Glasgow set to host WOMAD Festival in 2026

WOMAD was first held in 1982 in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, led by former Genesis frontman Peter Gabriel. Since then, the festival has taken place in 30 countries, with previous headliners over the years including Simple Minds, De La Soul, and Echo and the Bunnymen — notably hosting a line-up of both established and rising artists across genres including pop, dance, folk, jazz, hip-hop and more over three stages across the two days. In addition to the music, attendees can expect a series of free workshops hosted by musicians and dancers, talks, and food prepared by the artists.

WOMAD arrives in Glasgow as WOMAD International partners with Glasgow Life, a charity which seeks to improve the happiness and well-being of people in Glasgow through cultural events. Celtic Connections, Glasgow’s annual folk, roots and world music festival, will assist with WOMAD's programming for 2026.

Speaking on the event, Gabriel shares: “It’s brilliant to see the first Scottish WOMAD and thanks to Glasgow Life for giving us this wonderful opportunity. Glasgow is one of the first UNESCO cities of music and it’s always had a warm and welcoming attitude to the people and cultures of the world. At a time when hatred is being deliberately whipped up and when differences are being exploited for political gain, it’s increasingly important to have a meeting place which goes in the other direction; where our differences are celebrated, enjoyed and bring us together.”

“It is fitting that Glasgow, the UK’s first UNESCO City of Music, will add WOMAD Festival to the growing list of spectacular cultural events taking place in the city in 2026. Glasgow’s UNESCO City of Music status continues to open doors for international collaboration, tourism development, and inclusive cultural programming, reinforcing our city’s standing as a dynamic global hub for music lovers and creators alike," adds Billy Garrett, Director of Culture, Tourism and Events at Glasgow Life.

"The addition of WOMAD further enhances Glasgow’s enviable cultural events calendar, which already features the likes of Celtic Connections, Glasgow Film Festival, Glasgow International Comedy Festival, the Glasgow Mela, TRNSMT and the Merchant City Festival, among others. Glasgow will proudly join other WOMAD host cities around the world like Adelaide, Las Palmas, Rome and Santiago in hosting a celebration of extraordinary arts performances which emphasises the importance of community, diversity and mutual respect.”