WOMAD 2012

WOMAD (World Of Music, Arts and Dance) Festival hardly needs any introduction to those who have either been to the main festival in Charlton Park, Malmesbury or the other events across the world which represent the best musical and creative acts from across the planet. To those who have never experienced this inclusive, expressive, inspirational and joyous festival you should definitely pencil it in for next year, you will not be disappointed.

Mine and Megan’s annual pilgrimage to WOMAD is set to become a lifetime calendar event. Every year it feels like we get a top up of sunny soul spirit when we walk into the green fields, impressive musical arena and chill-out arboretum.

Even a quite a major tent malfunction couldn’t bring us down (glampers we are NOT) and, as the sun blazed, we learnt how to dance Senegalese style, sang in a morning outdoor choir, danced to and sang along with legends like Jimmy Cliff and Robert Plant and discovered new voices which touched our hearts. Kareyce Fotso, Ane Brun, Mama Rosin and Frank Yamma were highlights.

Spot the tent propped up solely by an umbrella due to a significant lack of poles. Being put to shame by our classy neighbours.

We woke up to a glorious morning on Saturday (I wore my new Hush pyjamas) and got to the important task of deciding what to wear from our combined festival wardrobe.

We tried, and failed, to avoid the charity shops and the resulting hole in our wallets. A freak scarcity of purchases ensued. Maybe we are getting better at resisting temptation but, more likely, the best stock had gone whilst we were still trying to hold off on Saturday!

WOMAD could easily pass as a food festival as well as a music one. The food stalls that cluster inside the music arena are all of a similar, quality, ilk with no burger vans spoiling the atmosphere! We splashed out on some amazing curry, Caribbean jerk chicken and Mexican burritos. All were DELISH!

Dusk at one of the outside stages in a crowd of hundreds of people listening to beautiful music is my favourite place to be at WOMAD.

Having soaked up the WOMAD energy like a thirsty tree root I finally feel like I’ve seen some summer. The buzz continues back in Edinburgh with the start of the Fringe Festival. I am also loving watching the Olympics and thought the opening ceremony was awe-inspiring and magical. Summer ’12 is fixing up and looking sharp.

I’ll leave you with the honeyed tones and cheeky smile of Kareyce Fotso.

Thank you to my three Ms for making me laugh, dancing the dance of happy people and keeping me warm. I can't wait for next year!