WOMAD NZ – Four New Exciting Music Additions

The world’s most iconic world music festival, WOMAD NZ, unveils four new exciting music additions to its 2024 New Zealand programme. Promising an unforgettable musical journey with the inclusion of Braxe + Falcon, the illustrious duo known for their pioneering contributions to the French House scene, Irish folk sensations Lisa O’Neill & Cormac Begley, Estonian folk artist Mari Kalkun and Aotearoa Alt-Pop Artist Theia. These outstanding acts join an already incredible festival line-up that includes Arooj Aftab, Gilberto Gil, Morcheeba, Ziggy Marley, and many more.

WOMAD NZ proudly continues to push the boundaries of creativity and intellectual exploration with its OMV STEAM Lab and World of Words programmes. These unique initiatives offer festival-goers an exhilarating fusion of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), as well as a captivating celebration of literature and human expression.

WOMAD NZs OMV STEAM Lab has become a cornerstone of the festival. The 2024 programme will provide a dynamic platform that unites Brewers, Modern Architecture Visionaries, Professors, Mathematicians, Designers, and Comedic Illustrators. This interdisciplinary initiative delves into the fascinating intersection of science, technology, engineering, art and math, exploring how these realms intertwine to shape our present and future. The OMV STEAM Lab promises an immersive experience, inviting festival-goers to engage with the forefront of innovation and creativity.

Now in its sixth year, the World of Words programme has evolved into a favourite for many at the annual WOMAD NZ festival. The 2024 edition is set to present one of the most impressive line-ups to date. Nestled within the enchanting Kunming Garden, the World of Words programme invites attendees to celebrate the rich tapestry of human expression.

Join renowned wordsmiths, linguists, and visionaries as they share their stories, wisdom, and visions of a world painted in the colours of literature. The line-up boasts award-winning Authors, Trailblazing Writers, Rockstar Journalists, Historians, and Comedians, promising diverse perspectives and engaging narratives. The World of Words programme also features the hotly contested Poetry Slam, providing a platform for spoken word artists to showcase their talent, as well as WOMAD NZ’s latest addition, The Book Club—an interactive and immersive literary experience.

The 2024 OMV STEAM Lab speakers appearing at WOMAD 2024 in alphabetical order: Andrew Jeffs (Marine Biologist at Auckland University) and Pete Gillespie (Founder and Head Brewer at Garage Project) Bill Morris (Award-winning Documentary Filmmaker, Wildlife Cameraman and Science Journalist) Jade Kake (General Manager Matakohe Architecture and Urbanism) Megan Tapsell (Chair of AI Forum NZ), Michael Hannah (Earth Sciences), Pedram Hekmati (Mathematician) and Stephen Mushin (Industrial Designer and Comedic Illustrator)

The 2024 World of Words speakers appearing at WOMAD 2024 in alphabetical order: Caroline Barron (Award-winning Author, Story Coach, Presenter, and Manuscript Maestro), Dame Gaylene Preston (Trailblazing Writer, Director and Producer), Helen Lehndorf (Wordsmith And Forager), Kate Evans (Rockstar Journalist) Kura Forrester (Actor, Writer, and Comedian), Dr. Monty Soutar (Teacher, Soldier, Historian, and Novelist), Nick Bollinger (Writer, Broadcaster, and Critic) and Tom Sainsbury (Actor, Comedian, and Social Media Sorcerer,)

For three days in March, the award-winning Brooklands Park and the TSB Bowl of Brooklands, Ngāmotu/ New Plymouth, will be home to this incredible melting pot of artists, writers, performers and forward-thinking academics.

Offering something for everyone, WOMAD NZ vows to be an unforgettable event and undeniably the must-attend festival of the season.

Tickets on sale now from www.womad.co.nz