WOMAD the World’s Festival
Experience a festival of a life time this summer in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside, England, this 28th-31st July at Charlton Park, which has been running now for 34 years! The Independent have stated that there are, “Plenty of bright spots at this global gathering”, and The Times reveal that it is, “Where the world comes to party”.
The electric genre of music is certainly one to not miss out on! “An impressively electric line up”, states, The Guardian as well as The Daily Telegraph, who says the festival’s music is, “Electric and spine-tingling”. If that isn’t enough good press for you, I don’t know what is!
What’s on?
A global market boasting with it’s delicious aromas is on show at the event… bound to tease your taste buds, by introducing various cultural foods from all over the world. Show off your talent at ‘The All Singing All Dancing Tent’ with the likes of Yoga and Sabar Dance lessons. Otherwise, there is the ‘World Rhythms’ tent for those drummers out there! You will have the opportunity of being taught cultural dance moves by professional dance teachers!
Want a break away from the music, and something a little more unique? The ‘Arboretum’ invites you to the ‘World of Words’, where comedy acts, poets and authors present their favourite stories. The Arboretum or notably known as the ‘World of Wellbeing’ also enables you to sit back and relax with the selection of treatments, such as divine massages to immaculate manicures/pedicures… that will make you feel amazing, in the WOMAD Spa! Here, you can also set free in a bubbly Jacuzzi or glorious Yurt sauna whilst you slurp on the venues fine fruity cocktails or you can opt for a tasty skinny latte. A ‘Spa Garden’ is also available where you can really unwind and sway back and forth on a luxurious hammock or take a break from the shade in a Gazebo! Make sure you take up the ‘Spa Weekend Ticket offer’ from 7am – midnight, with benefits of complimentary showers and comfy gowns and slippers! Otherwise, you can get involved with group discussions expressing opinions on a range of topics at the WOMAD festival’s very own workshop.
For those creative minds out there then make sure you tour to the ‘WOMAD’s World of Art’ with an episode of poetry amongst a big fancy canvas. If that’s not all… explore the horizons with ‘The Carters Stream Fair’, which will send you on an adventure of vintage pleasure.
Line-up
This year’s line-up is a fab one with the following international artists powering away at the ‘Taste the World Stage’, La Mambanegra, Lura, Cuncordu e Tenore de Orosei, Ana Tijoux, Broadway Sounds, John Grant, Roots Manuva, Les Amazones d’Afrique, Sons of Kemet, Soom T, Asiq Nargile, Xaos, Hanoi Masters, Wiyaala, Mercedes Peon, Hindi Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, N’Diale, Heartbeat, Chouk Bwa Libete, Sidestepper, This Is The Kit, Tetish, Pat Thomas & Kwashibu Area Band, Muzykanci, Moh! Kouyate, Lula Pena, Ibrahim Maalouf, Hot 8 Brass Band, The Grit Orchestra, George Clinton Parliament Funkadelic, Ethno-Trio Troitsa, The East Pointers, Dom La Nena, Blick Bassy, Dessert Slide, Aziza Brahim, Baaba Maal, Baloji & L’Orchestre de la Katube and last but not least Afriquoi.
Travel & Accommodation
The most convenient way to commute to the location is by train without the hassle of parking your car. Get off at Chippenham Train Station by the ‘First Great Western’ train service, then hop onto any shuttle bus from there to the event…which runs very frequently. Shuttle buses are also available from Malmesbury.
Why not stay over in style with the option of WOMAD glamping? You have the convenience of hygienic toilets also known as ‘La Di Da Loos’- royalty private loos, plug sockets for you phone addicts, but more importantly colourful and lavish Podpads, tipis, yurts and Shikar tents. On the other hand, you can opt for a cheaper option of just camping…with tents already prepared for you with the comfort of air beds, sleeping bags and pillows.
Tickets
There truly isn’t a festival like this, so make sure you buy your tickets now at: http://womad.thegroupofseven.c o.uk/buy-tickets/
For a cheaper alternative of enjoying the festival then take advantage of becoming a volunteer at the event or check online and sign up for a paid position there! Good luck!
By Stephanie Smith