Womad Festival Returns with a New Lease of Life at Wiltshire's Neston Park
After a year-long hiatus, the world-renowned music festival Womad is set to make its triumphant return in 2026 at the picturesque Neston Park in Corsham, Wiltshire. The iconic festival, co-founded by Peter Gabriel, has traded in its traditional home of Charlton Park for a new haven, one that promises to be just as vibrant and eclectic.
Gabriel, who played a pivotal role in shaping Womad's identity, described the move to Neston Park as "a warm and welcoming home into which we could sink our roots." The festival's founder believes that this new chapter marks an exciting opportunity for Womad to thrive in a world where division and negativity seem to be on the rise.
Womad, which stands for World of Music, Arts and Dance, has long been renowned for its diverse musical roster, featuring artists from across the globe. The festival's eclectic lineup spans pop, dance, folk, jazz, hip-hop, and beyond, making it a veritable melting pot of sounds and cultures.
The new venue at Neston Park is steeped in history and boasts stunning architectural charm. Owned by Sir James and Lady Venetia Fuller, who are part of the Fuller's brewery family, the estate will be welcoming Womad for the first time. The couple expressed their admiration for the festival's mission and message, stating that they're thrilled to open their doors to this unique event.
Womad's journey began in 1982 at Shepton Mallet before making its way to Reading between 1990 and 2006, before finally settling into its iconic home at Charlton Park. With the move to Neston Park, Womad is poised to embark on a new chapter, one that promises to be just as unforgettable as its predecessors.
After a year-long hiatus, the world-renowned music festival Womad is set to make its triumphant return in 2026 at the picturesque Neston Park in Corsham, Wiltshire. The iconic festival, co-founded by Peter Gabriel, has traded in its traditional home of Charlton Park for a new haven, one that promises to be just as vibrant and eclectic.
Gabriel, who played a pivotal role in shaping Womad's identity, described the move to Neston Park as "a warm and welcoming home into which we could sink our roots." The festival's founder believes that this new chapter marks an exciting opportunity for Womad to thrive in a world where division and negativity seem to be on the rise.
Womad, which stands for World of Music, Arts and Dance, has long been renowned for its diverse musical roster, featuring artists from across the globe. The festival's eclectic lineup spans pop, dance, folk, jazz, hip-hop, and beyond, making it a veritable melting pot of sounds and cultures.
The new venue at Neston Park is steeped in history and boasts stunning architectural charm. Owned by Sir James and Lady Venetia Fuller, who are part of the Fuller's brewery family, the estate will be welcoming Womad for the first time. The couple expressed their admiration for the festival's mission and message, stating that they're thrilled to open their doors to this unique event.
Womad's journey began in 1982 at Shepton Mallet before making its way to Reading between 1990 and 2006, before finally settling into its iconic home at Charlton Park. With the move to Neston Park, Womad is poised to embark on a new chapter, one that promises to be just as unforgettable as its predecessors.