WOMAD wins permission to hold festival near Atworth

By Local Democracy Reporter Peter Davison

Renowned music festival WOMAD will be establishing its new home near Atworth this summer, after being granted a licence by Wiltshire Council.

The festival, founded in 1980 by Box-based musician Peter Gabriel, was held at Charlton Park near Malmesbury from 2007 but left the site in 2024.

Now organisers say they are “thrilled” to have been given a licence to move to Neston Park, near Atworth, from 23rd to 26th July.

“We are thrilled to announce that we have been granted our licence for WOMAD Neston Park,” said the organisers in a statement on social media.

“We want to express a profound thank you to Wiltshire Council and local residents for being extremely supportive through this process, believing in our vision and helping sustain our beloved independent festival in our new home at Neston Park.

“We’re getting closer and closer to being back in the fields…”

The news was welcomed by fans on social media – although a few raised concerns that they had been allowed to buy tickets before a licence was granted.

The licence covers the playing of live and recorded music and the sale of alcohol and late-night refreshments. The festival also wants permission to put on plays – including walkabout performances and circus performers – show films and perform dance.

The licence covers live and music performances until 4am, although organisers say the performances will run until midnight on Thursday and 2am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The licence is for a maximum of 29,999 people on site although this includes staff, contractors and performers.

Fifteen thousand adult tickets are being offered for sale in the first year at Neston Park.