WOMAD festival

WOMAD

There are 12 weeks and 2 days until WOMAD 2010

Bringing together many forms of music, arts and dance from countries and cultures around the world on seven separate stage and workshop areas.

WOMAD stands for World of Music, Arts and Dance, the festival returns to the picturesque site at Charlton Park, near Malmesbury in Wiltshire. The dates for the 22,500 capacity event are provisionally expected to be Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th July 2010.

Line-up

Headlining this year's festival is Malian afro-pop star Salif Keita, the world-famous Drummers of Burundi, and indigenous Australian superstar Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, plus the legendary Gil Scott-Heron.

Also performing are Congolese street musicians Staff Benda Bilili, Jamaican star (and Massive Attack collaborator) Horace Andy with reggae group Dub Asante, Australian/Anglo institution Rolf Harris and his band, the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, and

The full line-up will feature around 100 artists from 40 countries performing over the festival weekend. There's also a full programme of adult and childrens workshops (limited spaces available - turn up early!), a cabaret tent, fun fair, comedy, DJ sessions and live performance in the late night 'CLUB WOMAD', as well the normal festie fodder, and a huge market of world crafts.

On Thursday for 'early bird' ticket holders The Open Air Stage is expected to once again offer live music from 7-11pm.

Tickets

The early bird ticket offer has ended. Full price tickets are now on sale priced at £125 for an adult weekend ticket.

Other ticket prices & options:-
Teenage Weekend Ticket - £60
Thursday Ticket (for those arriving on Thursday) - £25
Campervan Ticket - £40

Weekend tickets include access to the campsite and festival arena from 8am on Friday through to Monday. Free camping in the festival disabled campsite from 8am Friday until Monday for up to a maximum of 3 people per disabled customer (including your personal assistant/carer). Disabled tickets bought now include a free ticket for your personal assistant. However, tickets will not be sent out until the registration form has been filled in and sent with the necessary documentation.

Global village

WOMAD's famous Global Village offers a dizzying choice of over 40 types of food from all over the globe and the Real Ale Bar is expected to return. As will the 'Taste the World' tent where some of the artists will show off their cooking, and usually stage an impromptu gig.

Workshops

Music Workshops for adults, will include participatory sessions with WOMAD artists. Festival goers will be able to immerse themselves in the stories behind the music, learn the origins of rare and unusual instruments, and more.

The 'Drum and Dance Tent' will also return with early-bird yoga sessions to salsa lessons to night owl happenings. Sing-Up in the Arboretum will host a celebration of songs from across the globe.

Gamelan

Woodland Gamelan are expected to return to this year's festival bringing their unique tools, tents and imaginations back to the arboretum, ready to convert the smallest piece of wood into the simplest instrument or create a full gamelan.

Children

The festival is aimed at the whole family, and allows all children aged 13 years and under, in for free. WOMAD promises even more stuff for kids and young people than ever before. 'The World of Kids' will have the usual comprehensive programme of workshops, entertainment and activities. These include the opportunity to create a range of art including masks, flags, giant structures, costumes and junk instruments. They are held throughout the weekend culminating in the Children's Parade which starts from the Children's area traditionally at 6pm on the Sunday 26 July and winds it's way through the main arena.

For more information about the work of the WOMAD Foundation both in the UK and around the world, festival goers will be able to visit the Friends of WOMAD stall onsite over the weekend.

WOMAD festivals

WOMAD festivals are held all over the world, in countries including; Australia, New Zealand, Sicily and Spain. They allow audiences to gain an insight into cultures other than their own through the enjoyment of music. WOMAD aims to excite, to inform, and to create awareness of the worth and potential of a multicultural society. It has a friendly and family-safe atmosphere, as well as fantastic music from all around the globe.

http://www.efestivals.co.uk/festivals/womad/2010/