The U.K’s Leading World Music Event WOMAD Festival 2010 Announces Line-up

WOMAD returns this summer to Charlton Park in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, from 23 to 25 July 2010 with an exciting and diverse line-up of world artists. Headlining this year’s festival is Malian afro-pop star Salif Keita, the world-famous Drummers of Burundi and indigenous Australian superstar Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu.

Also joining this year’s line-up are the extraordinary Congolese street musicians Staff Benda Bilili, Jamaican star (and Massive Attack collaborator) Horace Andy with reggae group Dub Asante, Australian/Anglo institution Rolf Harris and his band and the home-grown talent of the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain.

Others artists confirmed are: Afro Celt Sound System (UK), Alim Qasimov Ensemble (Azerbaijan), The Bays & Heritage Orchestra (UK), Bibi Tanga & The Selenites (Central African Republic/France), La BrassBanda (Germany), Calypso Rose (Tobago), Dan Sultan (Australia), Dobet Gnahore (Ivory Coast), Don Letts (UK), Poirier feat. Face T (Canada/Jamaica), Hanggai (China), Imelda May (Ireland), Justin Adams & Juldeh Camara (UK/Gambia), The Kamkars (Iran), LA-33 (Colombia), Lepisto & Lehti (Finland), Little Axe (USA), Mayra Andrade (Cape Verde), Nouvelle Vague (France), Novalima (Peru), Orchestra Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou (Benin), Rango (Egypt), Sentimento Gypsy Paganini (Hungary), Steven Sogo (Burundi), Syriana (UK/Ireland/Algeria/Jordan/Palestine), Tanya Tagaq (Canada), and Toumast (Niger).

Festival director Chris Smith said, ‘I’m thrilled with how the line-up for 2010’s festival is shaping up with many more names to come. Whilst announcing which artists will be appearing at any WOMAD festival is always exciting, this year it’s tinged with sadness due to the recent loss of DJ Charlie Gillett. Charlie was a prominent member of the WOMAD family from the very first festival and he will be greatly missed. His passion for the discovery and championing of new world artists and musicians was simply unparalleled and we look forward to celebrating his life in true WOMAD style at Charlton Park this year.’

WOMAD is much more than just a first class world music festival and returning this year will be the popular ‘Taste the World’ tent where some of the artists will show off their cooking prowess and which, more often than not, turns into a impromptu gig. The Drum and Dance Tent will make a welcome return with favorites such as early-bird yoga sessions and salsa lessons on offer. And for those who fancy a luxurious moment to themselves and a scrub up, the WOMAD spa, complete with treatments, spa pools, great showers and a cocktail bar, is the place to go.

WOMAD promises to be bigger and better for kids and young people than ever before. The World of Kids will have the usual comprehensive program of workshops, entertainment and activities being held throughout the weekend and the magnificent Children’s Parade through the arena will be one of the festival highlights. WOMAD continues its well established place as the best festival for the whole family, by allowing all children 13 years and under, in for free.

WOMAD returns this summer to Charlton Park in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, from 23 to 25 July 2010. Tickets are on sale now.

Booking line: +44 0845 146 1735
Online: http://www.womadshop.com/detail/558
Adult Weekend Ticket: £125
Teenager (14-17 Year Olds) Weekend Ticket: £60
Disabled Weekend Ticket: £125
All Children (13 and under): Free
All minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult