Photo: Supplied / Nick Paulsen
It’s been a while since major international festivals were on the calendar, however, Womad will be back in 2023 after a two-year gap.
Womad is a festival featuring performers in music, arts and dance from around the world as well as across Aotearoa.
The organisers have announced the first artists who will be performing at the Bowl of Brooklands from 17-19 March.
Womad event director Leesa Tilley said it would be the 20th anniversary of the event so that was “huge” for everyone associated with it.
The artists announced today were intended to be “a little bit of a teaser – these are a few little ingredients that are going to make up a big global brew which Womad is famous for.”
The full lineup will be announced on 20 October.
The first artists include a Korean act of three female folk singers, ADG7, an award-winning mix of traditional music combined with “glitzy upbeat pop” with some comedy thrown in.
San Salvador is a six-piece from France who combine pop music, poetry and hypnotic harmonies.
Kiwi acts include Avantdale Bowling Club featuring Tom Scott and artist/ author Dick Frizzell.
“So we’re very excited and 20th year of Womad – it’s a good one.”
Photo: Supplied
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Womad organisers say that while there are no overseas artists in this year’s line-up, the New Zealand-based acts will still bring the multicultural flavour.
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A leading music promoter says a proposal to increase the capacity at the Bowl of Brooklands in New Plymouth could put it amongst New Zealand’s premier concert venues.
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