Hundreds of stage crew, sound engineers and lighting specialists have descended on Charlton Park near Malmesbury to erect the WOMAD village.

Annie Menter from the WOMAD foundation said she was pleased to be on the brink of the festival after months of preparation.

She said: “It’s part tension, part excitement.

“It is certainly wonderful to be here after so many months getting ready from behind a desk.

“The main stages and tents are going up now and we have hundreds of staff on the site getting everything ready.”

On Tuesday, WOMAD artists and pupils gave a concert at Malmesbury Abbey, a dress rehearsal before their big night on Thursday.

Mrs Menter said the Thursday evening at WOMAD had become increasingly popular with festival goers.

She said: “More and more people are coming now on the Thursday and getting their tents set up.

“There is now a much bigger presence on that first night which is nice.

“It creates a gentle build-up and gives people time to decide which acts they want to go and see.”

Tickets are still on sale and can also be bought on the gate.

Call 0845 146 1735 for details.