What Is WOMAD?
WOMAD — the World of Music, Arts and Dance — is an international festival series dedicated to showcasing musical traditions and performing arts from every corner of the planet. Since its inaugural event in 1982 in Shepton Mallet, England, WOMAD has grown into a global institution, with editions taking place in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Chile, Abu Dhabi, and beyond.
More than a music festival, WOMAD is explicitly designed as a space for cultural exchange and discovery — a place where a visitor might encounter Malian kora music, Japanese taiko drumming, and Colombian cumbia all in a single afternoon.
Origins: Peter Gabriel's Vision
WOMAD was founded by musician Peter Gabriel alongside a group of collaborators who shared a belief that music could bridge cultural divides. The first event, held at the Royal Bath and West Showground, was a financial near-disaster but an artistic success — establishing the template of a multi-stage, multi-day celebration of global sounds that would prove both enduring and influential.
The festival helped introduce Western audiences to artists including Youssou N'Dour, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and Baaba Maal — musicians who went on to achieve international recognition in no small part due to their WOMAD exposure.
What to Expect at WOMAD
WOMAD festivals typically run over three to four days and feature:
- Multiple performance stages — ranging from large main stages to intimate acoustic tents and late-night sessions.
- Workshops and masterclasses — hands-on sessions where attendees can learn instruments, dance styles, and vocal techniques directly from the performing artists.
- Food markets — curated selections of global street food and cuisine reflecting the festival's multicultural spirit.
- Arts and craft installations — visual art, sculpture, and interactive exhibits from international artists.
- Children's programming — making WOMAD genuinely family-friendly with dedicated spaces and age-appropriate activities.
WOMAD Around the World
| Location | Country | Typical Season |
|---|---|---|
| Charlton Park, Wiltshire | United Kingdom | Late July |
| Adelaide Botanic Park | Australia | February–March |
| Cáceres | Spain | May |
| New Plymouth | New Zealand | March |
| Las Palmas | Chile | October |
The WOMAD Ethos: Why It Matters
At a time when cultural exchange is both more accessible and more contested than ever, WOMAD's founding principle — that music is a universal language capable of fostering genuine understanding between peoples — feels as relevant as ever. The festival is notably non-commercial in its curation, programming artists based on artistic and cultural significance rather than chart success.
For world music enthusiasts, attending WOMAD is something close to a pilgrimage. For newcomers, it's one of the most reliable and enriching introductions to the breadth of global musical culture available anywhere.
Planning Your Visit
Tickets for UK WOMAD typically go on sale in early spring. Camping packages are available and recommended — the late-night sessions between the stages are where some of the most memorable spontaneous moments happen. Bring comfortable footwear, an open mind, and a willingness to be surprised.