WOMAD Festival: Your Essential Guide

Year after year, WOMAD lineup promises the most diverse collection of global artists ever assembled in the festival history. This world-renowned celebration of music, arts, and dance brings together performers from over 30 countries, creating an unparalleled cultural experience.

While the legendary gathering maintains its roots in world music, the upcoming edition expands its horizons with groundbreaking collaborations and immersive experiences. From traditional folk musicians to contemporary fusion artists, the festival offers something for every music enthusiast.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about WOMAD 2024, from securing your tickets to planning your festival experience. We’ll explore the complete lineup, accommodation options, and the extensive program of workshops and activities that make WOMAD more than just a music festival.

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The History and Evolution of WOMAD Festival

WOMAD, which stands for World of Music, Arts and Dance, began as a revolutionary concept in the early 1980s that would forever change how festivals celebrate global music. The brainchild of former Genesis frontman Peter Gabriel, this groundbreaking festival has evolved from humble beginnings to become one of the world’s most respected cultural events.

Peter Gabriel’s vision and the first festival in 1982

The idea for WOMAD first sparked in 1980 when Peter Gabriel, alongside collaborators including Thomas Brooman, Bob Hooton, and others, envisioned creating a platform to showcase the rich diversity of global music and culture. Gabriel, who had developed a growing fascination with music from around the world, wanted to share these discoveries with wider audiences.

The inaugural WOMAD Festival took place from July 16-18, 1982, at the Royal Bath & West Showground in Shepton Mallet, Somerset. This pioneering event featured an eclectic lineup that included Peter Gabriel himself, Echo & The Bunnymen, The Beat, The Drummers of Burundi, Simple Minds, and The Chieftains, among many others.

As Gabriel later reflected, “We went in there with evangelical fervor and we thought everyone else was going to be as excited as we were”. However, enthusiasm alone couldn’t prevent financial challenges. Despite critical acclaim, with The Observer describing it as “exciting but surreal” and NME hailing it as “a week-long musical orgasm,” the first WOMAD failed to break even financially.

Facing potential financial ruin, Gabriel reunited with his former Genesis bandmates for a one-off benefit concert at Milton Keynes, which helped clear much of the debt and kept the WOMAD dream alive. This early struggle could have spelled the end, but instead became merely the first chapter in an extraordinary journey.

How WOMAD transformed the festival landscape

Before WOMAD’s arrival, music festivals were predominantly dominated by “denim-clad longhairs living on a strict diet of heavy rock and tins of Party Seven”. WOMAD shattered this mold by creating something truly unique – a multicultural celebration that embraced music from across the globe.

The festival introduced several innovations that fundamentally changed festival culture. From the beginning, WOMAD offered “continuous performances from artists from four continents” and “a large selection of non-Western foods”. Furthermore, it pioneered the inclusion of performer workshops and dedicated children’s activities, creating a more inclusive, family-friendly atmosphere.

WOMAD also reimagined how music was presented. Rather than bombarding audiences with “a linear succession of familiar stars,” the festival wrapped attendees “in an environment of ever-changing musical experience” across “pavilions, marquees, geodesic carapaces, grassy verges”. This approach was subsequently adopted by many other festivals.

The festival proved instrumental in establishing the global profile of numerous artists, including Youssou N’Dour, Baaba Maal, and the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. As Gabriel proudly noted, “I always challenge anyone to come to WOMAD and not find something they can fall in love with, unless they’re deaf or soulless”.

Global expansion across 30 countries

Following its UK debut, WOMAD gradually expanded beyond British shores. After establishing itself in the UK with festivals in locations including Clevedon, Reading, and Morecambe, WOMAD began its international journey. The first overseas WOMAD events were held in 1988 in Denmark and Toronto, Canada.

This global growth accelerated throughout the 1990s, with WOMAD eventually reaching astonishing geographical diversity. Over the years, the festival has been presented in more than 30 countries across multiple continents. Destinations have included Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Chile, Abu Dhabi, Sri Lanka, and many others.

An important development in this expansion was the decision to co-promote festivals with host cities and organizations, which alleviated much of the financial pressure on WOMAD. Additionally, in 1984, the WOMAD Foundation was established as an educational charity to extend the festival’s influence beyond performance events into educational settings.

Today, WOMAD continues to thrive both in the UK and globally. As the festival approaches its newest edition in 2024, it remains true to its original mission – creating spaces where musical traditions from around the world can be discovered, celebrated, and shared across cultures.

WOMAD Dates, Location, and Essential Information

WOMAD Festival returns to its picturesque UK home in 2024, promising another extraordinary celebration of global music, arts, and dance. After four decades of bringing the world together through cultural experiences, this year’s edition continues the tradition with some exciting new elements.

Festival dates and venue details

The WOMAD Festival takes place at Charlton Park, near Malmesbury in Wiltshire. The scenic estate has been WOMAD’s UK home since 2007, offering the perfect backdrop for this multicultural celebration.

The festival grounds open to campers from 8am on Thursday, with the main arena opening from approximately 2pm that day. Festival activities run through Sunday night, with departure by midday on Monday.

WOMAD has a daily capacity of 40,000 attendees, making it substantial in size yet still intimate enough to navigate comfortably. The festival site is relatively flat with slightly uneven terrain, generally accessible to most visitors. Throughout the weekend, music plays between 12pm and 4am, though off-site noise levels drop after 11pm.

The festival is designed with families in mind, featuring well-lit campsites within 5-10 minutes walking distance of the main festival grounds. A festival map is made available closer to the event date to help attendees plan their movement around the site.

Ticket options and pricing

WOMAD offers several ticket options to suit different needs:

• 4-Day Adult Ticket (£260): Provides entry from Thursday morning through Monday midday
• 3-Day Adult Ticket (£210): Entry from Friday morning through Monday midday
• Teenage Tickets (14-17 years): Available for both 3-day and 4-day options
• Children 13 and under: Free admission (ticket still required) 

All ticket prices are subject to a 5% booking fee. What makes these tickets particularly valuable is that they include camping in general or family areas, free access to showers and toilets, free parking, complimentary WiFi, and access to over 200 workshops across the festival site.

For those with accessibility needs, disabled access tickets are available at the same price points. The festival provides accessibility accommodations including wheelchair battery recharging at the accessible camping area and wheelchair hire options through Event Mobility.

Payment plans are available for all ticket types, allowing attendees to spread costs. Moreover, if you’re unable to attend, tickets can be resold through TicketSwap, WOMAD’s official resale partner.

Practical Planning Guide for First-Timers

Attending WOMAD Festival for the first time can feel overwhelming, but with proper planning, you’ll navigate this global music celebration like a seasoned festival-goer. Here’s everything you need to know to make your first WOMAD experience unforgettable.

Transportation and arrival tips

Getting to Charlton Park is straightforward with multiple options available. The festival site (postcode SN16 9LL) is located 7 miles from Junction 17 off the M4, with yellow AA signs guiding your approach. For eco-conscious travelers, shuttle busses run from Chippenham Train Station at £10 for adults and £5 for children aged 6-16, while under 6s travel free. Great Western Railway offers frequent services to Chippenham, making train travel convenient.

Cyclists can secure their bikes at the Customer Care Center for just £1, whereas EV owners can find charging points at Aldi in Malmesbury or at Leigh Delamere Services. Parking is included with all weekend and day tickets.

Accommodation options from camping to glamping

Camping is free with 3-day or 4-day tickets, providing several options to suit different needs. General camping accommodates most festival-goers, albeit family camping offers a quieter environment for those with children. For attendees requiring assistance, accessible camping features additional facilities.

Alternatively, glamping options include pre-pitched tents with comfortable mattresses, luxurious tipis, yurts, and vintage airstreams in a designated area with private facilities. Those preferring proximity between their vehicle and tent can purchase Park & Camp tickets, allowing parking within 10 meters of your tent.

What to pack: essentials and prohibited items

Pack strategically as WOMAD weather can vary between 10-26 degrees. Essential items include your ticket, money, weather-appropriate clothing (both warm jumpers and summer clothes), sturdy tent, sleeping bag, toiletries, hand sanitizer, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle for free refill stations.

Correspondingly, some items are strictly prohibited: barbecues, open fires, sound systems, and sleeping in vehicles outside designated areas. Gas canisters must be under 5kg.

Check out my guide to the best travel and camping equipment so you don’t forget anything important.

Navigating the festival grounds

Download the WOMAD app and buy a souvenir program for easier navigation. The festival layout features one main outdoor stage, two tented stages, and four smaller stages, all within comfortable walking distance. Remarkably, you only need to arrive five minutes before performances to secure front-row spots (except main stage headliners, which require 20 minutes).

Bathrooms include regularly cleaned portable toilets plus premium “La Di Da Loos” for added comfort. The Customer Care Center provides lockup services for valuables at £1 per item.

Hotels To Stay In Near Womad

If camping isn’t your thing, then there are definitely hotels that you can stay in in the area.

Here are some of my top recommendations:

Pettifers Freehouse Hotel – An adorable stone built hotel with an Indian fusion kitchen.

The Lodge at Mortons – Wooden lodge with cozy barbeque facilities.

Two Birds Weekly Stay – Simple self contained apartments.

The Kings Arms Hotel – Stunning 16th century hotel with classic decor.

The Old Bell Hotel – Amazing historic 13th century hotel with artistic interiors

Beyond the Music: Workshops, Activities, and Food

WOMAD’s allure extends far beyond its musical offerings, with a rich tapestry of cultural experiences that make it stand out among global festivals. Whether you’re seeking intellectual stimulation, hands-on learning, family entertainment, or culinary adventures, the festival grounds transform into a playground of discovery.

World of Words program highlights

This year, the World of Words stage receives an exciting makeover through a partnership with independent investigative newspaper Byline Times. Nestled in the shade of the arboretum, this literary hub brings together voices from literature, politics, and comedy. Attendees can enjoy live podcast recordings, panel discussions, and intimate author sessions featuring journalists, writers, comedians, and even a former spy. Furthermore, the beloved Hip Yak Poetry Shack returns, offering “the finest, funniest, most moving and profoundly right-on spoken word entertainment”. Between performances, visitors can tackle giant crosswords or browse the enchanting Mr B’s Bookshop.

OMV STEAM Lab experiences

The OMV STEAM Lab provides an “exhilarating fusion of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics”. This interdisciplinary platform unites brewers, architects, professors, mathematicians, designers, and comedic illustrators in exploring how these diverse fields shape our present and future. Throughout the festival, attendees can engage with cutting-edge innovations and creative thinking in this immersive space.

Family-friendly activities

For families, WOMAD offers exceptional value—children aged 13 and under enter free and enjoy access to the dedicated World of Children area. Running from 9am to 7pm daily, this space features two large tents housing creative activities, plus outdoor explorations. The festival provides over 200 children’s workshops, a breastfeeding tepee, and recommended hearing protection for young attendees . Specifically designed areas cater to different age groups, including WOMAD Weenies for under-5s and spaces for teens featuring skateboarding, DJs, and graffiti workshops .

Global cuisine and dining options

The Taste the World stage epitomizes WOMAD’s cross-cultural spirit, inviting performing artists to cook their favorite dishes while sharing stories and music ¹². This culinary journey starts in Mexico and ends in Georgia, with artists “moving seamlessly from cooking to playing music”. Across the festival grounds, food vendors offer authentic cuisine from every corner of the globe, including:

• Tibetan momos and organic tofu dishes
• Nigerian jollof rice and plantain specialties
• South Indian dosas and street food
• Mexican burritos with Native American influences

A covered “Dining Room” area provides valuable shelter from unpredictable weather, making the diverse food offerings accessible regardless of conditions.

Check Out The WOMAD Highlights Of 2024

If you want a real insight into the festival before you go, then check out WOMAD’S complication of the amazing WOMAD highlights of 2024.

Conclusion

WOMAD stands as more than just another music festival – it represents four decades of bringing global cultures together through music, arts, and shared experiences. Certainly, the combination of world-class performances, hands-on workshops, family activities, and authentic global cuisine creates an unmatched cultural immersion.

Above all, WOMAD’s strength lies in its ability to unite people through shared cultural experiences, whether through watching Palestinian hip-hop, learning traditional crafts, or sharing meals at the Taste the World stage. The festival maintains its founding vision while evolving to meet contemporary audiences’ needs.

The carefully curated lineup, alongside practical amenities and thoughtful organization, makes WOMAD accessible for both newcomers and seasoned festival-goers. Each element, from the diverse food options to the STEAM Lab experiences, adds depth to this cultural celebration.

This gathering at Charlton Park promises four days of discovery, learning, and connection. Through its blend of traditional and contemporary artistic expressions, WOMAD continues to prove that music truly speaks a universal language that brings people together across cultural boundaries

If you want to discover some more amazing unique festival in the UK, check out my ultimate guide.

Thank you for reading and I’ll see you again soon.

Ta-ta for now! x