WOMAD Charlton Park – UK 2026

Background & History

WOMAD, or World of Music, Arts and Dance, was founded in 1980 by Peter Gabriel, the legendary musician and cultural visionary, alongside a dedicated team including Thomas Brooman, Bob Hooton, Mark Kidel, Stephen Pritchard, Martin Elbourne, and Jonathan Arthur. Inspired by Gabriel’s encounters with global artists during his solo career post-Genesis, the festival aimed to break down cultural barriers by showcasing music, dance, and arts from regions often overlooked by Western audiences. The ethos of “Building Bridges Not Walls” was born from a desire to foster mutual understanding in an era marked by geopolitical tensions, celebrating diversity through shared creative expression. WOMAD’s pioneering spirit helped define the “world music” genre, influencing global music trends and inspiring countless festivals.

The first UK WOMAD festival in 1982 at the Royal Bath and West Showground in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, was a bold but risky endeavor. Despite logistical challenges—limited public transport, unpredictable weather, and a lineup blending avant-garde acts like Echo & the Bunnymen with Balinese gamelan and Senegalese drummers—it drew 15,000 attendees. The event nearly bankrupted its organizers due to high production costs, yet its success sparked a global movement. Over the next decade, WOMAD expanded to countries like Canada, Japan, and Spain, hosting over 300 festivals and reaching millions.

In the UK, the festival moved through various locations, including Morecambe Bay, Carlisle, and Reading (1990–2006), adapting to growing audiences and refining its inclusive, family-friendly vibe. In 2007, WOMAD found a permanent home at Charlton Park, a picturesque 18th-century estate in Wiltshire, where its lush parkland and historic mansion provided an ideal backdrop for 17 years. By 2024, it had welcomed over 40,000 annual attendees, blending global stars like Youssou N’Dour with emerging talents from remote corners of the world.

The festival’s cultural impact lies in its role as a platform for underrepresented voices, from indigenous Australian didgeridoo players to Siberian throat singers. It has championed social causes—partnering with Amnesty International and Oxfam for talks on human rights and climate justice—and preserved endangered traditions through performances and workshops. The WOMAD Foundation, established in 1984 as a charity, extends this mission by connecting communities with global artists through educational programs in schools and local groups, fostering intercultural dialogue worldwide.

In 2025, WOMAD UK takes a fallow year to relocate from Charlton Park to a new nearby site in Wiltshire, addressing sustainability challenges like rising costs and environmental impact. The 2026 edition marks a new chapter, promising upgraded facilities while preserving the festival’s intimate, community-driven spirit. With sister events in WOMADelaide (Australia), New Zealand, Chile, Cáceres, Rome, and Las Palmas, WOMAD remains a global beacon of cultural unity, adapting to modern challenges like inclusivity and eco-consciousness while staying true to its roots.

Event Highlights

• Main activities or performances: WOMAD 2026 will feature over 150 performances across seven stages, including the Main Arena, Open Air Stage, and intimate woodland venues. Expect a diverse lineup—think Malian kora virtuosos, Colombian cumbia bands, and experimental fusions like Indian classical meets techno. Past headliners like Amadou & Mariam and Seun Kuti suggest 2026 will blend icons with new discoveries, with announcements expected in March 2026.
• Main activities or performances: Over 250 workshops offer hands-on learning, from West African djembe rhythms to Japanese shakuhachi flute techniques, led by performing artists. These sessions often evolve into spontaneous jam circles, blurring the line between performer and audience.
• Special traditions or features: The daily Global Procession sees artists and attendees parade through the site in vibrant costumes, playing instruments like Brazilian berimbaus or Moroccan guembri, creating a communal celebration of shared heritage.
• Special traditions or features: The Arboretum hosts “Global Conversations,” where musicians and activists discuss topics like cultural preservation or refugee experiences, fostering dialogue in a shaded, reflective setting.
• Special traditions or features: Sustainability initiatives shine, with solar-powered stages, zero-waste food stalls, and workshops on eco-friendly living, aligning with WOMAD’s commitment to climate awareness.
• Unique attractions for visitors: The World of Physics engages with interactive science demos, like robotics workshops or astrophysics talks under the stars, led by experts from institutions like the Royal Observatory. Since 2010, the World of Art has showcased global installations—think Kenyan recycled sculptures or Indian rangoli murals—transforming the site into a living gallery.
• Unique attractions for visitors: The World of Children offers a dedicated stage for kids with storytelling in languages like Swahili or Mandarin, craft workshops using sustainable materials, and safe play zones, making WOMAD a multigenerational haven.
• Unique attractions for visitors: The Wellbeing Area, nestled in woodland, provides yoga, tai chi, and traditional massage therapies from cultures like Thailand or India, offering relaxation amid the festival’s energy.

Date & Duration

• Dates: July 23 – July 26, 2026 (Thursday to Sunday)
• Duration: 4 days, with early access for weekend ticket holders on Thursday afternoon and main programming from Friday to Sunday

Venue / Location

• City: Near Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England
• Main venue: A new Wiltshire parkland estate, selected for its proximity to Charlton Park (within 5 miles), featuring rolling meadows, ancient oak groves, and modernized facilities to enhance accessibility and sustainability. The site retains the intimate charm of its predecessor while offering expanded space for stages and camping.
• Notable areas within the venue: The Main Arena hosts headline acts with panoramic views; the Arboretum provides shaded areas for talks and relaxation; the Global Market buzzes with artisan stalls from over 30 countries; and the Walled Garden offers premium glamping and family zones.
• Notable areas within the venue: Eco-friendly additions include solar-powered charging stations and accessible pathways, with natural features like streams or wildflower fields hosting pop-up acoustic sets.
• Notable areas within the venue: A dedicated Quiet Zone offers respite for neurodiverse attendees or those seeking calm, with meditation sessions inspired by global spiritual traditions.
• Google Maps address: Proxy address (until new site confirmed): Charlton Park, Malmesbury SN16 9DG, UK (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Charlton+Park,+Malmesbury+SN16+9DG,+UK); updated coordinates to be posted on womad.co.uk by early 2026.

Ticket Information

• How tickets are sold: Primarily online via womad.co.uk through the Easol platform, with early-bird sales opening March 2026; limited on-site box office for walk-ins if capacity allows; partnerships with See Tickets and Ticketmaster for international buyers.
• How tickets are sold: Family packages bundle adult and child tickets; group discounts for 10+ attendees; accessible tickets available through a dedicated portal with priority support.
• Whether admission is free or paid: Paid event; no free entry except for children under 4 (with paying adult), accredited volunteers, or press.
• Ticket pricing in USD only: Adult weekend tickets $275–$330 USD; single-day tickets $80–$100 USD; children (5–16) $55–$110 USD; under-4s free; camping add-ons $44–$66 USD; glamping packages $300–$650 USD (based on historical pricing, subject to 2026 confirmation).
• Any special seating or VIP options: VIP tickets ($100–$150 USD extra) include fast-track entry, exclusive lounges with free drinks, premium stage viewing, and artist meet-and-greets; accessible seating with companion tickets (free for carers).
• Any special seating or VIP options: Family bundles offer discounted child rates; glamping-inclusive tickets provide luxury accommodation with festival access.
• Minimum and maximum tickets pricing: Minimum $55 USD (child single-day); Maximum $480 USD (VIP weekend with glamping).

Contact Information

• Email: info@womad.org (general inquiries, box office); tickets@womad.org (ticketing issues); press@womad.org (media accreditation); accessibility@womad.org (disability services); children@womad.org (family and workshop queries); traders@womad.org (vendor applications); jobs@womad.org (employment); volunteering@womad.org (volunteer roles); artists@womad.org (artist submissions, open September 1–December 22, 2025).
• Phone: +44 (0)1666 822 200 (UK office, 9 AM–5 PM GMT, English support); email preferred for international queries.
• Website: https://www.womad.co.uk (festival hub for tickets, lineup, and maps); https://www.womadfoundation.org (charity initiatives and educational programs).
• Social Media: @WOMADFestival (Instagram, X/Twitter for live updates); facebook.com/WOMADFestival (community engagement); YouTube.com/WOMADFestival (performance archives); Spotify (curated artist playlists).
• Key Staff: Festival Director Chris Smith (programming and operations); Founder Peter Gabriel (advisory role); Sustainability Lead for eco-initiatives—contact via info@womad.org.
• Press/Volunteers: Press accreditation via press@womad.org (releases, interviews); volunteering through Oxfam partnership (stewarding, free entry, apply early 2026 at volunteering@womad.org).
• Note: Response times 24–72 hours; English primary, with on-site translators for Spanish, French, and Arabic; newsletter signup for lineup reveals and exclusive offers.

Cultural Experience

WOMAD is a vibrant tapestry of global traditions, where music, dance, and storytelling converge to create a transformative experience. Performances span centuries-old practices—like Tuareg desert blues or Korean pansori opera—to contemporary fusions, such as Afro-Celtic electronica or Latin jazz with hip-hop beats. Each act is a cultural ambassador, often sharing endangered languages or rituals, accompanied by visual projections that narrate their historical context for deeper audience connection.

Workshops, numbering over 300, are a cornerstone, inviting attendees to engage directly with global heritage. Participants might weave Andean textiles, learn Yoruba talking drum patterns, or practice Balinese kecak chants, guided by artists who share personal stories of their craft’s role in their communities. These sessions emphasize mutual respect, creating spaces for dialogue on issues like cultural appropriation or indigenous rights.

Costumes are a visual feast, with performers in intricate attire—think Ghanaian kente robes, Rajasthani turbans, or Maori feather cloaks—inviting attendees to join in via face painting or temporary tattoos at market stalls. Local Wiltshire traditions blend in, with English folk dances like Morris or ceilidh fused with global rhythms, creating hybrid performances that celebrate shared humanity.

The festival fosters communal customs, such as shared meal circles where attendees discuss global issues over dishes cooked by artists. Quiet zones inspired by Zen or Sufi practices offer reflection, while activism corners host talks on climate justice or migration, ensuring WOMAD is as thought-provoking as it is celebratory. The 2026 relocation will integrate local heritage, collaborating with Wiltshire folklore groups to weave regional stories into the global narrative, reinforcing WOMAD’s role as a cultural crossroads.

Community engagement extends to the WOMAD Foundation’s initiatives, which fund artist-led projects in UK schools, preserving traditions like Aboriginal songlines or Romani folk music. This educational outreach ensures the festival’s impact resonates beyond its four days, leaving attendees with a renewed appreciation for global interconnectedness.

Food & Drinks

• Must-try specialties: The Taste the World tent features artist-cooked dishes, like Ethiopian doro wat (spicy chicken stew, $12 USD) or Peruvian ceviche ($10 USD), served with live acoustic sets and cultural anecdotes for an immersive dining experience.
• Must-try specialties: Global street food stalls offer Nigerian suya skewers ($9 USD), Indian dosas with coconut chutney ($8 USD), or Vietnamese pho ($10 USD), using authentic recipes and sustainable ingredients.
• Sweet treats and vegan options: Indulge in Moroccan orange blossom pastries ($5 USD) or vegan Brazilian brigadeiros ($4 USD); gluten-free options like South African bobotie bowls ($11 USD) cater to diverse diets.
• Sweet treats and vegan options: Local Wiltshire farms supply organic desserts, such as lavender-infused panna cotta or vegan mango lassi ($6 USD), emphasizing eco-conscious sourcing.
• Beverages and bars: Craft beer tents pour international brews like Jamaican Red Stripe ($7 USD) or German weissbier ($8 USD); cocktail bars mix global fusions, such as Brazilian caipirinhas or Indian saffron martinis ($10 USD).
• Beverages and bars: Non-alcoholic offerings include Kenyan hibiscus tea, Mexican horchata ($5 USD), or fresh coconut water from Caribbean stalls; hydration stations provide free filtered water with reusable cups.
• Dietary accommodations: Comprehensive allergen labeling for vegan, halal, kosher, and gluten-free diets; picnic policy allows homemade food (no glass/alcohol) to support dietary needs; app-based stall menus for easy navigation.

Getting There

• Nearest airports: Bristol Airport (BRS, 30 miles/45-min drive, shuttles ~$15 USD); London Heathrow (LHR, 80 miles/1.5 hours, taxis ~$150 USD); Birmingham (BHX, 70 miles/1.5 hours); budget carriers like easyJet offer affordable flights.
• Nearest airports: Airport transfers via pre-booked shuttles or car rentals (Hertz, Enterprise at terminals); Bristol preferred for proximity.
• Public transport: Trains to Chippenham Station (Great Western Railway from London Paddington, 1 hour, ~$40 USD); festival shuttle buses from station to site (~$12 USD round-trip, schedules on womad.co.uk).
• Public transport: Local buses (lines 31, 93, 93A) from Swindon, Bath, or Malmesbury (~$8 USD); National Express coaches from London, Bristol, or Birmingham for budget travelers.
• Driving and parking: Access via A429, 7 miles from M4 J17; on-site parking included in tickets ($20 USD extra for premium spots near gates); EV charging at nearby Leigh Delamere Services or Aldi Malmesbury.
• Driving and parking: Carpooling encouraged with festival app matching; real-time traffic updates via X (@WOMADFestival) to avoid congestion.
• Other options: Cycling from Malmesbury (2–3 miles, secure bike storage on-site); Uber or local taxis from Bristol (~$50–$60 USD); pedestrian-friendly paths for those staying in nearby B&Bs.

Accommodation Options

• On-site camping: General tent fields with family-friendly zones (included in weekend tickets); eco-camping areas with compost toilets and solar showers for sustainable stays (~$50 USD extra for car parking).
• On-site camping: Park & Camp pitches allow vehicles alongside tents for convenience; quiet camping zones for light sleepers.
• Glamping upgrades: Luxury bell tents, yurts, or pods with beds, electricity, and private facilities (~$350–$650 USD for 4 nights); providers like The Luxury Tent Company offer premium options with hot tubs.
• Glamping upgrades: VIP glamping in the Walled Garden includes concierge services and exclusive breakfasts; early booking essential via womad.co.uk.
• Campervan and RV: Designated fields for vans up to 7m (~$120 USD extra); longer vehicles require two spaces; no on-site hook-ups for larger RVs.
• Nearby hotels and B&Bs: Malmesbury’s The Old Bell Hotel (historic luxury, $150–$300 USD/night) or budget-friendly Horse & Groom Inn ($90–$140 USD); book via Malmesbury Tourist Information (2 miles away).
• Nearby hotels and B&Bs: Chain hotels in Chippenham, like Premier Inn (~$100 USD/night), offer reliable options; Tetbury’s boutique stays (~10 miles) for charm.
• Alternative stays: Airbnb cottages or farmhouses in Wiltshire countryside ($120–$250 USD/night); group rentals via Sykes Holidays for larger parties; early reservations critical due to 40,000+ attendees.