WOMAD add Angelique Kidjo, and Sierra Maestra

Angelique Kidjo, and Sierra Maestra have been squeezed onto the bill for WOMAD, the World of Music, Arts and Dance festival which happens at Charlton Park, near Malmesbury, in Wiltshire from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th July 2010.

Anyone who saw the pre-tournament World Cup Kick-Off Celebration Concert will have caught the performance, among those of Alicia Keys, Shakira and Black Eyed Peas, of AAngelique Kidjo. With her striking shaven-headed look and equally striking vocal gymnastics, the singer, from Benin in West Africa, has become something of a pan-African icon for both her musical contributions and her humanitarian work.

Sierra Maestra have been champions of the Cuban music style called son since well before the salad days of the Buena Vista Social Club. Faithfully acoustic but brimming with passion and energy, the band is an irresistible force, one ready to lift the crowd and take them on wings of song to a pre-revolution Cuba where the streets of Havana and Santiago swayed to their soundtrack.

Unfortunately indigenous Australian superstar Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu who was due to play has been forced to cancel his upcoming European tour due to illness.

Headlining this year's festival is Malian afro-pop star Salif Keita, the world-famous Drummers of Burundi, plus the legendary Gil Scott-Heron. Also performing are 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, the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, and many more. For the full line-up details, stage and day splits, click here.

Full price tickets are priced at £125 for an adult weekend ticket. To buy tickets, click here.
Other ticket prices & options:-
Teenage Weekend Ticket - £60
Thursday Ticket (for those arriving on Thursday) - £25
Campervan Ticket - £40

Weekend tickets include access to the campsite and festival arena from 8am on Friday through to Monday. Free camping in the festival disabled campsite from 8am Friday until Monday for up to a maximum of 3 people per disabled customer (including your personal assistant/carer). Disabled tickets bought now include a free ticket for your personal assistant. However, tickets will not be sent out until the registration form has been filled in and sent with the necessary documentation.

WOMAD brings together many forms of music, arts and dance from countries and cultures around the world on seven separate stage and workshop areas. The full line-up will feature around 100 artists from 40 countries performing over the festival weekend. There's also a full programme of adult and children's workshops, a cabaret tent, fun fair, comedy, DJ sessions, and a market of world crafts.

Latest Updates