Womad Festival to move to new home near Atworth

International music festival Womad is set to take place at a new site just outside Atworth next year.

The festival, which celebrates world music, is currently awaiting approval of a licence to move to its new home at Neston Park, near Atworth, from 23rd to 26th July.

Co-founded by Peter Gabriel, the festival brings together global artists and cultures for a weekend of music, art and food.

The family-friendly festival has been running for more than four decades and, since 2007, has been held at Charlton Park, near Malmesbury. It attracts around 40,000 visitors each year.

Peter Gabriel said that after “looking at many wonderful sites across the country”, Neston Park “immediately felt like a warm and welcoming home.”

He added, “When we learnt that Sir James and Lady Venetia Fuller were keen to open up their beautiful estate and host Womad, it immediately felt to us like a warm and welcoming home into which we could sink our roots.

“All the team have been working away regenerating our beloved festival and poring over your extensive feedback, finding so many great suggestions. It is brilliant to have an audience that cares so much about what Womad is, could be, and stands for.”

This week, the festival team held a meeting with residents in Atworth Village Hall to listen to any concerns and share information about the festival.

Festival director Chris Smith said, “We know that announcing the arrival of Womad into any community can cause excitement and concern. It is essential for us to engage with the local community to reassure them and listen to their concerns. This is an ongoing conversation as we learn the best ways to work together.”