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Friday July 21 to Sunday July 23, Rivermead Centre, Richfield Avenue, Reading
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WOMAD has truly flourished into a musical ‘global village’ since Peter Gabriel founded the celebration almost two decades ago. Spanning a vast, international bill of live music, arts and eats, it draws a loyal following, besides delighted new converts each year.
ATMOSPHERE:
This famously gregarious festival has an uplifting, family-orientated feel, with plenty of kids activities including a swimming pool and fair. Disabled facilities are also excellent. Musically, you’ll hear anything from contemporary Latin sounds to traditional folk, American roots, gypsy music, Afrobeat, reggae and clubby rhythms. Expect a ‘peaceful, mellow ambience’ after midnight.
DON’T MISS:
There’s a fine and diverse selection of major names, including the reliably excellent Suzanne Vega and genuine legend Papa Wemba - but be sure to catch the vibrant rocking sounds of Brazil’s Lenine. DJ Monkey Pilot’s famous Whirl-Y-Gig parties also make a welcome return.
TICKETS:
Weekend tickets (including camping) cost £69 (£63 before June 1). Day tickets range from £32 (Sat or Sun) to £17 (Fri). Two children (13 and under) can come free with each adult ticket-buyer; additional children’s tickets are £10. Concessions for under-16s, students, OAPs and the unemployed are available (proof of ID required). If you’re registered disabled and wish to attend with your personal assistant, you can purchase two tickets for the price of one; call the box office for details.
Box office: 0118 939 0930
GETTING THERE:
By Train: Half-hourly services from Paddington to Reading. The site is 15 minutes walk from the station; it’s also served by local buses.
By Road: Take junction 10, 11 or 12 off the M4 and follow the signposts.
Camping is included in the ticket price, but Reading Tourist Information (0118 956 6226) can offer accomodation advice.
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SUZANNE VEGA + YOUSSOU N’DOUR + LENINE + KHALED + MACEO PARKER + PAPA WEMBA + U-CEF + VERA BILA + YUNGHEN LHAMO + BARBARA LUNA + JOI + AYUB OGADA + BLUE AEROPLANES + CHAVAN + PATO BANTON AND THE REGGAE REVOLUTION + ROKIA TRAORE + CHEMIRANI ZARB TRIO + LAMA GYURME AND JEAN-PHILIPPE RYKIEL+ CHILDREN OF THE DESERT + COREY HARRIS + DA LATA + EAT STATIC + EGSCHIGLEN + ELIZA CARTHY + ROLF HARRIS + FARAFINA + KHAC CHI ENSEMBLE + SPACCANAPOLI + TANUSREE SHANKAR DANCE COMPANY + TELEK + SAVINA YANNATOU + MANY MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED
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