Guide to WOMAD 2023: World of Music, Arts and Dance returns this July

This year, WOMAD will take place from Thursday 27^th July to Monday 30^th July, with tickets allowing entry from 8am on the Thursday until midday on the Monday. Whether you want to commit to 4 days of fun or you want to experience it all in a day, there’s a range of ticket options available.

Easy to get to, WOMAD is located at Charlton Park in Wiltshire. If you’re travelling by train, Chippenham is the nearest train station to the festival, with regular shuttle buses running to and from the station throughout the weekend. You can also drive, with free parking included in your ticket, although car shares are encouraged by the festival for a more environmentally-friendly route.

General and family camping is free with a 3 or 4-day ticket. All campsites are within walking distance of the main festival site. They’re also well lit, making it easy to spot your tent after one too many drinks. If you fancy something a little more luxurious than a questionably-pitched tent and an old sleeping bag, you can also buy tickets for the WOMAD glamping experience. Whether you want to upgrade to a pre-pitched tent and plump pillow combination or go all out with a fancy tipi or stylish airstream, there are plenty of options to choose from. There are also a wide range of toilets located throughout the campsites, or in the main arena and campsite, you can find the La Di Da Loos, complete with toiletries and styling stations to ensure you’re looking your best from AM to PM. If camping isn’t your thing, in nearby Malmesbury town, there’s a range of hotels to suit every budget. Or there are plenty of hotels near Chippenham.

Wondering what to bring? If you’ve not opted for the fancy glamping experience, then tents, pegs and sleeping bags should be at the top of your list, along with a secure bag to store your money and ID. With many drinking water points scattered throughout the campsites, a refillable water bottle is also a must, and although there will be charging points available, it’s always useful to bring your own portable phone charger. As with all British festivals, you have to prepare for both showers and sunshine – don’t forget to pack your SPF, sunglasses, warm clothing, umbrellas and raincoats. Comfortable footwear is also advised. After all, you don’t want anything coming in the way of you and your dancing. WOMAD festival also offers lockup facilities for any valuables you want to keep safe over the weekend. If you’ve cycled to the festival, there’s also a bike lockup to safely store your bike.

WOMAD is a festival that caters to everyone, with accessible facilities on offer for those who need it, including wheelchair access, separate viewing platforms and visual and audible assistance. Should you have any problems over the weekend, there will also be many stewards on hand to help.

For further information, check out the official WOMAD website.