Monday 11 August 2014

WOMAD 2014

WOMAD festival was once again blessed with beautiful weather for this year's gathering of musical delight carefully selected from around the globe. The 24th to 27th July saw Wiltshire's Charlton Park warmed with sunlight, the only exception being a short sudden downpour that lasted less than 20 minutes.

The Abortorium is an area of the festival with an amazing selection of native and non-native trees and a great place to relax. Not only does the Abortorium offer perfect shade, it also has it's own small stage for acoustic performances.

The beautiful Kasia and Padro were back to balance your nature and maintain your well-being with Shiatsu in the relaxing shade. I believe this year was the first to have spoon carving workshops for those that feel that creative urge. Good friend Wayne Hooper will guide even the most novice adventurer through the steps of carving your own spoon from green wood.
If you'd like to see some of his wonderfully rustic spoons, follow this link:

WOMAD makes it so easy for us to discover new artists that we would otherwise never know. The Charlie Gillet Stage is just in front of us, giving us the opportunity to enjoy live world music all day and meet friends new and old who come to visit.

Chocolatier and musician Radek was on hand with his delicious handmade raw chocolate delights. If you like chocolate, you'll love these. Learn more about his chocolate from the following link:


If you have an interest in world music of many kinds, then this festival is a must. It is a very family friendly event and you'll be able to keep the kids amused with a large selection of free workshops in the Kids Area or attractions at the Steam Fair.

For any information about WOMAD festival, follow the link:


Sunday 10 August 2014

Glastonbury 2014

 Pilton Farm, Somerset was again the setting of the world's most famous music festival and we were delighted that Sorazora was back in the Greenfields. High up the hill just before the stone circle is where you'll find all the green craft activities and some of the more intimate stages.

The weather was great and the little rain that we had didn't seem to dampen anyone's spirits or create any mud-baths (at least not in the Greenfields!).

Although definitely not my cup of tea, the big names in music were Metallica and Dolly Parton. I did pop along to see The Pixies as they were the first live band I ever saw back in April 1989.
With all the non-music happenings and the fact that tickets sell out before anyone knows who's playing, I think it is fair to say that Glastonbury is more about the festival than it is the music.

If you only go to one festival a year, it really should be Glastonbury if you can manage to get a ticket before they sell out. Don't forget to pack both your wellies and suncream as you never know which you'll need. Finally, if you take a tent with you, please make sure you take it home again!