World of Music, Arts and Dance (WOMAD)

WOMAD is an international festival celebrating music, arts, and dance, held annually in the UK and in countries such as Spain, New Zealand, Chile, and Australia. Founded in 1980, WOMAD brings together artists and audiences for a vibrant showcase of global creativity each July.

• Founded by Peter Gabriel in 1980
• Held annually in the UK and worldwide
• Features music, dance, and arts from many countries
• Workshops and 'Taste The World' cooking sessions
• Global Market with international food and crafts

What it is

WOMAD, the World of Music, Arts and Dance, is a festival that brings together musicians, dancers, and artists from around the globe. Its aim is to celebrate diversity through live performances, workshops, and cultural exchange. Each year, audiences gather to experience a wide spectrum of music and art forms, from traditional to contemporary, in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. The festival is known for fostering collaborations between artists of different backgrounds and for offering a space where people can discover new sounds, ideas, and cultures.

Where it comes from

WOMAD was founded in 1980 by English musician Peter Gabriel and a group of collaborators, with the first festival taking place in Somerset, England, in 1982. Despite early financial challenges, including a near-ruinous debut, the festival survived thanks to a benefit concert by Genesis. Over the years, WOMAD has grown into a worldwide event, with festivals held in 27 countries and an audience of over a million people. Its ethos has always been rooted in inclusivity and the belief that music and movement can bridge cultural divides.

How it is celebrated

At WOMAD, celebration takes many forms. The festival features a wide range of live performances from international artists, often encouraging unique collaborations on stage. Workshops led by musicians invite adults to learn about dance, instruments, and musical traditions, while children can join in creative activities like painting, circus skills, and storytelling. The 'Taste The World' sessions let artists cook dishes from their home countries for festival-goers, adding a culinary dimension to the cultural exchange. The Global Market offers international foods and crafts, and the festival grounds are filled with stages, wellbeing areas, and spaces for relaxation and discovery.

Joining in

Visitors to WOMAD in the UK can expect the main event to take place at Neston Park, near Corsham in Wiltshire, during the final weekend of July. The festival is designed to be accessible and welcoming, with a family-friendly atmosphere and activities for all ages. Whether you're drawn by the music, the workshops, or the food, you'll find a lively, open-minded crowd and a chance to explore cultures from around the world in one place.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article World of Music, Arts and Dance, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• World of Music, Arts and Dance on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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