One Month To Go Until The World’s Festival: WOMAD 2024

The world’s festival, WOMAD, will make its much-anticipated return in just one month, welcoming an eclectic mix of talent, from legends to unknowns spanning every genre, to the picturesque landscape of Wiltshire’s Charlton Park from Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 July 2024.

The line-up sees hip-hop trio Young Fathers [UK], dance icon Alison Goldfrapp [UK], musical legends Amadou and Mariam [Mail], the musical powerhouse Baaba Maal [Senegal], one of southern Africa’s greatest hip-hop heroes Sampa The Great [Zambia], gypsy punks Gogol Bordello [USA], hip-hop crew DAM [Palestine] and Sicily-born reggae superstar Alborosie [Italy].

Alison Goldfrapp Somerset House 090723-001

Alison Goldfrapp performing at Somerset House Summer Series on 9th July 2023 (Simon Reed)

In just a month’s time festival-goers will be able to dance ’til dawn to an amazing array of live bands and DJs playing eclectic tunes to keep you partying all night at the ultimate late-night destination Molly’s Bar. Open until 3am, this venue is renowned for its funky mix of DJ’s and R&B, welcoming acts such as afro-punk star Moonchild Sanelly [South Africa], dance DJ Dr Meaker [UK] and an array of DJs who will keep the party going long after the main stages have closed. Also open late is the d&b Stage, a Sonic Adventure for Drum and Bass lovers, with an impressive lineup of house and drum and bass DJs such as nineties house icon DJ Paulette [UK], and the much-lauded O.B.F Soundsystem [France]. Blending world music with modern styles, these stages offer a unique experience making It the perfect spot to dance and lose yourself into the night.

The ever popular, unique and intimate Taste The World stage, where music, food and conversation converge allowing the audience to get up close and personal with musicians as they discover through food and enlightening conversation about their culture, musical journey, inspirations, and influences. Across the site there is some of the very best festival food; artisan producers, tasty street food vendors and quality bars with award winning craft beers from Lost and Grounded Brewers.

Young Fathers @ Summer Series @ Somerset House 2023

Young Fathers @ Summer Series @ Somerset House 2023 (Rachel Lipsitz)

WOMAD is not just about incredible music, it has an abundance of activity, featuring an incredible 80 adult and 200 children’s workshops. The All Singing All Dancing Tent houses workshops from early-bird yoga sessions to Brazilian samba lessons, to Palestinian singing lessons and reggaeton dance-off. While at World Rhythms experience music and culture up close and learn from some of the best drummers from around the world.

The dedicated kids zone World Of Children will be bursting with things to do with the usual wide-ranging programme of workshops, entertainment and activities around the theme Superheroes from around the world. On Sunday afternoon the much-loved Children’s Parade will wind its way through the festival site.

The World Of Wellbeing is a calming space to relax, unwind and indulge in a host of holistic activities in the shady arboretum, while the WOMAD spa comes complete with treatments, spa pools, sauna, showers and a chill-out zone.

The World Of Words, celebrates all things spoken; fascinating talks, thought provoking conversation and inspirational authors, and the Hip Yak Poetry Shack will have some of the best-spoken word artists in the country. There will be mind-expanding talks, experiments, and activities at The World Of Physics from handmade sonic levitation devices, deigning your own video game, to educational talks that aim to unravel the mysteries of our universe.

With just one month to go until festivalgoers will be dancing in a field in Wiltshire, fuelled by WOMAD’s spirit of discovery.

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Arabella Lucia @ B.R.A.T. Denmark Street (Henry Finnegan / @finneganfoto)

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Desperate Measures @ Hope and Anchor (Louise Phillips)

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Yee Loi @ B.R.A.T. Denmark Street (Louise Phillips)

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