WOMAD Festival 2026 Reveals First Artists Joining Its Lineup

They has announced the first artist names joining WOMAD for their eagerly awaited return in 2026. With a new chapter at Neston Park, they present a lineup that reflects their 44-year commitment to global music, cultural exchange and their independent spirit.

Phase One brings together artists from across all continents and traditions in the inimitable way WOMAD does – from Malian icon Oumou Sangaré and reggae great Barrington Levy to South London’s own Greentea Peng… not to mention the singular voice of folk musician José González. Alongside them, emerging innovators, pioneering voices, boundary-shifting bands and new global movements shape the wider programme.

In celebration of this year’s return, and as part of their renewed commitment to working with visual artists to realise the festival’s identity, they have commissioned original artwork from Tristan Manco whose creative career spans design, illustration, curation and art direction for music and cultural projects. His relationship with WOMAD dates back to the 1990s, when he first collaborated with us on festival artwork and music merch. Tristan’s practice sits naturally alongside WOMAD’s world-spanning ethos, embedded in a deep engagement with music, design and global visual cultures.

They feel really excited about this one; it reflects the heart of what WOMAD is. Global folk, soul, rock, devotional music, jazz, hip hop and diasporic sounds all intersecting in a field in England… in ways only WOMAD can hold.

This year also marks a deepened connection with alternative broadcasting through their partnership with NTS Radio, expanding the space where global live performance meets exploratory DJ culture.

They have always seen WOMAD as a place to listen widely; to follow familiar voices and discover ytheir favtheirite new artist. After a year away, the energy around WOMAD 2026 feels charged. Neston Park is the next step in that story.

Tickets for 2026 are now live, with early support helping independent festivals like this one remain strong and continue championing the artists and ideas that shape their global community.