WOMAD

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  The security, as ever, were a bit too arsey with the young festival goers.

  The new R3 stage isn't as good as the last one. I liked the absence of the crash barrier. The new stage seems both smaller *and* lower.

  Some people couldn't get into the arena for Tai Chi at 9.30 because they "weren't allowed" to let people in till 10.00!

  People were being turfed out of the pit in front of the Open AIr Stage during Jimmy Cliff's set including, after quite a while, a child who seemed to be about seven. It was enlightening therefore, that the following night the poshoes from the big house were allowed to posh about in the pit during Khaled's set. What was even more enlightening was to see an Indian boy (complete with backwards cap in full-on Goodness Gracious Me style) sit next to them together with three Indian girls--I thought they belonged to the Indian drummer who came on for a bit of a bash with Khaled--as soon as they sat down, the poshoes waved to get the attention of a security ape and the Indian group were moved to the other end of the pit.

  Posted on 30-Jul-2012 10:00pm by Ed_

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  Little bit upset that on entry my husband... (big black guy) was subjected to being sniffed for drugs/explosives, but they actually refused to have me sniffed (small white welsh woman) We will know how to smuggle the stuff in next year ( NB This is a JOKE...do not take me to court over it please)

  Posted on 30-Jul-2012 10:10pm by NikkiNoo

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  No NikkiNoo I think they were just dead scared of small welsh women

  Posted on 30-Jul-2012 10:20pm by Desert Traveller

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  On the whole dead positive...as someone who walks back to stay in Malmesbury every night, really appreciating the good signposting and lighting! Loos great,loo-roll plentiful . Some of our favourite eateries weren't there-Le Grand Bouffe to name one but we loved the Roving Rotissserie! I thought security did ok, saw them very tactfully confiscating a box of bottles from under-age teens. Bit disappointed with the sound at times. Big Red Tent...well, there's a whole thread on that! But Natty Bo had to fight for his mike duing Ska Cubano's set and he was sadly drowned out by his marvellous band. Bring back Johnny Kalsi as MC...he obvioulsy loves the music and keeps us all smiling!!

  

  Posted on 30-Jul-2012 10:47pm by Mazbat

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  loved womad as always just one criticism the plastic bear glasses for ten pence weren't being collected and my daughter and her friend were a bit disappointed

  Posted on 30-Jul-2012 10:47pm by Ed_

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  Yet another great Womad. Huge thanks to everyone for the hard work involved.
  Excellent line up, too many highlights to list but particularly enjoyed Manganiyar Seduction.
  And yes, the loos were in good condition throughout. The placing of the open banks of urinals right next to a main gate ...... hmmm.

  Posted on 30-Jul-2012 10:50pm by Tindaletim

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  Yes I saw that plastic bear too, on the 'Save the Artic' stand, but didn't see it wearing glasses

  Posted on 30-Jul-2012 10:50pm by Retrac

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  Hey, the cow was back...the penguin was good but I have missed the cow on a stick!!!

  Posted on 30-Jul-2012 10:55pm by Mazbat

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  Lol Desert Traveller... Up the Welsh girlies Bach!

  Posted on 30-Jul-2012 11:41pm by NikkiNoo

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  My first WOMAD since 1985 on Mersea Island. We had such a blast. So many positives in terms of the line-up, site, sound, crowd and fully functioning hot showers.

  Only 2 niggles:
  The limited number of toilet locations meant an overly long walk from where we camped (in the corner where boutique meets camping meets campervans. Along the boundary between family camping and campervans looked practicable to me.
  I am in no way hooked on or expecting staging like an arena show at the O2 but I thought the lighting across all the stages was, at best, pedestrian.

  But these were only tiny dents in a fabulous weekend. I'll cherish forever my 3 year old being captivated for the entire duration of the The Manganiyar Seduction. T minus 361 and counting!

  Posted on 30-Jul-2012 11:45pm by Flapdoodler

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