From March the 11th until March 14th, Adelaide’s picturesque Botanic Park will be transformed for our favourite, annual, huge, worldly, cultural musical event – WOMADelaide. Affectionately shortened to WOMAD, this 4-day festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary and we are more than a little bit excited!
Did you know that up to two children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult? Or that discounted Youth Passes are available for those aged 13 – 17? What a fantastic opportunity to expose the little tackers to great music, culture and new experiences. It’s no wonder this event is full of families coming together to celebrate the world’s diversity.
WOMADelaide is *extremely* family-friendly but like everything, there are a few rules for kids and parents to adhere to. For example, children must wear a wristband that can be found on entry just inside the gates, the info booth, or KidZone. Please write the responsible adult’s name AND mobile number on it clearly (how’s that for organised eventing?)! It is also worth noting, minors are not permitted to enter the bars even if they are with a parent or responsible adult so you may need to tag team here.
Visitors have been enjoying a large variety of music and dance from all around the globe since 1992 and this years line-up is bigger and better than ever. Huge acts like Adelaide-born and Oz music icon Paul Kelly, The Cat Empire and New Zealand’s L.A.B are just a few epic examples of the artists hitting the stage. Full the full line-up, click here.
Along with plenty of singers/songwriters and dance, you’ll also find some fantastic artists, installations and performances around the park. In fact, the ‘Around the Park’ program (quite fitting really) sounds extremely inviting and we’re looking forward to exploring every inch (34 hectares to be exact) of Womad territory. We CAN. NOT. WAIT to take a stroll through The Cathedral of Light by Mandylights. This magnificent tunnel is illuminated by tens of thousands of LED light globes and is a whopping 60m long. Get those cameras ready, this experience looks like a beauty!
There’s also HEXADECA by Adelaide creative studio, Pulsing Heart. This architecturally-designed music-making playground uses stems by artists including Aurora choir, Adam Page and Tom Thum. As the audience sits and spins, they unknowingly activate portions of a musical score, only revealing the track in its entirety when each seat is occupied. Perfect for all ages, this is sure to be a hit in 2022!
While we’re still on the subject of ‘all things family-friendly’, let’s talk about just how amazing KidZone at WOMAD actually is!
Imagine an entire area at WOMADelaide dedicated to little humans, with daily activities programmed specially for kids. Immersive activities, science discoveries, storytelling, dress-ups, face painting, and even bouncy things, it’s much more than just a place to keep the kids happy. It’s a destination where thousands of grown-ups began their WOMAD love affair and a place where a new generation of lifelong WOmemories begin.
Let’s highlight some of the aspects guaranteed to keep the young’uns entertained.
Storytime with Eddie Betts https://www.womadelaide.com.au/artists/eddie-betts
AFL star, Eddie Betts will be making an appearance in 2022 as WOMADelaide’s guest storyteller. The proud Wirangu/Kokatha/Guburn role model will be sharing two stories from the series ‘Eddie’s Lil’ Homies’ on Saturday and Sunday in the KidZone.
Mirror Mirror https://www.womadelaide.com.au/artists/mirror-mirror
Patch Theatre’s NEW Mirror Mirror is an outdoor interactive kaleidoscope of fun, taking you into the heart of a disco ball. This wonderful addition will have your kids squealing with delight all day long!
Climbing Tree Nature Village https://www.womadelaide.com.au/artists/climbing-tree-s-nature-village
Outdoor adventurers and young explorers will LOVE Climbings Tree’s nature-play area returning in 2022. This popular oasis is an all-inclusive, interactive space for kids (and adults) to reconnect with nature, create, build and explore.
Evelyn Roth’s Nylon Zoo https://www.womadelaide.com.au/artists/evelyn-roth-s-nylon-zoo
Be enchanted by a world of imagination, costumes and stories at Everyln Roth’s much-loved Nylon Zoo. Watch as the colourful parade winds its way through KidZone, entertaining festival-goers with birds, butterflies, dinosaurs and more. This is not to be missed!
WOMADelaide welcomes prams and strollers which we think is just FAB! Parents will also be pleased to hear there’s a parenting room on site, complete with feeding chairs, baby changing facilities, and a microwave. This is located next to St John.
Please note: parking is limited with no on-site parking available. Your best bet? Park in the city and walk or catch public transport (most kids get a kick out of this).
So parents, if you’re worried about taking the kids to WOMADelaide, don’t be! Let them join in the magic and take joy in watching their little faces light up, absorbing the sights and sounds of one of the greatest music festivals in the world!
For more event info, visit the website here: www.womadelaide.com.au
Grab the full 2022 lineup here: https://www.womadelaide.com.au/lineup
For KidZone line up info hit here: https://www.womadelaide.com.au/lineup/kidzone
Tickets can be purchased here: www.womadelaide.com.au/tickets
Happy WOMADelaide everyone!