WOMAD

WOMAD Festival

I was lucky enough to attend this beautiful festival as a guest of BBC radio 3 with backstage access!

Having been to quite a few festivals before, I was expecting the usual drunken frivolities, but upon arriving at WOMAD, it appeared this festival had a lot more to give.

I was amazed at the age range this festival attracted; mainly because there were so many families. But to see everyone dancing side by side and enjoying the music was a rare, but pleasant sight. There were certainly a fair few old timer hippies and dad dancers in the crowds!

Laughter yoga in the trees

What also struck me about this festival was how stunning the location was. Set in the incredible setting of Charlton Park, the festival certainly took advantage of its outstanding beauty, with the world of well-being being suitably placed under the gigantic trees of the arboretum. Peaceful, is putting it mildly.

Huun-Huur-Tu

As a world music student, I was fascinated to discover just how many brilliant acts from across the globe were to make an appearance. The programme provided such a diverse range of genres, from Austrian electro DJ Parov Stelar to Mongolian throat singers Huun-Huur-Tu. The man himself, Craig Charles even put on a DJ set! 

Malouma performing at taste the world

But the most compelling feature of this festival, was how personal the relationship between artist and audience could be. Fans had the potential to hear artists talk about their lives and passions in really intimate settings. The taste the world stage was one of the most unique opportunities I have come across where the artist is interviewed while cooking for the audience! We got to taste delicious pancakes cooked by Malouma.  A very special occasion!

The festival also provided for the hardcore late-nighters; with a big stage playing music until four, perfect for when the kids have gone to bed!

This weekend of workshops, incredible music and child friendly activities should be contemplated as a well deserved break to the dreary 9-5; stick it in the diary for next year, you won't regret it!