The WOMAD story

WOMAD is an internationally acclaimed and award-winning festival, which brings together artists from all over the globe. As one of the longest running and best established cultural festival on the planet, WOMAD celebrates the world’s many forms of music, arts and dance to educate, inform and enjoy. Since the first festival in the UK in 1982, WOMAD has held more than 250 festivals, creating events in 27 countries and islands all over the world, including: Abu Dhabi, Australia, Austria, Canada, Chile, Denmark, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Fuerteventura, Germany, Greece, Gran Canarias, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Portugal, Russia, Sardinia, Sicily, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, UK and the USA. The family-oriented and diverse festival is the brainchild of renowned artist and humanitarian Peter Gabriel, who says it was pure enthusiasm for music from around the world that led to the creation of WOMAD nearly 40 years ago. “The festivals have always been wonderful and unique occasions and have succeeded in introducing an international audience to many talented artists,” Peter says. “Equally important, the festivals have also allowed many different audiences to gain an insight into cultures other than their own through the enjoyment of music. Music is a universal language; it draws people together and proves, as well as anything, the stupidity of racism.” WOMAD have presented more than 2000 artists at our festivals, bringing the expression of more than 100 different countries to a live audience of over three million people. Through its festivals, performance events, recorded releases and educational projects, WOMAD aims to excite, to inform, and to create awareness of the worth and potential of a multicultural society. That ethos is more important than ever before, WOMAD Global Festival Director Chris Smith says. “At a time when the world seems to becoming less tolerant and more fearful, WOMAD has never been stronger as a force promoting the arts and inter cultural understanding. New Zealand is a natural home for one of the best WOMAD festivals in the world. It took vision, courage and skill to make WOMAD the success it is now. Everyone at WOMAD is very grateful to our supporters and partners in New Plymouth for making WOMAD the number one festival in New Zealand and part of the cultural landscape of this amazing country.” This year is the 14th anniversary of WOMAD New Zealand being held at the stunning TSB Bowl of Brooklands and Brooklands Park in New Plymouth.

UK Image: Suzie Blake Cáceres Spain