“Extraordinary diversity”: WOMADelaide draws 90,000 punters

WOMADelaide drew over 90,000 people over four days to Adelaide’s Botanic Park between March 8—11, organisers announced this morning.

“The weekend has been a tremendous celebration of the worlds most extraordinary music, arts, and dance across the festival site in a way that this festival city is able to stage so well,” said its director Ian Scobie.

“This year’s line-up encapsulated the extraordinary diversity of the international arts and music community from every corner of the globe.”

Among the highlights were Angelique Kidjo’s reimagined rendition of Talking Heads’ classic album Remain In Light, Christine and The Queens, flamenco pioneer, María Pagés’ radical interpretation of Yo Carmen, Soweto’s BCUC and their thumping afro-punk beat, the eclectic collaboration of Yo-Yo Ma’s Silkroad Ensemble and the Original Gypsies who closed the festival last night.

Two years ago, the South Australian government struck a deal with WOMAD Ltd in the UK to extend the festival’s stay in Adelaide until 2024.

WOMADelaide is a major tourism draw, with 45% of its audience coming from outside SA, and an annual economic impact estimated at $15.1 million.