WOMAD promised us changes this year and I have to say that most of the ones they implemented worked extremely well. The change of aspect of the main stage gave much better access to the arena and moving the funfair out into the new “32 acre field” allowed a lot more space around the Village Stage as well as the introduction of a Healing Field type area which was housed in a row of beach huts. There were problems moving around in the Radio 3 Stage area, predominantly due to the rows & rows of camping chairs, but the new Tri Span Stage was a very welcome addition and allowed much greater access to the nightly cabaret.

Toilets were much improved with only one minor leakage that I noticed and the car parking situation was much better than last year. Although we still had a fair walk to the car it was nothing like the route march we encountered last year & our exit on the Monday morning was totally unhindered.

But the one thing that was worse than ever this year was the issue of campsite security. One friend of mine had his tent entered while he was asleep on both the Thursday & Friday nights & he then had his bag stolen from under his nose on the Saturday. Other people in our group had similar experiences and it was possible to see groups of people blatantly scouring the campsite for likely victims during the night. A Policeman told me that by Saturday evening they had already received over 200 reports of thefts from occupied tents which is simply unacceptable, especially at such a family orientated event.

Musically the festival was as diverse as ever with the African music mecca of Mali particularly well represented. There was also plenty of Latin stuff for people to practice their Salsa & Merengue steps. Friday looked the most attractive day from the outset to me. Personal favourites Los De Abajo were splendid and Salif Keita gave an imperious headline performance. The Mahotella Queens defied their advancing years and Finnish band Varttina also put on a great show in the Siam Tent.

On Saturday Bomba & Derub were an unexpected discovery in the Tri Span tent. Ska Cubano and Kanda Bongo Man had the main arena crowd bopping, but I’m afraid I missed Femi Kuti due to assisting my friend in reporting his stolen bag at the onsite police station.

Sunday threw up some real gems. Ivo Papasov’s Clarinet playing was simply jaw dropping and Konono No.1’s continuous 75 minute set of transcendental super-amplified thumb piano was equally impressive. But pride of place went to Japanese band Pascals, making their UK debut. Their beautiful string arrangements were interspersed by a bizarre array of pots & pans and children’s toys all played with items as diverse as an electric toothbrush & an angle grinder!

All in all another wonderful weekend by the Thames & I'll be back next year for the 25th anniversary celebrations. Just sort out the security in future please WOMAD.