Womad a sunny success

Monday, July 28, 2008

Eddie Grant, Martha Wainwright and Finely Quaye wowed thousands of festival-goers in the sunshine at Womad.

The World Music, arts and dance festival in Charlton Park, Wiltshire was attended by more than 30,000 people and they were treated to great live music and glorious weather.

Chris Smith, festival director, said: "2008 was an important year as we had to win back the trust of our audience and the local community after the mud bath of 2007. I am delighted that the success of this year has achieved both of these things and so much more, a fantastic festival with a great vibe in a beautiful place!"

And musician and Womad founder Peter Gabriel called it "musically one of the best festival we have ever had".

Across the three days, over 70 acts played on seven stages. There were numerous workshops including the Taste The World area where festival goers could learn to cook international recipes, or just taste them.

Legend Eddie Grant played classics such as Electric Avenue to an ecstatic audience, and playing in the Siam Tent, Toumani Diabate demonstrated the family atmosphere of Womad by bringing his son on stage for the first time in the UK.