WOMAD is more than just a festival - it’s an experience, a mood, and an exhilarating way to refresh your soul. That’s the insight from festival director and programme manager Emere Wano. 

“Pablo Picasso said the purpose of art is to wash away the dust of everyday life, and that’s what WOMAD embodies,” Wano says. 

“Our lives are so busy now, and the demands on our time and our attention have never been greater. Because of that we forget to do things just because they’re fun and enjoyable and they make you feel good. 

“WOMAD is that fun escape. Yes, it’s got some serious messages behind it, but it’s really about throwing away all of those layers of life that we carry around with us and thoroughly and deeply enjoying ourselves for a few days.” 

Every year Wano pulls together artists from around the globe to create that award-winning WOMAD experience, and build that electric energy that pulsates through the crowd. 

The line-up for the 2019 festival is packed with gems and boasts an impressive array of artists from every corner of the globe. There are joyous and powerful artists from diverse places such Belgium, Benin, and Ireland, as well as Wales, Mexico and Greece. 

There will be quiet moments of reflection with cellos, alongside a dizzying cocktail of afrobeats, futuristic funk and hip-hop. 

There are names everyone will know and love, like Kora and The Black Seeds, and there’s also many artists who will take you on a high-spirited journey of discovery, like the Afropsychedelic BCUC, and Cuba’s La Dame Blanche. 

“This line-up for WOMAD is something you can’t get anywhere else,” Wano says. 

“It’s a giant tapestry of talent and culture woven together into one experience - and it’s going to be incredible.” 

Aside from the artists, one thing Wano is looking forward to is the newly revamped Kunming Garden area, and in a first for WOMAD - the gin cocktails. “World of Words was so popular it outgrew Pinetum, so we’ve relocated it to the Kunming Garden and added an upmarket bar. 

“Now you’ll be able to get a gin cocktail, a fine wine, or a craft beer and sit back and relax, while listening to inspiring authors, presenters and comedians. Bliss.” 

Pack a smile, WOMAD New Zealand is on at the beautiful Brooklands Park and TSB Bowl of Brooklands, New Plymouth, from March 15 - 17. Tickets from womad.co.nz.