Amidst the height of the British summer festival season, one event stands out for its unparalleled celebration of global culture. WOMAD returns to the picturesque Charlton Park in Wiltshire from 25-28 July, promising four days of musical discovery, artistic exploration, and cultural exchange.
Now in its 44th year, WOMAD continues to push boundaries, offering a lineup that spans continents and genres. From hip-hop to fado, reggae to electronic, the festival showcases the rich tapestry of world music while fostering a spirit of unity and understanding.
Headlining acts include the Mercury Prize-winning Young Fathers (UK), whose genre-defying sound blends hip-hop, pop, and experimental music. Senegalese icon Baaba Maal brings his powerful voice and message of African pride, while the inimitable Gogol Bordello (USA) is set to ignite the stage with their raucous gypsy punk.
Female artists feature prominently, with Zambian-born rapper Sampa The Great and electronic pioneer Alison Goldfrapp (UK) promising performances that challenge and inspire. The legendary Malian duo Amadou & Mariam will showcase their infectious blend of traditional Malian sound with rock and pop influences.
But WOMAD’s charm lies not just in its headliners. The festival offers a platform for emerging talents and lesser-known traditions. From the all-female Pankisi Ensemble (Georgia) with their stirring four-part harmonies to the bluesy intensity of Asmâa Hamzaoui and Bnat Tombouktou (Morocco), WOMAD continues its tradition of musical discovery.
Beyond the stages, WOMAD offers a smorgasbord of experiences. The World of Words celebrates the spoken form with talks and poetry, while the Physics Pavilion brings science to life through interactive experiments. Food lovers can savour global cuisines at the Taste the World stage, where musicians swap instruments for cooking utensils.
For families, the World of Children promises a weekend of creativity and fun, culminating in the beloved Children’s Parade on Sunday. Meanwhile, those seeking relaxation can find solace in the World of Wellbeing, complete with yoga sessions and holistic therapies.
As the sun sets, Molly’s Bar and the D&B Stage come alive, offering late-night revellers a chance to dance until dawn to an eclectic mix of DJs and electronic acts.
In an increasingly divided world, WOMAD stands as a beacon of cultural exchange and mutual understanding. It reminds us that music, in all its diverse forms, has the power to unite, educate, and inspire. Whether you’re a world music aficionado or simply curious about sounds beyond the mainstream, WOMAD offers a unique opportunity to expand your horizons and celebrate our shared humanity.
With its commitment to diversity, sustainability, and artistic excellence, WOMAD 2024 promises to be another unforgettable journey around the world in one weekend. As one of the UK’s most cherished festivals, it continues to prove that the language of music is truly universal.
