WOMAD

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  World of Meeting, Amour and Dating? ;-)

  Posted on 01-Aug-2011 10:00pm by Nigenet

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  Excellent weekend as usual. Huge thanks to everybody whose hard work made it possible.
  My guess is that the negative issues mentioned above were a result of a significantly bigger crowd this year.
  To put together an event of that complexity, and make it run pretty much faultlessly, is a major achievement.
  Looking forward to next year!

  Posted on 01-Aug-2011 10:14pm by Tindaletim

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  Another wonderful WOMAD - many thanks to all involved.

  Biggest Highlights - most of the stuff on CG stage and (as ever) Radio 3 stage, Afrocubism, R&G, toilets (best ever!), overall atmosphere - forever positive,laid back and friendly, litter-free once again, this year's design and T-shirt, two Scottish bands and many Scots in other bands, Radio Womad, the app, reggae, cubans, real beer, space on the campsites and the weather.

  Could do even-betters - the CG stage is a bit of a motorway with people crossing, lack of space at Radio 3 stage, loss of volume on some stages at some points (eg CG after 11pm), more stuff for teens and the clown who (fails to) MC on the CG stage.

  Posted on 01-Aug-2011 10:17pm by Mabilica

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  We had an outstandingly wonderful time and huge thanks are due to all at WOMAD - just excellent!
  Compared to other festivals I've been to WOMAD has a very wide range of folk, differing in their age, expectations and . . would 'standards' be the right word? Given that I reckon they strike an amazing balance. But the limited number of things to do late is a drawback for some and leaves them kicking around looking for action. Maybe a few more small venues going really late could serve the night-owls without keeping the early sleepers awake?
  We often found the Charlie Gillet stage really crowded and with people almost spilling into the market it was difficult to find a place to hear the music. I suspect that like the Radio 3 stage the CG stage is a victim of its own success. Similarly there were times near the Big Red Tent where the sea of chairs was tending to engulf all before it.

  So maybe a bit of tweaking but not too much please WOMAD 'cos we had a truely wonderful weekend!

  Posted on 01-Aug-2011 10:46pm by Prue

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  Heh we can all have our few niggles, whether it be from youthful exuberance, or the picnic blankets and sedantary nature of the silver haired generation obstructing dancing to the music! The main thing is despite aching feet everyone I saw seemed to be leaving with smiles on their faces and positive tales to tell and wanting to return next year. Bring on WOMAD mark 30!

  Posted on 01-Aug-2011 11:21pm by OwenL

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  1. The line up this year was very good.
  2. The toilets were excellent! I couldn't believe that I found a usable toilet on Monday morning.
  3. The glass recycling was a huge success as well and with people disposing of their rubbish, the site was amazingly clean.
  4. The weather was brilliant.
  5. It was really nice to meet fellow members not only at the first meet but also throughout the weekend.

  As for negative points....I think that I will post a these in a week or two whilst I pause and compile my thoughts.

  Posted on 02-Aug-2011 12:13am by Shellovski

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  Music, food & loos all great! The la di da loos were were worth every penny spent! No problem with teenagers - they all seemed to be having a good time without being a nuisance!
  Agree about the older, middle aged chair sitters plonking themselves at the front blocking other peoples' viewing and dancing - they were more of a nuisance than teenagers! And no, I'm not being ageist - I'm middle aged
  And unfortunately it was some campers in that (or my!) age group again that really got up my nose - they partitioned their camping area (which was quite large & included a few tents & gazebo) off with a wide pink ribbon........ surprised they didn't have a sign up saying trespassers will be prosecuted. If my scissors hadn't been too sharp to carry around with me I'd have cut their ribbon! Bet they weren't dancing to Alabam 3 to the song about no borders, countries etc

  Posted on 02-Aug-2011 9:54am by WaterDragon

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  Sitting or standing!

  When the Big red is at maximum capacity and there is a high energy band playing with people dancing, the last thing you need are people claiming territory with blankets and chairs. They should be asked to leave. However, when it is a relaxing slow medative band playing on the Radio 3 or Charlie Gillett people should have enough respect for people sitting and listening not to walk in front of then and stand blocking the view, and even when asked to sit or remove themselves just ignore common decent manners and stay standing.

  So it sounds like the only partying teens camped next to us. I have no issue with teens enjoying themselves, but I do get grumpy when kept up all night. Security did ask them to move to the festival camping the next day however, they were blissfully unaware that they were actually in family camping. So perhaps some better signage and proactive stewarding when it is observed that a large group if teens are amassing in family camping.

  Posted on 02-Aug-2011 11:20am by JayCee

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  Nigenet you never said ;-)

  Posted on 02-Aug-2011 11:21am by JayCee

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  In 2010 there were wash places on the campsite but this year we had to pay for them. Bit like Ry...ir squeezing a few more quid.
  As already said, armchairs and territorial people were a pain in the arse. 3 standers=1 sitter in area. Blankets on the ground, pain in the arse. Territorial sorts at R3 stage pain in arse. Generally though I loved it. I may have to seek a slightly smaller fest too JC. More to come.

  Posted on 02-Aug-2011 11:57am by Retrac

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