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Post by digitalmonkey on Aug 6, 2019 7:47:57 GMT
So pleased to hear some positive reports
I really don't know why I didn't go this year as the World needs WOMAD more than ever. Have no doubt, after my 2 year sabbatical I will be back next year.
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Post by calndel on Aug 6, 2019 10:17:50 GMT
this year's WOMAD was one of the best we have been too but we had a little bit a blip at the beginning.
We arrived before 08.00 on the Thursday but when the gates opened there were problems scanning some of the bar codes (event bright not being too bright again) eventually we were given wrist bands and our tickets taken to be scanned later.
We pitch camp at x marks the spot with SS and Andy, taking it turns to have arguments and helping other set up at x marks the spot. The drop off point at red gate made a lot of difference. It was also the hottest day of the weekend but luckily we could cool of in the WOMAD lido. It did get very warm and for a time Del thought he wasn't going to make the arena in the evening. Luckily the temperature began to drop and a large salad helped and a gentle cooling breeze under his kilt helped revive him.
Thursday evening's meet up was as lovely as ever, although finding a place for the webcam wave was impossible due to Webby's new view point. Juan De Marcos' Afro Cuban All Star were good and helped loosen the loon dancing hips for the rest of the weekend.
Friday was cooler and Iberi Choir kicked thing off, Santrofi impressed Cal, we both enjoyed Nimba at taste the world. As Rendrags said Les Filles de illighadad appeared to be struggling for some reason. We caught little bit of Marja Mortensson and Rura both of which were impressive. During the day we caught the Vauduo Game workshop which was a little but dry however their live set was top drawer and we loon danced all the way through.
Saturday was Dakha Brrakha day, we saw them at taste the world and Del managed to get back stage and meet the band (much more details in the dakhabrakha saga thread). DakhaBrakha live set filled the Siam and their set was cracking, yet again an all time WOMAD highlight. We saw Larry Gurruwiwi and Malawurr at the Ecocity stage and Cal enjoyed their workshop although sound bleed was an issue and we ended the night with Ustad Saami who helped us unwind.
Sunday was a top WOMAD day. Starting with Lindigo at taste the world, then the amazing Kim So Ram, the super coool Brushy One String, the incredible the Breath, loon dancing to Cymande and then finishing things off with the powerful Majia Kauhanen. Perfect.
As usual there were lots of bands we wish we could have seen but you can't be everywhere. Del's tie dye and lights went down a treat too.
As for the camp site, we noted the loos had been moved so we had a slightly longer walk to find them from x marks the spot, we did note that they seemed to be cleaner this year. The showers were as good as every and Del enjoyed a lovely cold shower in the heat of Thursday afternoon before the water heater kicked in. We did have a group of teens camping next to us and overall they were fine (we have made more noise that they did at times).
The new arena lay out was okay but we still felt the main stage and CG stage were a bit cramped. There seemed to be less traders too but we can be too sure. The wash and rinse points were just taps and sometimes just one, more of a re-branding rather than improved facility.
The bars were okay and we never had to wait long for a drink although none of the bars near the DnD stage opened until 18.00!
The DnD stage was good but Del tended to avoid it for the main acts as it got too busy, Cal also had to move to the edge of the Siam when things got to busy. This is personal choice.
Sound bleed is always an issue but the Ecocity and the workshop tents all suffered badly from sound bleed.
Taste the World is still our favourite stage and long may it continue.
We didn't venture into the Physic pavilion or yip yak poetry shack mainly due to the fact we didn't have time.
Radio WOMAD was lovely way to start each day.
Best of all was meeting our WOMAD chums, they always make WOMAD special and help drain Del's hip flasks
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Post by olirow on Aug 6, 2019 12:54:03 GMT
One thing I have noticed is that there are loads of bands on people's favourite lists that I didn't get to see. And I didn't do anything other than listen to music. Guess it just goes to show how good the line up was this year.
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Post by mikey on Aug 6, 2019 16:58:57 GMT
Glad Del. Managed to get a cold shower on the Thursday. I had a shower to try and cool down, the water heater was on and came out feeling hotter than before 😓
Good job it was dry weather or the wash rinse and water points would have been a waterlogged quagmire (not impressed at whoever’s idea that was).
Was a great weekend and although there was less music choice, I was struggling to find free time to do some essentials (shopping, toilet, drinking, eating etc)
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Post by calndel on Aug 7, 2019 18:55:42 GMT
One thing I have noticed is that there are loads of bands on people's favourite lists that I didn't get to see. And I didn't do anything other than listen to music. Guess it just goes to show how good the line up was this year. the line up was very good but we didn't see any of the headliners, they didn't float our boats |
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Post by calndel on Aug 7, 2019 18:57:51 GMT
some points we forgot to add
on Monday the queues to level the car park seemed longer that than usual, we noted that everyone in the car park had to leave by the red gate which seemed to cause a bottle neck. Why the car park traffic couldn't chose between the red gate and the camper van exit we don't know.
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Post by mikey on Aug 7, 2019 19:05:51 GMT
some points we forgot to add on Monday the queues to level the car park seemed longer that than usual, we noted that everyone in the car park had to leave by the red gate which seemed to cause a bottle neck. Why the car park traffic couldn't chose between the red gate and the camper van exit we don't know. Just finding your way out of the car park was tricky with little in the form of sign posting, also did not help when expecting to exit the usual way but finding it was turned round completely. Must remember the way out for next year. 🤔 |
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Post by calndel on Aug 7, 2019 19:08:22 GMT
Del managed to work his magic with the breath too
after their set at the ecotricty stage Del decided to get a signed cd, he asked the band why they had not played Scotland. They told him no one would book them and he should really ask their manager.
He then had a conversation with their manager, a formidable little lady about venues and promoters in Glasgow and Scotland. Del told her he would start to nag people and sent of a few tweets and went to the main stage to see Cymande.
When Cymande has finished their set Del was standing at the front of the main stage when he got a tap on the shoulder. He turned around to see the manager from the breath with a very odd look on her face. In disbelieving tones she told Del she had message her man in Scotland asked if there was any news about playing there, she then got a reply to say they had just been confirmed for Celtic Connections!
big hugs all around
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Post by mikey on Aug 7, 2019 21:52:09 GMT
Del managed to work his magic with the breath too after their set at the ecotricty stage Del decided to get a signed cd, he asked the band why they had not played Scotland. They told him no one would book them and he should really ask their manager. He then had a conversation with their manager, a formidable little lady about venues and promoters in Glasgow and Scotland. Del told her he would start to nag people and sent of a few tweets and went to the main stage to see Cymande. When Cymande has finished their set Del was standing at the front of the main stage when he got a tap on the shoulder. He turned around to see the manager from the breath with a very odd look on her face. In disbelieving tones she told Del she had message her man in Scotland asked if there was any news about playing there, she then got a reply to say they had just been confirmed for Celtic Connections! big hugs all around The members of Dakhabrahta were right, you are Mister Magic man. Wherever you suggest someone should play a gig, it magically happens |
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Post by calndel on Aug 8, 2019 21:11:38 GMT
Del managed to work his magic with the breath too after their set at the ecotricty stage Del decided to get a signed cd, he asked the band why they had not played Scotland. They told him no one would book them and he should really ask their manager. He then had a conversation with their manager, a formidable little lady about venues and promoters in Glasgow and Scotland. Del told her he would start to nag people and sent of a few tweets and went to the main stage to see Cymande. When Cymande has finished their set Del was standing at the front of the main stage when he got a tap on the shoulder. He turned around to see the manager from the breath with a very odd look on her face. In disbelieving tones she told Del she had message her man in Scotland asked if there was any news about playing there, she then got a reply to say they had just been confirmed for Celtic Connections! big hugs all around The members of Dakhabrahta were right, you are Mister Magic man. Wherever you suggest someone should play a gig, it magically happens lol it may take a while for the magic to work but it usually does |
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Post by Zenrider on Aug 8, 2019 23:44:42 GMT
some points we forgot to add on Monday the queues to level the car park seemed longer that than usual, we noted that everyone in the car park had to leave by the red gate which seemed to cause a bottle neck. Why the car park traffic couldn't chose between the red gate and the camper van exit we don't know. Just finding your way out of the car park was tricky with little in the form of sign posting, also did not help when expecting to exit the usual way but finding it was turned round completely. Must remember the way out for next year. 🤔 Weather permitting, you could always pack up,then meet at the back of the lot for a final snack and watch the other drivers.👀 |
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