WOMAD 2015 - a few thoughts

It’s always to cover a festival like WOMAD.  There’s so much to cram into three days.  But what I can give you are my own personal highlights.  Friday afternoon began with a search for a campsite.  When they say the world comes to Taranaki – they literally mean that!  There were 5,000 pitching on the nearby racecourse this year. 

Estere - Photo Tim Gruar

Ticket sales were fantastic, too – selling out all the three day passes.  Early estimates suggest 12,000 attended over the weekend.  And with three days of near perfect festival weather spirits were high.  I found forgetting the can opener was the perfect icebreaker to meeting my neighbours – four women in their 60’s with a retro caravan – which, ironically was kitted out with everything except that specific kitchen tool!  Behind me was a family of four and two over a group of 20-Somethings.  A perfect slice of this all ages festival audience.  Friday night kicked off with a drum display by Taikoz (who later led ran the kid’s parade), followed by a slightly nervous Estere, who with her MPC Lola, got the crowd moving with her edgy brand of ‘electric blue witch-hop’. 

 

A VW Tent at the campsite - Photo Mckenzie

WOMAD 2015 Launches

Last night, Wednesday 22 October, at the Grand Hall in Parliament, it was announced that, once again, the world was coming to Taranaki in 2015.  Supported by speeches from sponsors, Arts Minister Maggie Barrie and their local MP Jonathan Young the Taranaki Arts Festival unveiled the line up for the 11th iteration of this immensely popular all ages festival. Director Emere Wano referred to her bill as "a box of chocolates", quoting Forest Gump gleefully.  As always the 3 day festival had a mix of classical, jazz pop, blues ethnic variance and performance art.  Headlining will be three acts exclusive to WOMAD – Irish pop diva Sinead O'Connor, West African Music legend Youssou N'Dour and Folk/Blues Pioneer Richard Thompson.  In the mix were also a Balkan beat band, Spanish soul singers, innovative newsreel mash-up crew Public Broadcasting Service, traditional Mali troubadours and a band who make all their instruments from rubbish.  Kiwi artists included rising Country star Mel Parsons, legendary reggae band Trinity Roots and Wellington based meteoric risier Estere who performed her funky single "Charlie" with Lola (her MPC) at the launch.  Early bird tickets are already on the festival website, where you can find the full line up and while you’re there, don’t for get to vote for your favourite local act.  The winner will take out wildcard stage spot for next year’s WOMAD.

 

www.womad.co.nz