WOMAD 2002

Friday 26th to Sunday 28th July 2002
Richfield Avenue, Rivermead, Reading, Berkshire, England MAP
£85 including free camping. Fri £25, Sat £45, Sun £40. Concessions available

Last updated: Sun 12th Jan 2003

Originally inspired by Peter Gabriel, WOMAD stands for World of Music, Arts and Dance, bringing together many forms of music, arts and dance from countries and cultures around the world.

The festivals (they are held all over the world) allow audiences to gain an insight into cultures other than their own through the enjoyment of music. WOMAD aims to excite, to inform, and to create awareness of the worth and potential of a multicultural society. It has a friendly atmosphere, as well as chilled music from all around the world.

There's also a full programme of adult and childrens workshops (limited spaces available - turn up early!), as well the normal festi fodder, and a huge market of world crafts.

Very campervan and family/children friendly!

Artists confirmed for 2002 included: Abdelkader Saadoun (Algeria/UK); Anouskha Shankar (India); Bob Brozman/Rene Lacaille/Takashi Hirayasu (USA/New Guinea Islands/Japan); Cara Dillon (UK); Ernest Ranglin (Jamaica); Francis Dunnery (UK); Gigi (Ethiopia); Issa Bagayogo (Mali); Lokua Kanza (Zaire); Los De Abajo (Mexico); Pina (Austria); Rachid Taha (Algeria); Rebecca Malope (South Africa); Ronu Majumdar Trio with special guest Trilok Gurtu (India); Souad Massi (Algeria); Tartit Ensemble (Mali) and Trio Mocoto (Brazil); Adrian Sherwood (UK); Bill Cobham (USA); Asere (Cuba); The Bisserov Sisters (Bulgaria); Misty In Roots (UK); Orchestra Baobab (Senegal); Papa Noel & Papi Oviedo (Congo); King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (Nigeria); Kanda Bongo Man (Congo); The Walkabouts (USA); and The Shrine (UK)

According to a message on their website, System 7 will play the Dance Stage on 28th July.