WOMAD organisers and council representatives are calling on the community to voice their views on the World of Art, Music and Dance festival at Charlton Park, Malmesbury.


The festival’s licence, which was called in for
review by the police over
concerns about the level of policing at the event, will go before a hearing of the licensing committee at Wiltshire Council on Monday.


Town and Wiltshire councillor Simon Killane is
urging ‘interested parties’ to make their voices heard prior to the hearing, which runs just a few days before the
festival is expected to launch on July 27.
Coun Killane said: “I am aware that many residents are concerned about the
future of WOMAD.


“Kate Golledge, the Wiltshire Council public protection manager, has confirmed that Womad will go ahead this year, but there is a hearing on July 23 and 25 at Monkton Park to review WOMAD/licensing/police.

“Any interested party can make a representation to the hearing – the area board, town and parish councils, individuals etc, which need to be submitted before July 23 – I suggest by July 20.

“You can attend the hearing if you wish, but an email is fine. This should be sent to publicprotectionnorth@wiltshire. gov.uk

“I have been assured by Wiltshire Council that the matter is being discussed at the highest level in the council with the police to ensure we keep Womad in the
future, as it brings significant economic benefits to the Malmesbury area

Similarly, in a letter to the community, festival director Chris Smith was keen to urge a show of support for Womad.


He said: “While the festival has a licence and will
definitely be taking place, the police have raised an
objection to the council
licensing committee over the levels of policing we have
requested at the festival.

“Despite an external security review that states the festival has low levels of crime and proportionately high levels of policing, Wiltshire police are insisting on high levels of policing even though private security at the festival has been increased by 50 per cent from previous years.


“To ensure the future of WOMAD at Charlton Park, we are calling on you to lend your support to the festival by either emailing or writing to the licensing department at Wiltshire Council.”


Meanwhile, on Tuesday, more than 50 youngsters drawn from five Malmesbury schools gave a preview in the Abbey of the musical performance they will be presenting on the WOMAD stage on the festival’s opening night on July 26. The pupils from Malmesbury School, Malmesbury CofE Primary, Lea and Garston, Brinkworth and Minety were working with Ballet Nimba, an African music and dance group.