My Wife and I think Womad has lost it's Compass

[smurf]

It is not the same thing we loved over the last 30 years. -

[Zenrider]

To some degree, perhaps, but until they book the likes of Justin Bieber, not where it counts. From what I know WOMAD has largely run in the deficit. In the long run that is not sustainable. It also shows the commitment Peter has/had to the festival. I'm thinking that may be much to do with some of the changes.

Beyond that, I get it, most things are better before they get 'popular.' Here's hoping the people that don't belong at the beginning of the WOMAD, belong at the end. The ones that don't, won't be back next year...

[mikey]

It is a different Womad from just the short time I have been going. Not the excitement of late night performances or something special popping up. But it does run at a deficit, so we are told, and apart from A handful of names, lots of great performers never heard of before - not booked to attract the masses but to spread world music, satisfy the aficionados and discover something new. Also, this year, seem to be lot less uk based musicians involved, this must mean greater costs on travel, visas etc.

All that said, it is the non music/art/dance items that change the overall atmosphere which I struggle with. The train makes Womad seem more like a theme park (on top of the steam fair, although this looks to be different this year) rather than world music festival. Then there is the spa, ok if that is what some people want and if it raises money for the womad coffers but will always question why a spa ticket entitles access to the back stage areas?

Suppose at the end of the day, if it all contributes to funding the artists that is something worth having, but if it is the first steps to having different priced ticketing, extras for the elite who can afford it, then will consider whether I continue to go. If you want to know what I mean on elite tickets, look up V festival tickets and see how they charge extra for access to the better bars, toilets, catering... but I guess that is what you need to have to be able to attract Justin Bieber (and make a huge profit)

[calndel]

Everything changes

[Deleted]

I'ts change , you can't stop it
we have to let it go.
I Have so many great memories

[Purpledawn]

Jul 23, 2017 0:15:22 GMT smurf said:

It is not the same thing we loved over the last 30 years. -

Have you seen my post here smurf Africa Oye v Womad?  As you will read some of my friends have similar thoughts to me, but I also agree with people here. There's no doubt that Charlton Park is a great venue, little train, Spa and glamping aside. Yes, Womad Charlton Park has been 'sanitised' to some degree to appeal to middle class glampers and Spa ticket holders and I guess to appease the local Licensing Authority. I made some great memories at Reading but I hope to make many more at Charlton Park now a third generation of my family are being brought up as Womad kids. 

[deserttraveller]

When I needed the spa for medical reasons I got the access to the back stage bar which is not crowded but has a limited selection of beer; there is no access to back stage. I have worked at dozens of festivals, there is little to see backstage.
Certainly Womad could be quirker than it is now and I miss the magic of the arboretum being a quiet place with small clearings of calm; it seems like a wooded extension of the arena.

I dont mind a saturday night headliner to bring crowds in and £££ as long as there are alternatives for people like us. The festival costs a fortune to stage & it has to be sustainable, but too much sanitisation attracts the wrong sort.

[bloohair]

See you tomorrow DT

[deserttraveller]

Jul 26, 2017 19:12:07 GMT bloohair said:

See you tomorrow DT

Friday at 8 is I arrive in P&C, hope to pick up Rachel Sat morning, she has Radiotherapy tmw. & Friday