THE WOMAD 2014 scorcher was never going to be topped, but despite this year's festival near Malmesbury being squelchy it was far from Woemud as the exuberant vibe had people dancing barefoot in the sludge.

A sunny Saturday brought some relief for the 35,000 revellers before Sunday saw the return of rain to rival the Amazonian rainforest, as the Brazilian songstress Dona Onete brought some tropical cheer to Charlton Park.

Despite everything she said being in Portugese, it was clear from her excited tone she was having a ball. At the age of 76, she could be forgiven for sitting down throughout and was still every bit the diva in her throne.

The fun continued with Red Baraat, a horn-heavy Brooklyn bangra funk band described as a 16-legged groove machine - the sort of band that could keep everyone happy at a wedding.

The calm of the arboretum allowed people to retreat from the bustle of the main arena and practise yoga and wood carving. But the trees were shaken on Sunday by the foreboding sounds of Korean post-rock outfit Jambinai.

The Bowers and Wilkins stage tent was this year opened up following last year's popularity that left some hopefuls outside.

The high-end sound system did justice to John Metcalfe's emotive journey, moving between haunting sparse notes on piano and an apogee of stirring strings and electronica.

With more than 120 performers from 53 countries, WOMAD is more about new discoveries than the big names, and draws people from afar for its eclectic nature.

Leon Riley, 15, has been coming with this mum Beth Higgins from South London for the past five years. He said: "Everybody knows about WOMAD.

"It isn't commercial, it's about the music. You're listening to jungle one night and some gypsy jazz band from Spain the next.

"It's for all ages, you don't get loads of people overdoing it."

Wiltshire Police again hailed the festival 'a huge success' after receiving reports of just nine incidents over the four-day period - and for the first time made not a single arrest.

Superintendent Gavin Williams said: "Despite the weather not being brilliant, the crime was down to a record low this year.

"There was a really good feel to the whole weekend, with a really great atmosphere.

"The planning and preparation by the event organisers, supported by the police and other partners worked extremely well.

"With over 30,000 people attending the event, it is brilliant news that no arrests were made.

"his was an example of the right level of policing resources and good partnership working."

Festivalgoer Becky Voss, 30, of Cepen Park North in Chippenham, was impressed by the range of activities.

She said: "We've danced our feet off. The salsa workshop was really good fun, and I liked the Human Books where you got to speak to the author."

Cary Corse, 38, who visited from Bath with his wife Dawn and their two children, was ecstatic after buying a ukulele at the festival.

He said: "I had a rip-roaring time at Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer, and the kids' stuff is amazing, they've been making shadow puppets."