Thursday review

The earlybird ticket had clearly sold well as by the time we arrived the campsite was already looking pretty full. Changes in site policy meant the cars were now segregated from camping so an unexpected hike was required to and from the car park.

The weather looked at times ominous but by 6pm however glorious sunshine was bathing the arena and most of the traders were open. A quick look around the arena revealed some slight changes, but by and large it was the same old WOMAD but with the addition of a few well hidden bars.

Bath Ales provided a choice of real ales this year Gem, Festival Gem and Wild Hare to the public this time rather than just a backstage bar and was so popular Wild Hare became extinct after Thursday in all but the most hidden away bar, the organic one. There was also Burrowhill’s hot n spicy cider to tempt us as well as lagers and a stouts.

As well as real ales WOMAD offered Thursday arrivals another couple of treats. The Companie des Quidams had us all enthralled with their giant inflatable people and light up heads and had kids beaming for the rest of the night. In the Siam tent Dreamcatcher provided a stunning light and sound show with mesmerising lighting and convinced me it was raining at one point and it wasn’t. Plus there was a new collaboration of lyra, sitar and wondrous vocals on the Open Air Stage and I read in the programme that films were also being shown on the Village Stage.

All this plus a busier fun fair with more rides and thrills! Not forgetting The Tiny Tea Tent, chai tents, the flags and the spectacle that is WOMAD and loads of lovely places to eat. A fantastic start to the festival and it seemed most people had arrived already as we stumbled back to our tent, a late night campsite bar and the relatively cleaner toilets.

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