Festival-goers at WOMAD have been warned to expect a torrential downpour this evening.

The Met office have issued a sever weather warning. It expects the rain to batter the WOMAD site at Charlton Park, near Malmesbury, until 7am tomorrow.

That is bad news for the estimated 20,000 audience ready to welcome Isaac Hayes on to the stage at 9.45pm.

Festival organisers have been trying to combat the mud by bringing in sawdust and wood chippings to soak up the worst parts.

But they are preparing for difficulties when the audience tries to leave later on this evening.