WOMAD

WOMAD is set to return to the Spanish town of Cáceres for its 22nd year over the weekend of 10-12 May 2013. Described in the Guardian as "possibly the most authentically medieval and Renaissance city still in existence", Cáceres offers one of the world's more unique festival settings.

And one of the best things about WOMAD Cáceres? Entrance is absolutely FREE!*
*Friday, Saturday and Sunday's festival entertainment are entirely free. Tickets for Thursday's performances at the Gran Teatro are available from the Gran Teatro.

But what can we expect?
Step into the magic of WOMAD Cáceres. Music from across the world floats out over the walls of the ancient citadel, a jigsaw of Roman, Italian Renaissance and Gothic architecture, where the infamous stalks make their homes.

Both music stages are located in plazas within this ancient city. The main stage, which has seen sets from the likes of Ska Cubano, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble and Femi Kuti in the past, overlooks the Plaza Mayor, while the more intimate, smaller stage is situated on the Plaza San Jorge. Here, at times during the weekend, the square gets so packed that festival-goers scale the sides of the walls and hang off the window guards to glimpse a sight of the artists on offer.

Above Plaza San Jorge, the Centro de Exposiciones houses the children's workshops. Expect an explosion of brightly coloured paint, streamers, glitter and glue throughout the weekend in this area. And expect more of the same on the Sunday when the kids wind their way through Cáceres' ancient streets showing off their inspired creations in the annual children's parade.

Also expect to eat well. Cáceres is famed for its stews, roast meats, fried breadcrumbs, trout, pastries and honey. All of this, alongside local arts and crafts and other gorgeous gifts are available in the vibrant market on the cobbled streets of Las Valetas.

Friday 10 and Saturday 11 May will be filled with musicians eager to make you jump, laugh and listen. Expect the unexpected!

Sunday 12 May is all about the children. WOMAD shows off the children's creations by marching around the city carrying, wearing, bashing, waving their incredible work. Come and join in.