The World of Music, Arts and Dance Festival (WOMAD) is officially returning in 2026 after taking a year’s break, with organisers confirming an exciting new home at Neston Park Estate near Corsham in Wiltshire. The festival, co-founded by Peter Gabriel in 1980, will take place from 23–26 July 2026, with tickets going on sale from 13 November 2025. This marks the festival’s first relocation in nearly two decades, moving from its long-standing home at Charlton Park near Malmesbury where it had been held since 2007.
Peter Gabriel expressed his delight at the announcement, describing the new venue as “a warm and welcoming home into which we could sink our roots.” The festival director and co-founder emphasised that WOMAD’s return comes as the event remains “truly independent,” following its strategic year away in 2025 to regenerate and reassess. Gabriel highlighted the festival’s enduring mission, stating: “In a world in which many bad actors seem to be achieving power by fanning the flames of hatred, racism and division, a meeting place for all the world’s cultures and dreams, built on mutual respect, seems all the more precious.” This sentiment underscores WOMAD’s core values after more than four decades of celebrating global culture and artistic diversity.
Neston Park Estate represents a significant milestone as it will be the first time the prestigious property has opened its grounds to any type of event. The estate’s owners, Sir James and Lady Venetia Fuller, expressed their enthusiasm for hosting the festival, stating they are “very excited to welcome the WOMAD community to Neston Park in 2026” and praising WOMAD’s message and values. The location’s proximity to Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios made it an ideal choice after the team evaluated numerous sites across the country. Gabriel explained the selection process: “We have looked at many wonderful sites around the country, but when we learned that Sir James and Lady Venetia Fuller were keen to open up their beautiful estate and host WOMAD, it immediately felt to us like a warm and welcoming home.”
The 2026 edition will continue WOMAD’s legacy of attracting approximately 40,000 visitors annually, who come together to experience the eclectic mix of world music, arts, dance, and cultural performances that have defined the festival since its inception. Festival director Chris Smith said the organisation remains committed to its mission: “WOMAD’s commitment to discovering and sharing the richness of global culture is stronger than ever. We are building on our incredible legacy with a clear vision for the next 40 years.”
The decision to take 2025 off came after the festival faced significant challenges in recent years. The event was previously cancelled in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lack of government support for the UK events insurance scheme. During the sabbatical year, the WOMAD team has been working extensively on regenerating the festival, incorporating feedback from its dedicated audience and developing fresh ideas for the event’s future. Gabriel praised the community’s engagement with the process, stating: “While we’ve been away, all the team have been working away regenerating our beloved festival and poring over your extensive feedback – and finding so many great suggestions. It’s brilliant to have an audience that cares so much about what WOMAD is, could be, and stands for.”
WOMAD has established itself as one of the UK’s most significant cultural festivals, having travelled to 27 countries worldwide during its 45-year history. The festival’s commitment to celebrating diverse cultures and fostering cross-cultural dialogue remains its defining characteristic, making the new Neston Park location an appropriate setting for its next chapter. With tickets going on sale 13 November, the 2026 edition promises to deliver the world-class programming and unique atmosphere that have made WOMAD a beloved institution among festival-goers seeking authentic global cultural experiences.