One of Wiltshire’s biggest cultural events of the summer has revealed its full line-up for 2026, with organisers of WOMAD announcing the artists set to perform at the festival’s new home at Neston Park.
The internationally renowned festival, founded by Peter Gabriel, will take place from 23 to 26 July and marks the first edition to be held at Neston Park.
Festival organisers have also confirmed that day tickets are now on sale, giving music fans the opportunity to attend individual days of the four-day event.
Known for bringing together artists from around the world, WOMAD has built a reputation for introducing audiences to a diverse mix of global music, emerging talent and established international performers.
This year’s programme continues that tradition while placing a growing emphasis on contemporary jazz, hip-hop and electronic music alongside the festival’s world music roots.
Friday’s line-up will be headlined by neo-soul singer Greentea Peng, reggae icon Barrington Levy and Afrobeat musician Mádé Kuti. They will be joined by jazz vocalist ganavya, rapper Kofi Stone and Ishmael Ensemble alongside the Rituals Orchestra.
Saturday’s programme features a strong jazz and global music focus, with performances from Alfa Mist, Brazilian singer Daniela Mercury, jazz composer Emma-Jean Thackray and Congolese band Jupiter & Okwess.
The festival concludes on Sunday with performances from Malian singer Oumou Sangaré, Swedish folk musician José González, Scottish jazz act corto.alto, Lebanese artist Yasmine Hamdan and South African favourites Freshlyground.
Electronic music will also play a prominent role throughout the weekend through WOMAD’s continuing partnership with NTS. DJs and producers including VHOOR, DJ Travella, Cami Layé Okún and Shannen SP are among those scheduled to appear.
The festival’s links with the South West’s music scene remain strong, with several Bristol-based organisations involved in the programme. These include Saffron, which supports women, non-binary and trans people in music technology, as well as Jam Jar, Twende and VP Productions.
Speaking about the programme, Paula Henderson said the festival continues to focus on discovery and cultural exchange.
She said: “Curating WOMAD is about discovery, bringing together artists from different musical worlds who expand horizons and connect with our audience.
“This line-up reflects that spirit, and we’re looking forward to welcoming these incredible musicians to our new home at Neston Park.”
The move to Neston Park marks a new chapter for the festival and is expected to attract thousands of visitors to Wiltshire for a weekend of music, culture and international creativity.
