The 40th Anniversary will be hosted on 29th July 2022. By WOMAD and Real World Records. This will reassure the landmark of a cultural moment with the release of the double album live at WOMAD 1982. Performances will be marked by Echo and the Bunnymen, Peter Gabriel, Simple Minds, The Beat, The Drummers of Burundi, The Musicians of the Nile, Salsa de Hoy, and a lot more.
WOMAD Festival reflects on the diversity of the music program which has become the festival’s signature move over four decades which has followed. This festival intended to influence non-western music on western bands and musicians. This aimed at creating a wider audience for music forming an amalgamation in the same event. This festival celebrates music as a universal language. The idea for this festival started when Peter Gabriel and Mark Kidel, the filmmaker had a conversation. They had a common interest in identifying music from different cultures and introducing more music to the UK audience.
2021 had marked an event where the original audio tapes have been retrieved from the archives. This had the first WOMAD and it happened at Real World. The restoration of the 40-year-old recordings started after overcoming many technical challenges. The historic performances were saved in the process. Live at WOMAD 1982 is a window that records three days of music festival from different stages with different people around the globe. It included Tian Jin Music and Dance Ensemble from China courtesy, The Drummers of Burundi who revive the African rhythms. The album begins with ‘Tabla Ique’ by The Musicians of the Nile along with The Beat showcasing an amazing rendition of ‘Mirror in the Bathroom’. These songs set the mood for the rest of the album. It takes the listener on a journey across the world and back.
The festival environment is relaxed which allowed Peter Gabriel to air brand new music from his upcoming fourth album. WOMAD went into strengths after a shaky beginning. WOMAD traveled to many different locations in the UK. It has expanded its international domains through events in Spain, Italy, and Canada. WOMAD event currently takes place in Australia, New Zealand, Spain, and Chile. This year’s annual festival will be held in Charlton Park, Wiltshire.
