THE biggest festival in the county is due to take place next weekend bringing musicians from around the world. 

World Of Music Art and Dance festival - also known as WOMAD is now its 42nd year and will take place over four days.

It was originally launched by Peter Gabriel of Genesis and is spread over eight countries.

Chris Smith, festival director, said: “It's one of the few truly independent festivals left in the country.

“We are a UK-owned that produces a unique experience that needs to be around the world.”

“But Wiltshire still feels like a special place to us - we call it the Mothership.”

Previous editions have seen 40,000 attendees watching 150 artists representing about 50 countries over six stages - a lot for the nearest town, Malmesbury, with only 7,181 people in the last census.

Chris added: “Local people are appreciative: we bring 40,000 to a very small community which boosts their money and incomes.

(Image: Garry Jones)

“People are very proud and excited to have it there.”

“One of the disadvantages of being a small community that hotels are hard to find. But you’ve got three good hotels in Swindon which we use.

“It brings a diverse community. They enjoy their time there, many of them know each other through our shows so there is a sense of artists coming together.

“You will find them in the hotel reception jamming together. I think coming to a less commercially-driven festival like WOMAD is refreshing for artists.”

Chris explains that artists are invited back after their show for extra events, like a cooking demonstration from their respective culture.

Womad 2024: Dates, full line-up and ticket information

This means that artists tend to hang around their temporary Swindon home for longer than just a night.

(Image: Garry Jones)

The festival offers discounted tickets to local people, some of whom can walk to the festival, and is free for children.

“My experience is that WOMAD works better in smaller communities - it would not work as well in the middle of London”, says Chris.

“We're still got the biggest show Wiltshire has ever had. We've learned and grown together.”

This year will see progressive hip-hop trio Young Fathers, who are making their WOMAD debut, and Sampa the Great, regarded as one of southern Africa’s greatest hip-hop heroes.

It will take place from July 25 to 28.