EVERY child is welcome at WOMAD and encouraged to get involved in the many exciting activities lined up in the World of Children.

The organisers of the popular festival, which takes place at Charlton Park this weekend, have put together this handy guide for families:

Packing for WOMAD

It’s always tricky to know what to pack for a weekend at a festival however the forecast suggests that it’s going to be a dry and hot July so bring summer clothes, sunglasses and loads of suncream. Don’t leave your waterproofs and wellies at home though, just in case!

You can purchase a metal WOMAD water bottle on site and there are plenty of free water points for refilling.

Don’t forget wet wipes for any spillages or sudden emergencies and lots of snacks to keep kids happy after long days of running around the World of Children.

Ear defenders for children also come highly recommended by WOMAD families – in case you’re dancing near the front!

Sleeping

The family campsite is the perfect place to pitch up for the weekend for those with children. With other families nearby, an ever-friendly atmosphere and stewards on hand to ensure a calm, quiet vibe carries on into the evening so everyone can be sure to get an early night if needed.

Make sure you bring blankets and warm jumpers for the evenings and consider hiring a Cart to Camp trolley – they provide a great place for children to nap on the move, and a good place to store things too.

Eating

There are loads of amazing food traders at WOMAD selling food from around the world so there are lots of new and exciting tastes to try. If, however, your children need the comfort of homely food every now and again, have a look at what’s on offer under ‘Markets’ in the WOMAD app and find a meal to suit everyone in the family.

What to do

For a full timetable of workshops, activities, events and experiences for children download the WOMAD 2018 app and explore away.

Don’t forget, our children’s workshops are totally free. This year’s theme in the World of Children is all about insects and as well as fantastic activities there’s also lots to learn.

Have a look at our 5 highlights to get you started, and let us know what you discover at the festival itself:

  • Create and make costumes to show off in Sunday’s parade - children can learn new skills and help to make wonderful large-scale pieces and willow structures with Carnival Arts.

  • Try your hand at a musical instrument at the Music Caravan - there are violins, violas, guitars, and ukeleles aplenty and tutors on hand to help whatever your level.

  • See WOMAD from up high – kids can try trapeze and develop aerial skills with Aeritico.

  • Build dens and musical sculptures -make masks and clay models. And you can knit spiders webs with the Finga Ninjas.

  • Make sure you catch a story from one of our storytellers from around the world. Jordan Stories certainly looks like he has some wonderful tales to spin for captivated ears.

  • We have a designated breastfeeding space for mums in the World of Children if you’d like to be somewhere quiet to relax and feed your baby. Of course, breastfeeding is welcomed anywhere on WOMAD’s site but if you would appreciate having the space to chill out and meet other parents this is a safe and calm place to do just that.

For all information about workshops and the activities for families at WOMAD download the WOMAD 2018 app for Android and IOS now at womad.co.uk