in its 26th year, WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance) has got to be the number one showcase of international music. Gathering together artists from amongst the most diverse and obscure communities in the world, and set in the stunning wilds of Wiltshire, you can get everything from first class flamenco to Sub-Saharan blues, all thrown together at the height of British summertime.

This really is the place to go if you’re looking for great music, want a decent, lively festival but are tired of what the radio’s been coughing out lately. Here you’ll see inspired and inspiring musicians drawn from all walks of life; communicating, having wild spontaneous jam sessions and generally contributing to an overall vibe of international creativity and unity through music.

After the slightly traumatic teething problems of last year’s move to Charlton Park, Wiltshire, organisers are promising that the site will be fully prepared for any torrential showers that this summer can throw at them. But for all this, last year’s WOMAD (or Womud as it was affectionately dubbed) was a huge success and the confident early lineup announcement for this year reflects the ever-growing success of the event

Highlights announced so far include performances by: Dhoad Gypsies of Rajasthan (India), Bedouin Jerry Can Band (Egypt), Altai Kai (Mongolia), and the legendary kora player Toumani Diabate (Mali). Don’t worry if you’ve never heard of this lot because you can’t really go wrong with world music. This festival is so diverse and vibrant that you’re not likely to get stuck listening to hurdy-gurdies for four hours, or someone playing a saw with a violin bow. You can skip happily between Senegal, Tibet and the Hebrides in the course of an afternoon.

If you want big names and flashy bands, then probably not the way to go, but if you want great music, an unrivalled atmosphere of creativity and vibrancy, and have had enough of big, bombastic festivals then this is well worth a look.

Book now if you love: Every sound from around the globe, be it Saharan blues, Georgian chanting, good ol’ English folk or anywhere else you can name

Don’t miss: Toumani Diabate; he’s literally one of the founding members of the Malian rock revolution that’s been sweeping the sands of the music industry this past few years

Want to go? A standard WOMAD ticket for the three day event costs only £60. This gives you full access to the event. Other deals are available for those in the SN16 postcode and those with kids. Check out womad.org for how to book

Going to WOMAD?  Been before?  Why not tell us about your experiences by hitting Write A Review...

Tom Cole, MyVillage said on 30th July ... "The Womad weekend was one blessed with some of the best weather the UK has seen this year, although, perhaps just bordering on being too hot. However, this did not stop revellers from getting down and dirty in the rather dusty fields of Wiltshire.

As an inexperienced festival face I was surprised that Womad is such a family orientated affair. With kids being carted around in wheel-burrows, everyone was looking much more together, in comparison to my previous festival appearances. This was definitely not a bad thing and helped exude that very hippy, happy vibe.

The music line up was fantastic, a mélange of international musicians coming together. Notably, the stand-out performances were from Kora, Rachid Taha, Wasis Diop and Dengue Fever. Kora, in particular got the crowd bouncing around with abandon. A late night Drum ‘n’ Bass set from DJ Marky and Stamina MC was also a very welcoming addition - keeping the energy up as things started to settle down.

As a festivals racking in thousands, the event went seamlessly well. The stages were a straight-forward find and easily parted without being trapped by crowds. If you are into world music and like your festival adventure then this one is for you."
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Festival Star said on 28th November ... "I'm going to keep it short and sweet... It's a great experience you have to go there to understand. :)"
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