WOMAD preview: Summer’s on its way

by Simon Partington

The Easter holidays are over and done with and already we’re looking forward to summer. As ever the school holiday launch event will be WOMAD 23^rd to 25^th July, kicking off the break with an event that this year looks to be up to the usual high standard. We’ll be arriving on Thursday 22^nd to set up early and meet up with old friends. This year the dates clash with the end of term for us but what work is really done at school in the last two days? An added argument for the time off is that for my daughter’s GCSE Music, World Music is part of the curriculum.

First artists are on early Thursday evening, usually four or so on different stages but if you can’t get there until Friday there’s no need to worry about camping space as the site is more than big enough. The Thursday night vibe is very relaxed as everyone catches up with friends and explores the site, seeing what’s changed and what’s new.

The artists so far announced are even more eclectic than usual, Rolf Harris, The Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain, through Justin Adams to Afro Celt Soundsystem to a Don Letts DJ set. Put another way, music from Finland in the North, to Australia in the South via every continent and every musical style you can think of, and the full line up isn’t finished yet. There are a number of stages ranging from the main stage for crowds of thousands to the Radio 3 stage in the Well Being wooded area for audiences of a hundred or so in a really relaxed atmosphere. I defy anyone to walk from stage to stage and not find something new, totally outside their normal listening that they really like, at least once every day.

But it’s not just music. There will be the usual wide range of workshops for everyone, some aren’t bookable, some are and booking ahead is vital to be sure of a place, particularly for the children’s ones. Details are sparse at the moment but each year the workshops become more and more appealing, for children and adults alike. For the kids there is the parade on Sunday, over the Friday and Saturday they can make costumes, then the children can show of what they’ve made as the parade winds it’s way around the site. Quite a few parents get caught up in the spirit of it and make costumes too. For adults there are classes in everything from relaxation and yoga to African drumming, get it out your system.

If you’re a festival newbie this is the one to try, really relaxed, plenty going on but you can just watch if you don’t want to get involved, and a safe environment for families. Security is good without being obtrusive or restrictive. Even if the sun doesn’t shine you’ll still have a great time.