The 28th WOMAD music festival proved another hit with punters with 40,000 revellers descending on Charlton Park near Malmesbury for three days of eclectic music, a chilled out atmosphere and food from around the globe.
Friday night’s headline act Ozomatli drew the biggest crowd of the first full day with their mix of rock, hip-hop and salsa, while legendary afro beat pioneer Tony Allen wowed an audience in the Siam tent.
On Saturday afternoon some fans missed out on the Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain after their performance was rescheduled to the Open Air Stage following other artists having their flight delayed.
In the evening British singer songwriter Imogen Heap stole the show with her melody driven mix of electronic pop rock. Engaging the audience with playful banter she even conducted them in a three part sing-along.
Her band also made good use of a variety of instruments which at one point included the percussionist playing a wood saw with an improvised violin bow.
On the Open Air Stage Malian afro pop star Salif Keita drew a massive crowd while former Catatonia singer Cerys Matthews closed the day with her traditional Welsh roots music on the Radio 3 Stage.
On Sunday Aussie favourite Rolf Harris entertained the crowd in the Siam tent before the Afro Celt Sound System summed up the WOMAD musical experience with their fusion of African and Celtic drumming, dance beats and keyboard riffs.
Despite grey clouds threatening to drench the colourfully clad festival goers the rain held off and nearly everyone seemed to be finding something to enjoy.
The Short family from Marlborough had gone to the festival straight from school on Friday and still had their school uniforms tucked away in their tent.
Dad Duncan said: “We have been here before but this is the first time camping.
“WOMAD has a great family atmosphere, and very relaxed and there is plenty to see.”
Nine-year-old Kieran had been enjoying the fun fair.
He said: “It’s been brilliant, I’m having a really good time.”
“My favourite things so far have been going on the rides in the fun fair and the food.”
His sister Maya agreed. She said: “The best thing about camping is that I get to stay up late.”
For Steve Pedherick, 59, from Cornwall, this was his 27th WOMAD.
He said the laid back atmosphere was what kept bringing him back.
“The music is fantastic and everyone always enjoys themselves," he said.
The WOMAD veteran gave Charlton Park the stamp of approval. He said: “This is a lovely place.
“It’s a great site, it’s bigger and better than the old one.”
His friend Georgina Hopwood agreed. She said: “There is more space here, we like it.
“There is also less crime, there were definitely more breaks in at the Reading site.”
For world music aficionados the Byrne brothers and their wives there was plenty to enjoy with 70 artists from 30 different countries performing throughout the weekend.
Jamie Byrne, 33, from London, was having to eat his pepperoni and jalapeño pizza while hampered by a sling following a bicycle accident. He thought WOMAD was good value for money.
He said: “I’m really into world music and here there are always four or five acts which are worth the ticket price alone.
“This year Tony Allen was absolutely superb, just out of this world.
“We also really liked Ska Cubana and the Afrobeat Orchestra.”
His wife Mayomi, 29, described herself as a WOMAD virgin but was enjoying her first taste of the festival.
She said: “The flags are amazing, it’s a beautiful place with all sorts of things going on.
“There aren’t many queues for things and the toilets are pretty good.
“They’re working hard to keep everything clean.”
Such is the family friendly nature of WOMAD there were plenty of young babies and toddlers running around enjoying themselves.
Rachel Pullar from Bristol had come along with five month old daughter Eden.
She said: “This is Eden’s first ever festival.
“I haven’t been for a couple of years, so it's good to be back.
“The family friendly atmosphere makes it easy to bring children along, it’s great.”
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