Much-loved Wiltshire music festival WOMAD will be back next year for its 43rd edition.
The move follows a year's break, and next year's festival will be held at Neston Park in Corsham from 23-26 July. Tickets will be on sale from Thursday 13 July.
Founder Peter Gabriel said: "Well, here we are again! I’m delighted to say that WOMAD is officially back
"We’re back and in a beautiful new home; Neston Park near our own base in Real World Studios. "We have looked at many wonderful sites around the country, but when we learned 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.
"While we’ve been away, all the team have been working away regenerating our beloved festival and poring over your extensive feedback - and finding so many great suggestions. Itsbrilliant to have an audience that cares so much about what WOMAD is, could be, and stands for.
"In a world in which many bad actors seem to be achieving power by fanning the flames of hatred racism and division, a meeting place for all the world’s cultures and dreams, built on mutual respect, seems all the more precious.
"Thank you for being there."
Sir James and Lady Venetia Fuller said: “We, along with our home team, are very excited to welcome the WOMAD community to Neston Park in 2026.
"While we’ve been away, all the team have been working away regenerating our beloved festival and poring over your extensive feedback - and finding so many great suggestions. Itsbrilliant to have an audience that cares so much about what WOMAD is, could be, and stands for.
"In a world in which many bad actors seem to be achieving power by fanning the flames of hatred racism and division, a meeting place for all the world’s cultures and dreams, built on mutual respect, seems all the more precious.
"Thank you for being there."
Sir James and Lady Venetia Fuller said: “We, along with our home team, are very excited to welcome the WOMAD community to Neston Park in 2026.
"This will be the first time we’ve opened the estate to any type of event and WOMAD’s message and what it stands for is something we’ve long admired.”
Chris Smith, WOMAD Festival Director said: “WOMAD is back! We took a break to reflect on what makes WOMAD so special and what our incredible community of artists and audiences deserves. We return, still a truly independent festival, with an exciting future.
"Our commitment to discovering and sharing the richness of global culture is stronger than ever. Our new site is a canvas for creating unforgettable experiences - a place where curiosity is sparked and everyone feels welcome.
Chris Smith, WOMAD Festival Director said: “WOMAD is back! We took a break to reflect on what makes WOMAD so special and what our incredible community of artists and audiences deserves. We return, still a truly independent festival, with an exciting future.
"Our commitment to discovering and sharing the richness of global culture is stronger than ever. Our new site is a canvas for creating unforgettable experiences - a place where curiosity is sparked and everyone feels welcome.
"We are building on our incredible legacy with a clear vision for the next 40 years.”
The festival was previously held at Charlton Park in Malmesbury from 2007 to 2024, and before that Rivermead in Reading from 1990 to 2006 and began in Shepton mallet in 1982.
The festival was previously held at Charlton Park in Malmesbury from 2007 to 2024, and before that Rivermead in Reading from 1990 to 2006 and began in Shepton mallet in 1982.
The festival's website is www.womad.co.uk
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