WOMAD

Listed provision only. Facilities change between editions — confirm anything you depend on directly with the festival.

About WOMAD

WOMAD, which stands for World of Music, Arts and Dance, is a festival of music and culture from around the globe. It was founded by Peter Gabriel and first held in 1982, and it is closely linked to Real World, the record label and studios Gabriel set up near Bath. Over the decades WOMAD has staged festivals in many countries, while the UK edition remains the flagship.

When the festival's promotion companies ran into difficulties in its early years, Real World Group saved them by buying their name, trade and assets. Real World Records has also released live recordings from past festivals, including a Live at WOMAD 1982 album for the 40th anniversary in 2022. In 2026 the UK festival moved to Neston Park, near Corsham in Wiltshire, after a year away. That edition ran from Thursday 23 to Sunday 26 July and featured about 460 performers from 38 countries. Headliners and highlights included Greentea Peng, Oumou Sangaré, Barrington Levy, José González and K.O.G.

WOMAD's programme goes well beyond concerts. The official site points to more than 200 free workshops across the weekend, covering dance, music and crafts, along with a taste-the-world cooking stage, talks, a children's area and arts installations. Food stalls serve dishes from many cuisines, and the atmosphere is relaxed and family friendly.

WOMAD 2027 returns to Neston Park from Thursday 22 to Sunday 25 July 2027. Presale tickets went on sale in summer 2026. The Swindonian reported prices of £225 for a four-day adult ticket and £202.50 for a three-day adult ticket. Teen tickets cost £180 for four days or £157.50 for three, and children aged 5 to 13 cost £32. No performers had been announced when this record was compiled.

Camping is included with weekend tickets, and the park sits just outside Corsham, with Chippenham the nearest mainline railway station. WOMAD suits people curious about music from outside the mainstream charts. Its line-ups bring together artists from Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe, with plenty of space for discovery between the better-known names.

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