Womad 2015 

Our mum about town Kelly Jobanputra braves the weather to check out the 2015 festival - REVIEW

 

Despite the somewhat questionable weather, the 33rd Womad Festival was a great success, as people of every nationality, gender and age were seen dancing to the many beats.

Once again, Charlton Park in Wiltshire was heaving with musical talent from all around the world and the 35,000 festival goers were entertained throughout the whole event.

Over 120 performers from 53 countries took to the various stages at the event to put on 161 shows, and it’s an impossible task to say who the best act was.

 

Hip hop geniuses De La Soul didn’t fail to entertain the masses when performing in the open stage area on Friday night, despite the heavy downpour at the time, and so did all of the other acts that might be less well known.

The amazingly entertaining Orange Blossom, who performed in the Siam tent, really got things going on Friday afternoon and Cara Dillon’s breathtakingly beautiful tones got everyone mellowed out on Sunday.

The Bowers & Wilkins Sound System tent hosted another series of unforgettable sets, including one from Jazzie B on Saturday.

Womad isn’t just about the music though. There were the usual multitude of workshops, film screenings, poetry readings, yoga classes, debates and art installations to enjoy.

Many people also enjoyed having the range of massages and relaxation treatments on offer.

The children, and some adults, really made the most of the fairground rides when the rain dried up on Saturday as well.

Jazz/ska collective Cat Empire closed the 2015 festival and the whole weekend felt like it was over way too fast.

Roll on 2016 to see what Womad has up its sleeve for the next festival! 

 
Review by Kelly Jobanputra

 

Womad 2015

Pictures by Vikesh Jobanputra