Return of long-running WOMAD festival huge hit with the fans

WOMAD, Peter Gabriel’s long-running world music festival, drew 30,000 fans and 460 performers from 38 countries to its new home of Neston Park near Corsham following a one-year hiatus in 2025.

Although the new site offered a different layout and a slightly reduced capacity, the festival still delivered its trademark blend of global talent, family-friendly vibes and immersive experiences for all ages.

Standout performances included reggae icon Barrington Levy, experimental Japanese punk, and world-class traditional musicians.

One highlight was the Ta Dhom Project, an act that bridges tradition and innovation by blending South Indian classical percussion with rapid-fire rap.

The Big Top tent proved a favourite for many, featuring artists at the cutting edge of their genres.

The tent also hosted what many called the standout show of the festival – a set from virtuoso Iranian percussionist Mohammad Reza Mortazavi.

His hypnotic rhythms on the tombak and daf drums captivated the audience and set the tone for a weekend rooted in both tradition and transformation.

Some festival-goers noticed changes to the stage names and layouts.

Stages nestled among the trees offered welcome shade during the hot weekend, while campsites on higher ground provided panoramic views of the colourful crowds below.

Festival-goers also praised logistical details, including bar prices, with pints coming in at under £7 – a rare sight at a major event.

WOMAD’s ethos of substance over celebrity remains intact.

While many artists have global followings, the festival avoids ego-driven performances in favour of pure musical connection.

One performer who did leave a lasting impression was Barrington Levy.

The reggae legend famously refused to leave the stage at the end of his set, stirring the crowd into a near-mutinous frenzy before organisers cut his microphone.

The new, more compact site lent itself to intimate sets on the Sunflower and Village stages, which featured folk-inspired performances and promising emerging artists.

Colombian electronic duo Acido Pantera delivered a euphoric set.

In keeping with its full title – World of Music, Arts and Dance – the festival offered far more than just music.

Other attractions included a spoken word tent, discussions hosted by Byline Times and a popular wellness area.

Workshops invited attendees to try everything from Anatolian singing to Ghanaian hand clapping, continuing WOMAD’s tradition of interactive, cross-cultural learning.

The festival’s middle-class leanings were evident, with families and children in tow, many of them transported in homemade carts fit for royalty.

But even as night fell and families retreated to their tents, DJs kept the party going until 4am in various late-night venues, including the much-loved chai tent.

WOMAD has taken many forms and locations during its four-decade history, but 2026 proved that while the setting may change, its spirit of community and discovery endures.

Tickets for WOMAD 2027, taking place at Neston Park from July 22 to 25, are on sale now.

Weekend passes start at £202.50.