A celebration of music, culture, and creativity; WOMAD Aotearoa returns for 2025

As Aotearoa heats up and festival season fast approaches, one of Aotearoa’s most anticipated festivals, WOMAD Aotearoa, returns to New Plymouth next March. Spanning over three days, from Friday, 14 - Sunday, 16 March, attendees can expect a journey around the globe and back through a stunning lineup of sounds, sights, and soul - truly promising an experience like no other.

Who will you be listening to?

Already, WOMAD Aotearoa 2025 has unveiled an incredible lineup of acts, bringing their own stories and sounds to the stage in a boundary-blurring celebration of music, culture, and creativity.

Uniting artists from every corner of the world, this year’s lineup truly feels like a soundscape treasure. From the dance-worthy grooves of Palestine’s 47Soul, to the soulful cello of Cuba’s Ana Carla Maza, the diversity of WOMAD’s lineup encourages attendees to step out of their usual playlist and explore something new.

The Brazilian group Bala Desejo brings a fresh energy to MPB, samba, and pop, while Niger’s Etran de L’Aïr fuses traditional Tuareg music with raw desert rock. Festival-goers can also dive into the soulful, Caribbean-tinged blues of Delgres or be swept into the depth of Bosnian composer Goran Bregović & His Wedding & Funeral Band.

From Aotearoa’s own shores, WOMAD Aotearoa welcomes back rising star CHAII, who infuses her Persian roots into her music; Who Shot Scott, whose style blends Middle Eastern influences with hip hop and punk; Black Comet’s fusion of rock and funk; and The Beths, adding a touch of indie rock to round out this incredible lineup.

What else can you expect?

More than just a music festival, WOMAD offers a fully immersive experience where art, music, food, and global perspectives come together in perfect harmony. Brooklands Park and the iconic Bowl of Brooklands in Ngāmotu (New Plymouth) are transformed into a world stage, welcoming attendees of all ages and backgrounds. Each year, the park is reimagined with multiple stages, colourful festival flags, twinkling light installations, and captivating art sculptures.

Adding even more magic, the festival’s Global Village serves up a feast for the senses, with gourmet food stalls offering international flavours to keep energy high for dancing and exploring. Between sets, attendees can stroll through boutique clothing stalls, wellness stands, and interactive workshops, creating a space for all ages to recharge and connect with other festival-goers.

Whether you’re setting out to catch particular acts, dive into thought-provoking talks, or admire the magic of art installations, the true spirit of WOMAD lies in wandering freely, letting the sounds, aromas, and sights guide you. The joy of unexpectedly discovering something new is what makes this three-day experience unforgettable.

For anyone seeking the thrill of discovery, a sense of magic, and a celebration of culture and community, WOMAD is an absolute must.

For more details and updates, visit WOMAD.CO.NZ.