If your plans for 2025 involve immersing yourself in one of New Zealand’s most vibrant and iconic festival events, book now to experience the wonders of WOMAD – and lock in your travels to New Plymouth from 14 to 16 March to soak in the action
The line-up continues to grow, and among the most recent artists announced are international acts Protoje & The Indiggnation (Jamaica), O. (UK), Nana Benz Du Togo (Togo) & Not Drowning, Waving + Telek (Australia/Papua New Guinea).
In addition to the music, the festival offers a range of cultural and intellectual experiences. The World Of Words features poetry slams, author talks, podcasts, and comedy, while the STEAM Lab offers fascinating sessions with innovators and visionaries in diverse fields such as marine biology, chocolate making, song creation, and the science of sleep, providing attendees with the opportunity to explore new ideas.
Alongside these exciting new additions, the 2025 festival lineup features trailblazers of the Shamstep music movement, 47Soul from Palestine/Jordan; Australia’s folktronic act Amaru Tribe, bringing their unique sound; Cuba’s Ana Carla Maza, who combines soulful cello and emotive songwriting, seamlessly merging classical training with the rhythms of her homeland; and Brazil’s Bala Desejo, offering a fresh voice in MPB, samba, and pop.
The festival will also showcase the power trio Delgres, blending blues with Caribbean influences, and the hypnotic guitar riffs of Etran de’Lair, infusing traditional Tuareg music with sun-scorched desert rock. Bosnia/Herzegovina’s Goran Bregović & His Wedding & Funeral Band will elevate the WOMAD experience with their masterful fusion of Balkan folk, rock, and classical music.
From Aotearoa, local artists looking to light up the stage include Black Comet, a high-energy fusion of rock, funk, and world influences; CHAII, a rising star blending Persian heritage with contemporary beats; and The Beths, known for their catchy, introspective power-pop melodies. Who Shot Scott will fuse Middle Eastern sounds with hip-hop and punk rock, representing the diverse and vibrant Aotearoa music scene. And, Aotearoa’s The Veils, led by the captivating Finn Andrews with the talented NZTrio, will perform, marking The Veils’ new album Asphodel’s live debut.
The 2025 WOMAD Aotearoa festival promises an incredible lineup of global artists, a diverse array of workshops, engaging speakers, and a variety of delicious food and retail options. The festival also continues to offer family-friendly spaces and for the third consecutive year, ticket prices remain steady, keeping the festival as accessible as possible.
Festival tickets and camping add-on tickets are available here.
