Womad Unveils Full Weekend Programme for 2026 as Day Tickets Go on Sale
Taking place from 23–26 July, the world’s most celebrated global music festival will bring together legendary voices, future stars and boundary pushing artists from across the globe. From Afrobeat and reggae to jazz, hip hop and underground electronic music, the completed programme reflects WOMAD’s continued evolution while remaining rooted in its founding spirit of cultural exchange and discovery.
Friday’s line-up is led by South London neo soul star Greentea Peng, reggae legend Barrington Levy and Afrobeat innovator Mádé Kuti, whose appearance continues one of music’s most influential family legacies. They are joined by spiritual jazz vocalist ganavya, Birmingham rapper Kofi Stone and Bristol’s Ishmael Ensemble & Rituals Orchestra.
Saturday sees East London jazz visionary Alfa Mist, Brazilian superstar Daniela Mercury, Mercury Prize nominated Emma-Jean Thackray and Congolese groove pioneers Jupiter & Okwess take to the stage, showcasing a programme rich in contemporary jazz, experimentation and global rhythms.
Closing the festival on Sunday are Malian icon Oumou Sangaré and Swedish folk favourite José González, alongside Mercury Prize shortlisted jazz innovators corto.alto, Lebanese electronic pioneer Yasmine Hamdan and South African favourites Freshlyground.
Across the weekend, WOMAD’s growing embrace of jazz, hip hop and electronic music is evident throughout the programme. Artists including Alfa Mist, Emma-Jean Thackray, corto.alto, Kofi Stone and Greentea Peng sit alongside globally influential electronic selectors presented through the festival’s partnership with NTS, including VHOOR, DJ Travella, Cami Layé Okún and Shannen SP.
The programme also reflects WOMAD’s strong links with Bristol’s independent music community through collaborations and takeovers from organisations including Saffron, the pioneering music and technology initiative working to redress the industry’s gender imbalance by supporting women, non-binary and trans communities. Also featured are Jam Jar, Bristol’s much-loved independent music space championing both local talent and artists from around the world, alongside Twende and VP Productions, two Bristol-based collectives renowned for their vibrant celebrations of global music, bringing together afrobeats, reggae, Latin sounds and beyond.
Paula Henderson, WOMAD Global Artist Programmer, said:
“Curating WOMAD is about discovery, bringing together artists from different musical worlds who expand horizons and connect with our audience. This line-up reflects that spirit, and we’re looking forward to welcoming these incredible musicians to our new home at Neston Park.”