Thousands Celebrate WOMAD's Vibrant Comeback

Up to 40,000 music lovers are celebrating the return of WOMAD, the world's largest international music festival. After taking a year off, the renowned event has found a new home at Neston Park, near Corsham in Wiltshire. This four-day festival, celebrated globally for its diverse musical offerings, is now underway at its new site, having relocated from its former base at Charlton Park.

Festival director Chris Smith expressed excitement about the opening, noting the significant effort involved in establishing the new venue. WOMAD, which stands for the World of Music, Arts and Dance, has always been a champion of global music. This year, attendees can experience performances from over 100 artists across six stages, alongside more than 200 free sessions covering various arts, yoga, and dance.

WOMAD, originally founded by Peter Gabriel in 1982, has a rich history spanning over four decades. Its previous location in Charlton Park, Wiltshire, hosted the festival since 2007. A notable innovation at the Neston Park site is the main stage's power source: a system of large batteries providing renewable energy. This initiative aligns with global efforts towards sustainability and aims to reduce reliance on diesel generators.

Wiltshire Council has implemented a traffic management plan until July 27th to handle the influx of tens of thousands of festival-goers. This includes reduced speed limits and a one-way system on local roads, with public transport strongly encouraged for attendees.