WOMAD's Paula Henderson Chats To I Like Music

Whilst watching a performance by an African Group, Peter Gabriel considered the impact the music he was hearing would have upon many if only they were given the opportunity to experience it. As a result, the World of Music, Arts and Dance (WOMAD) organisation was founded in 1980 by Peter Gabriel, Thomas Brooman, and Bob Hooton, with an aim to introduce global sounds to a western audience.

The first WOMAD festival took place in 1982 in Shepton Mallet, England. The event has now grown to include crowds of over 80,000 per event, varied live performances, workshops, stalls and events for children. WOMAD also holds festivals around the globe, including New Zealand, Spain and Sicily and has pioneered the acceptance and enjoyment of global music within western culture.

WOMAD 2009 takes place in the UK at Charlton Park in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, from 24 to 26 July 2009. I Like Music caught up with WOMAD Festival Programmer Paula Henderson to chat about how the music for the festival comes together, artists she recommends and remembers, what's new for 2009, the future plans for the festival and why WOMAD remains one of the most unique festivals in the UK.
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