Children's groups get ready for WOMAD (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Children's groups get ready for WOMAD

4:00pm Wednesday 18th June 2008

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WOMAD is once again giving children in Malmesbury the chance to take to the stage for this year's international Music festival at Charlton Park.

School pupils from the town, and surrounding villages, have taken part in their first practice for their moment of fame, when they will perform in front of thousands of fans in July.

Although they are weeks away from the big day they began rehearsals at Malmesbury Primary School's new building yesterday.

This is the second time that 100 local children have been given the opportunity, since the festival came to Charlton last year.

Teacher Angelique Martin, who is co-ordinating the performance, said: "There is going to be loads and loads of kids performing with a group called Siyaya.

"Last year was absolutely amazing and it was such an experience.

"The children haven't stopped talking about it even now.

"It's certainly the best thing I have ever lead and that I have done as well.

"I had to take them on the stage early last year so they could get used to it and when they saw the huge crowd their little jaws just dropped."

The children, who are all ages in the junior school year's will perform three songs of English and African themes.

Two will be a collaboration of primary schools and one will be sung alongside a group of older children from Malmesbury secondary.

Headteacher at St Joseph's Primary School, Tony McAteer, said: "last year was really smashing and we are looking forward to more of the same at this year's festival.

"They sang along with the Blind Boys from Alabama last time so this year will be something a little different."

Changes to the license for the festival were also agreed by councillors on Monday.

World in the Park ltd asked North Wiltshire District Council for permission to alter parts of the license after the police and environmental health's pollution team suggested improvements could be made on last year's event.

Police suggested they change the Traffic Management plan, revise the traffic signs schedule and to revise the definition of a Lost Child provision.

The Environmental Health Pollution Team asked for a reduction in sound of 5db at all monitoring points after the relocation of the stages.

The licence was granted with a capacity for 45,000 people including, staff, crew, acts and guests and rather than being a one off licence it can be repeated year after year.

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