WOMAdelaide draws 96,000 over four days

WOMADelaide 2018 has wrapped up after four days, with attendances of 96,000.

The 2018 program featured performances from more than 70 groups from 25 countries.

They included mesmerising shows on the Foundation Stage by sitarist Anoushka Shankar on opening night, the brilliance of American jazz maestro Kamasi Washington on Sunday and a powerhouse finale from Thievery Corporation.

Tank and the Bangas’ Tarriona ‘Tank’ Ball had the audience in the palm of her hand within moments of their opening night set, the ‘bad boys of jazz’, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, conquered all, as did the elegance and vocal mastery of Cuba’s young Daymé Arocena and Cape Verde’s Lura.

Australia’s Baker Boy, Remi x Sampa The Great and The Avalanches attracted great audiences, while Dustyesky’s delightfully tongue-in-cheek 28-strong all-male choir beautifully complemented Mama Kin Spender’s rich, warm songs accompanied by a 24-piece local choir.

Thousands also flocked to Frome Park to experience the thrilling and visually spectacular Manganiyar Seduction from India.

A highlight Gratte Ciel’s Place des Anges, delighted young and old with a magical aerial spectacular as the visiting ‘Angels’ danced lighting up the skies above the treetops each night, filling everyone with joy and wonder.  

WOMADelaide director Ian Scobie said “The incredibly dedicated team at this festival who work so hard to deliver an ever-evolving program to its loyal audience, have been thrilled to witness the joyous reaction of audiences – and to see so many people experience WOMADelaide.

“We were blessed by ‘Angels’ both on, off and above the stages and the memories will linger for many years and inspire audiences with the ability of the arts to inspire and reflect upon the generosity of spirit and extraordinary skills artists have brought to the event.

“Gratte Ciel has been a joy, and an extraordinary accomplishment for our incredible production team, but it was terrific to see that some of the biggest crowds were for artists perhaps lesser-known in Australia, such as Pat Thomas & Kwashibu Area Band from Ghana, Violons Barbares from France/Bulgaria/Mongolia and the youthful Elephant Sessions from Scotland.”

The next WOMADelaide will be celebrated from March 8-11 March 2019 in Botanic Park, Adelaide.

For information and tickets visit www.womadelaide.com.au