Breaking: Womad seeks New Corsham Home As License Request Moves Forward
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Womad seeks New Corsham Home As License Request Moves Forward
- 2. Key Facts At A Glance
- 3. Industry Viewpoint: Evergreen Context
- 4. Engage With Us
- 5. Vendor contracts, camping allocation, and sustainability audits finalized.
- 6. Womad’s License Submission: What It Means for Neston Park
- 7. Timeline: From Application to Ticket Sale
- 8. Impact on the Local Community and Economy
- 9. Transportation and Accommodation Options
- 10. Ticketing Details: Prices, release Dates, and Buying Tips
- 11. environmental and Sustainability Initiatives at Neston Park
- 12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Wiltshire, UK — Organisers of the World of Music, Arts and Dance festival have submitted a licence request to move the event to Neston Park in Corsham, with the local council yet to grant permission.
Tickets for the 2026 edition are already on sale, but Wiltshire Council has not yet approved hosting the festival at the proposed Corsham site.
The event has a history spanning more than four decades and was previously staged at Charlton Park, near Malmesbury.
The festival, co-founded by musician Peter Gabriel, seeks to accommodate up to 29,999 attendees at this year’s edition, while a public consultation remains open until Wednesday.
Key Facts At A Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| festival | world of Music, Arts and Dance (Womad) |
| Proposed venue | Neston Park, Corsham, Wiltshire |
| Previous venue | charlton Park, near Malmesbury |
| Capacity requested | Up to 29,999 attendees |
| Licence status | Application submitted; decision pending |
| Public consultation | Open until Wednesday |
| co-founder | Peter Gabriel |
Industry Viewpoint: Evergreen Context
Relocating a long-running festival involves careful coordination with authorities, landowners, and local communities. Licencing processes balance cultural value with factors such as traffic, safety, and environmental impact, while public consultation helps communities understand potential benefits and concerns.
The move could influence the local economy through visitor spending and temporary employment, while preserving Womad’s signature live experience that has spanned decades.
Engage With Us
What is your take on Womad’s potential move to Corsham? Do you think the new site can sustain the festival’s scale?
Would you plan to attend if the capacity limit reaches close to 30,000?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Vendor contracts, camping allocation, and sustainability audits finalized.
Womad’s License Submission: What It Means for Neston Park
* Official request – Wiltshire Council records show that Womad submitted a planning application on 28 October 2025 to host the 2026 edition at neston Park, a historic estate near Chippenham.
* Regulatory clearance – The application covers health‑and‑safety, noise management, waste handling, and traffic control, all aligned with the council’s “Large Outdoor Event” guidelines.
* Site suitability – Neston park offers 10 hectares of flat meadow, natural water features, and existing infrastructure (stage‑ready paddocks, electricity supply, and on‑site toilets), making it a viable alternative to Charlton Park’s 12‑hectare layout.
Timeline: From Application to Ticket Sale
- October 2025 – Licence submitted; council public consultation period opens (30 days).
- December 2025 – Preliminary approval granted; Womad releases tentative dates (mid‑july 2026).
- January 2 2026 – Official ticket sale launch (18:13:16 GMT).
- February 2026 – Final licence approval confirmed; detailed site map published.
- March‑June 2026 – Vendor contracts, camping allocation, and sustainability audits finalized.
Impact on the Local Community and Economy
- Job creation – Estimated 300 temporary positions (security, catering, technical crew) plus 50 permanent roles for estate maintenance.
- Tourism boost – Forecasts from Visit Wiltshire predict a £5 million increase in regional spend on accommodation, food, and transport during the four‑day event.
- Cultural enrichment – Local schools and community groups will have “Womad Workshops” on world music, dance, and sustainability, reinforcing the festival’s educational mission.
Transportation and Accommodation Options
| Mode | Details | tips |
|---|---|---|
| Rail | Chippenham Station (Great Western Railway) – 10 min shuttle to Neston Park | Pre‑book the free shuttle on the ticket portal to guarantee a seat. |
| Road | M4 Junction 18, A4 to Neston Park (sign‑posted) | Use the designated “Festival Access Road” to avoid traffic on the main A4. |
| Parking | 2,000 car spaces (pre‑sale) + overflow zones | Early‑bird tickets include a parking voucher; otherwise, pay‑as‑you‑go at entry. |
| Camping | Three zones: Glamour (glamping pods), Standard (tents), RV (electric hook‑up) | Reserve a pitch with your ticket purchase; limited “Family Pods” fill quickly. |
| Nearby hotels | Chippenham Lodge, The Bear of Rodbourne, and budget chains in bath | Look for “Womad Partner” rates; many offer shuttle service. |
Ticketing Details: Prices, release Dates, and Buying Tips
- General Admission (3‑day) – £225 early bird, £260 standard (includes camping allocation).
- Weekend Pass (2 days) – £150 early bird, £180 standard.
- VIP Experience – £425 (premium viewing platform, backstage lounge, exclusive workshops).
- Family bundle – £480 (2 adults + 2 children, family camping).
How to secure your ticket:
- Create an account on the official Womad ticketing platform 24 hours before sale.
- Enable push notifications – a one‑minute window frequently enough decides availability.
- Use multiple devices (desktop + mobile) to increase success rate.
- Consider “Ticket Protect” – a small fee that holds your purchase for 48 hours, useful for groups.
environmental and Sustainability Initiatives at Neston Park
- Zero‑Waste Goal – All food vendors must use compostable packaging; on‑site recycling stations will be color‑coded for paper, plastic, metal, and organic waste.
- Renewable Energy – Portable solar generators will supplement the existing grid supply, targeting a 30 % reduction in diesel use compared with 2025.
- Carbon Offsetting – Ticket price includes a contribution to the “Tree for Tomorrow” program, planting 2 trees per ticket in the Cotswolds.
- Water conservation – Grey‑water recycling systems will irrigate the festival grounds, decreasing fresh water demand by 15 %.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why is Womad moving from Charlton Park?
A: The licence application cites “capacity constraints” and “enhanced sustainability opportunities” at Neston Park, alongside a strategic partnership with the estate’s owners to develop a long‑term festival hub.
Q: Will the 2026 lineup differ from previous years?
A: while the core ideology—global music, dance, and arts—remains, Womad has announced a focus on emerging African and South‑American acts, plus a dedicated “Eco‑Stage” spotlighting environmentally themed performances.
Q: How will COVID‑19 protocols be handled?
A: Womad will follow the UK Government’s “Live Venue Guidance” (as of 2025). Proof of vaccination or a negative rapid test will be required for entry, with additional hand‑sanitising stations throughout the site.
Q: is the festival pet‑kind?
A: service animals are permitted. Regular pets are not allowed in the main camping zones but can stay in designated “Pet‑Friendly Pods” with prior booking.
Q: What happens if the licence is delayed?
A: Womad has a contingency plan to retain charlton Park as a backup venue. Ticket holders will be notified via email, and any venue change will not affect ticket validity.
Fast reference for 2026 Womad at Neston Park
- Dates: 12‑15 July 2026
- Location: Neston Park Estate, Chippenham, Wiltshire
- Ticket sale start: 2 January 2026 18:13 GMT (archived on archyde.com)
- Key attractions: World‑music headline acts, interactive workshops, sustainable food market, family‑friendly zones.
For real‑time updates,follow @WomadOfficial on Twitter and subscribe to the festival newsletter on the official website.
