The World of Music and Dance (WOMAD) festival was started in 1980 by Peter Gabriel, the British progressive rock musician, with Bob Hooton, Thomas Brooman, Stephen Pritchard, Mark Kidel, Jonathan Arthur and Martin Eelbourne. The first WOMAD festival was held in Shepton Mallet, UK in 1982. The festival brings together artists from all over the world to present and celebrate various art, music and dance forms. The main aim of WOMAD festivals is to promote cross-cultural tolerance and awareness.
Music festivals have a joyous and friendly atmosphere. They typically include a wide variety of artists from a number of different genres. You will have the chance to rub elbows with some of the festival's elite. It is always good to get away and see what other parts of the world have to offer in terms of music and arts. After all, you never know what you could be missing.
The first concert took place in Shepton Mallet, UK in 1982, and continued up to 1984 pioneered by various international artists. In 1985 it was held on Mersea Island, Cleverton in 1986, Carlyon Bay in 1987, Bracknell in 1988 and Morecambe 1989. Reading became the regular site for the festival eight years after its formation up to 2006. From 2007 to date, WOMAD UK has been held at Charlton Park. WOMAD UK takes place annually on the last weekend of July. The WOMAD Charlton Park is one of the most unique festivals of the season, providing audiences with a week of full discovery. You will enjoy the picturesque site at Charlton Park, near Malmesbury in Wiltshire.
The WOMAD festival arrives on the Island of Fuerteventura (Canary Islands) for the first time in November 2015. The reasons why you should not miss WOMAD in Fuerteventura: you'll find artists, dancers and music that you have never heard; you will enjoy the best workshops, indoor and outdoor concerts at a world-class festival and it's free. The festival is also lined with the finest local and international market stalls selling delicious food and an assortment of crafts. The festival takes place from the 6th to 8th of November.
WOMAD first appeared as a biennial event in Auckland in 1997. It ran there until 2003, and then two years later WOMAD was successfully relocated to the New Plymouth, where it is now an annual showcase. It's a three-day music, arts and dance festival unlike anything else you will experience in New Zealand. You can camp onsite or treat yourself to a luxury boutique accommodation. There are seven stages, DJs, onsite camping, retail and food stalls and films from around the globe. It is simply a gateway to the world!
WOMAD Adelaide was first held in 1992 at Botanic Park, Adelaide, South Australia. It is a four-day festival showcasing artists and performers from around the world. Featuring dozens of performances on seven stages, guest speakers, workshops, a kidzone and over 150 amazing food, retail and charity stalls - the program is a fest for all ages.
WOMAD festival was hosted in Chile for the first time in February 2015 at Recoleta. The festival had a global village of merchandise stalls and workshops for adults and children. The festival was free to attend, but there was no camping offered on site. There was a unique audiovisual experience and visitors could visit the Cementro General de Santiago, popular for its beauty. The festival is sure to return in 2016.
WOMAD has been held in Caceres, Extremadura in Spain since 1992. It is the best way to see one of Spain's most preserved ancient cities and discover lots of talent across the globe. Caceres offers one of the world's most unique festival settings. Its renaissance architecture and ancient walls will take you back to an authentically medieval setting.
Have you ever been to a WOMAD festival? Which one would you like to visit around the globe?
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Auston grew up in Phoenix before escaping to Chicago in 2008. After 4 years working as an engineer, he sold his belongings and embarked on a round-the-world trip. After traveling non-stop for a year, he finally settled in Spain with his husband where he now calls home. When he's not traveling or writing guides about events, festivals or the best LGBT destinations, he enjoys the long sunny days and nightlife of Madrid. Read Auston's blog at Two Bad Tourists, or follow him on Google Plus, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram.
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