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WOMAD, WOMAD, WOMAD, how we do love thee, let us count the ways….

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So, if you missed out on WOMAD 2024, I can only say one thing: you’re going to need a time machine. We love WOMAD. This year’s festival was, as always, a cosmic explosion of music, culture, and all things fabulous. Held in the lush fields of Charlton Park, it was a vibrant mishmash of global grooves, tantalising tastes, and enough good vibes to make a rainbow jealous.

First things first, the music. Oh, the music! Imagine every corner of the globe squeezing into

your ears and giving them a big, joyous hug. Alison Gold-frapp was a header but here are

three standout acts that made the festival It, for us:

  1. Tinariwen: Their electrifying set of desert blues transported us straight to the Sahara, and honestly, I’m still trying to shake the sand out of my shoes.
  2. Orchestra Baobab: These legends from Senegal brought a fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms that had everyone moving. Their timeless grooves were nothing short of magical.
  3. Anoushka Shankar: Delivered a spellbinding performance, blending traditional

Indian sounds with contemporary flair. It was a journey of pure musical bliss.

  • Kumbia Boruka, a French band of Mexican origin, were based around a steady drum pulse and accordion riffs, answered by trumpet and trombone, the music the slow train inevitability of Latin American cumbia. B

Foodies, rejoice! WOMAD didn’t just feed our souls but our stomachs too. The World of Food tent was a culinary carnival – we’re talking mouth-watering street food from every corner of the planet. Here are four food places that had us coming back for more:

  • Jerk Joint: The jerk chicken wrap here was so good it made me consider proposing to the chef. Spicy, tangy, and absolutely divine.
  • Lush Creperie every year we go for these crepes, such good value and always super delicious, I recommend the savoury ones fully of gorgeous cheese and ham.
  • Mumbai Fiery chaat and aromatic curries that transported us straight to the streets of Mumbai. The paneer tikka was a highlight.
  • Archies Toasties Shop: 10/10 from my daughter for their chips. She’s the international critic of the century on chips around the world and we brought  another generous boxful

Now, let’s talk vibes. The festival site was decked out in a riot of colours, with art installations that made you feel like you’d tumbled into a Salvador Dalí painting. And the people? Pure gold. Hippies, hipsters, families, and free spirits – everyone was on the same wavelength, just there to soak up the magic and spread the love.

The children’s area was a mini-utopia of crafts and laughter, proving that WOMAD really is a family affair. Here are some of the precise activities that had the little ones (and sometimes the adults) thoroughly entertained:

  1. Circus Skills Workshop: From juggling to tightrope walking, kids got to unleash their inner acrobat.
  2. Creative Crafts Corner: An area brimming with art supplies where kids could paint, glue, and create to their heart’s content.
  3. Drumming Circles: Little ones learned basic rhythms and beats, creating a joyful cacophony that echoed across the fields.
  4. Storytelling Sessions: Enchanting tales from around the world were brought to life by charismatic storytellers, capturing imaginations young and old.

In none British fashion, the weather was crazily gorgeous but you can’t order that. Slivers of sunshine shining through the flags and big wheel the whole time…

In a nutshell, WOMAD 2024 was an unforgettable fiesta of culture, community, and unbridled joy. If you haven’t been, mark your calendars for next year. And if you have, well, see you there – same time, same place, more fabulousness guaranteed!

Events

The Countdown to GuilFest Is On – Don’t Miss Out!

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Guilfest 2025

Summer is just around the corner, and that can only mean one thing – GuilFest is nearly here! With early bird tickets flying off the shelves and last year’s event completely sold out, now is the time to secure your spot for a weekend bursting with music, fun, and feel-good summer energy.

A Line-up to Remember

This year’s musical line-up promises to be nothing short of spectacular. From legendary chart-toppers to crowd-pleasing favourites, GuilFest 2025 brings a dazzling variety of acts to the stage. Get ready to dance your socks off to music from The Jacksons, Razorlight, and Soul II Soul! Join in on the infectious vibe of the Stereo MC’s and take in the legends that brought us all the hits we love – like Leo Sayer and The Bay City Rollers, and more under wraps!

So, whether your thing is soulful grooves, catchy indie anthems, or noises from your youth, there’s something for everyone on the line up!

More Than Just Music

But GuilFest is not only about the music – it is a full weekend experience whatever your age. Families will love the variety of entertainment provided for the little ones. There are two very special guests this year – Bluey on Saturday 5th July and Peppa Pig on Sunday 6th July – meet and greets that your children will remember and you will want to get some snaps of those special moments.

Whether you’re on the stage or in the family zones, GuilFest has a delightful offering of food and drink stalls, comedy performances, wellness zones, craft market, and much, much more – ensuring that the stage is set for a sunny, fun-filled weekend of music and community.

Don’t Miss Out

If you’ve been thinking about making your summer plans, now is your chance. With tickets going fast, don’t miss out on what is expected to be the best GuilFest yet.

So, grab some mates, rally the family, do what you need to do, and get ready for a weekend to remember! Get your tickets, let the countdown to GuilFest 2025 begin!

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Sensations of the Solstice at Wasing (Review – 2025)

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Solstice At Wasing - Artist - Âpe Chimba 7 - Photo Credit @Wasing1759

We’d heard Solstice at Wasing, near Reading, was a festival of interest. Seeing it celebrates the rites of summer and vaguely interested we went along on Fri.  

Wow. 

What a beautiful festival.  From entering through a leafy canopy of trees and jungle-covered ‘corridor through to the main ‘stage’ – a creation of the tallest of trees surrounding the band and their entranced audience.  Honestly, of all the festivals we have been to over the years, this is one of the prettiest.  

Things we particularly loved.  

• The wild swimming and sauna – we loved the idea of it,but book early or you’ll be disappointed. And the idea of welcoming the sunrise in at 3, – Oh well, next year….

• The Sweet and stylish independent sellers – We particularly loved the clothes by Challo

• Salif Keita – hearing that richest of voices ring out amongst the shades of green was particularly amazing

Solstice At Wasing - Artist - Salif Keita 3 - Photo Credit @Wasing1759
Solstice At Wasing – Artist – Salif Keita 3 – Photo Credit @Wasing1759

• Anoushka Shankar’s spellbinding set – a mesmerising journey through her trilogy of mini-albums, blending classical sitar with bold, contemporary sounds. Her performance beneath the trees created a moment of pure magic.

Solstice At Wasing - Artist - Anoushka Shankar 2 - Photo Credit @Wasing1759
Solstice At Wasing – Artist – Anoushka Shankar 2 – Photo Credit @Wasing1759


• Moonji’s ice-cream – it’s the smallest touches that this festival has an abundance of, and the taste of Moonjiicecreams has my mouth watering at the memory of them…

• The ambiance – characterised by respect, softness in the best of ways, friendly, clean, Solstice largely seems toattract a different kind of crowd, not looking for the usual excess. (No judgement there on our part, – ever). 

The candles and coves, the perfectly choreographed havens and hammocks. This intimately special festival really is a stunner.

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Events

Celebrate the Magic of the Solstice at Wasing’s Woodland Haven this Weekend

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Solstice At Wasing

On Friday, June 20th, people around the world will be celebrating the summer solstice under the same sky — truly an event that connects us all, regardless of borders or time zones. Wasing’s secluded forests offer the opportunity for a weekend filled with live music, shared experiences, and pure elemental magic.

From lush grooves to soulful melodies, the team has curated a rich and vibrant programme made up of artists from all over the world. Some of the key acts include James Blake, Anoushka Shankar, Salif Keita, Alex Serra, Âpe Chimba, The Egg, Sam Lee, Nubiyan Twist, K.O.G., The Turbans, Afrosideral, Tritha, Skyrager (Psychemagik), Omer Gonen-Haela, ÆVERY, Di-Pod, Mira Khanya, Rebecca Dennis, Chris Park, Jill Purce, Rupert Sheldrake, Soul Revolution, Wonderment and Wider Horizons. For the full line up head to www.wasing.co.uk/solstice,

A highlight of the weekend will be the Sunrise Ceremony; a ceremony of people together to receive the first rays of the sun – to celebrate renewal, oneness and nature’s power to inspire awe. As day yields to night, the Sacred Glade awakens a midnight fire, with intimate performances under a sky filled with stars bringing together wilderness, art and community.

We’re proud to be supporting Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) — an extraordinary humanitarian organisation delivering life-saving care all over the world, wherever it’s needed most. With every ticket you buy, we’ll donate £2 directly to Médecins Sans Frontières (UK) (registered charity number 1026588), helping them continue their vital work across more than 70 countries.

Tickets
Grab your spot for the weekend — whether you want to come just for a day or stay for it all.

Vehicle Pass
If you’re driving to the festival, please make sure you book a vehicle pass in advance.

Tipi Accommodation
Tipis can be reserved here and are completely set up with beds, linen, lighting and a supply of local water, toilet and shower facilities. Take your own towels and provisions, and reserve your festival and vehicle passes separately.

Camping
Access to our campsite is included with all Solstice festival tickets on a bring your own tent or campervan basis. The campsite opens at 12pm on Friday 20th June and closes at 4pm on Saturday 21st June.

If you are bringing a vehicle, please purchase a campsite vehicle pass here
The campsite facilities include toilets & access to drinking water.

Accessibility
For all access information, please see the [accessibility guide]. Tickets for accessible events must be accompanied by appropriate documentation and submitted to events@wasing.co.uk 3 weeks from the booking date. All ages are welcome; children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

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