Tens of thousands of people descended on a Wiltshire festival that is the largest of its kind over the weekend.
WOMAD returned to the county after a one-year hiatus, taking place between Thursday, July 23, and Sunday, July 26.
The festival took place at its new home on the Neston Park Estate, near Corsham, after relocating from Charlton Park near Malmesbury.
The festival was expected to attract around 40,000, with artists, performers, and guests from all over the world to take part.
The festival was created by British singer Peter Gabriel and began at the Bath and West Showground in 1982.
Friday saw South London neo soul star Greentea Peng, reggae legend Barrington Levy and Afrobeat innovator Mádé Kuti take centre stage.
They were joined by spiritual jazz vocalist ganavya, Birmingham rapper Kofi Stone and Bristol's Ishmael Ensemble & Rituals Orchestra.
Saturday saw East London jazz visionary Alfa Mist, Brazilian superstar Daniela Mercury, Mercury Prize nominated Emma-Jean Thackray and Congolese groove pioneers Jupiter & Okwess take to the stage, showcasing a programme rich in contemporary jazz, experimentation and global rhythms.
Closing the festival on Sunday are Malian icon Oumou Sangaré and Swedish folk favourite José González, alongside Mercury Prize shortlisted jazz innovators corto.alto, Lebanese electronic pioneer Yasmine Hamdan and South African favourites Freshlyground.
WOMAD 2026. (Image: Contributed)
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In a statement shared on Sunday evening ahead of the final few hours of the festival, a spokesperson for WOMAD thanked visitors and performers.
The statement read: “This weekend, thousands of you turned a field in Wiltshire into a meeting point for the world, dancing to sounds from every continent, whilst sharing food, stories, and thoughts.
“Four days that proved, once again, why this festival exists.
“Tonight, the lights come up, the last sets begin, and we move together into the evening.
“Thank you for being here. Thank you for making our new home so special. Let’s make this evening one to remember.”
Ahead of the event, Paula Henderson, WOMAD Global Artist programmer, 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."