Womad hacks

It’s a big wide world brimming with eclectic music, art installations, global food, tasty brews, dancing bodies and happy vibes. Womad New Zealand is back in New Plymouth for its 14th instalment featuring six stages and delivering 30 hours of entertainment over three days. Reporter Tara Shaskey has compiled some festival reminders for you to get the most out of your three-day experience.

Lose yourself

There’s no doubt this year’s line-up features some cracking acts you more than likely have circled on your programme - Kamasi Washington, Dragon, Jojo Abot, and The Miltones (just to name a few) - but the essence of Womad is discovering those musicians you otherwise would have never heard of. Squeeze in as many acts as you possibly can over the weekend and lose yourself in the exotic beats.

Get involved

Ever thought about learning some Cuban dance moves, how to master traditional Ma¯ori instruments, or how to drop beats with your own voice? Me neither, really, but why not immerse yourself in Womad in its entirety and give some or all of the diverse workshops on offer a go. It is, after all, not only a weekend of entertainment but also of experience.

Fun for all

Whether you’re planning to party the weekend away with your BFF, share your last bite of Hungarian Bread Puffs with your BAE, picnic with your olds, or chase your children from one end of the TSB Bowl of Brooklands to the other, Womad really is an event for all ages. Head along with whomever you’re likely to enjoy the experience with and find there really is something for every generation. Remember there is the Parents Hub on offer for people wanting to feed babies in comfort, and the Kidzone where youngsters can go wild under the watch of their parents. Write your cellphone number on your little one’s hand, just in case they do decide to wander off.

Whatever the weather

Not to put to put a damper on the promise of sun the weather gods have handed down for the weekend, but (just in case) pack some plastic ponchos or a jacket, as it is Taranaki after all. Dress for comfort, including your footwear. The days are long and the park is big, so you want to don yourself with something that will allow you to both trek about in and dance freely and it will no doubt get nippy as the sun goes down, so don’t forget to bring a jersey. On the other side of that weather coin, ensure you’re well prepped with sunscreen and sunhats, because (in the spirit of Womad’s positive vibes) the sun will shine.

Charge up

Too many Snapchats will drain your phone’s battery - it’s inevitable. But you don’t have to avoid sending off all of those fabulous selfies to your followers just to save power, instead head along to the Witt Recharge Zone and chill out on a bean bag while your phone recharges for free.

Drop your bag

There’s nothing worse than trying to dance while you’ve got a big old handbag hanging off your shoulder, so stop by the RNZ Bag Drop and relinquish yourself of that heavy arm burden.

Get the app

Before your weekend begins, download the official Womad App for all your timetable and information needs.