Music festival founded by Genesis frontman four decades ago to be held in Scotland for first time

WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance), which first took place in 1982, will take place in Kelvingrove Park in July.

A full line up will be announced next year, however, the festival is due to feature a range of global music, including pop, dance, folk, jazz and hip-hop, across three stages.

Festivalgoers can also attend free workshops led by musicians and dancers from around the world, try exotic foods cooked by the artists and learn about new cultures through a series of talks.

Gabriel, who was the original frontman of Genesis, but left the band in 1975 to pursue a solo career, said: “It’s brilliant to see the first Scottish WOMAD and thanks to Glasgow Life for giving us this wonderful opportunity. Glasgow is one of the first UNESCO cities of music and it’s always had a warm and welcoming attitude to the people and cultures of the world.

“At a time when hatred is being deliberately whipped up and when differences are being exploited for political gain, it’s increasingly important to have a meeting place which goes in the other direction; where our differences are celebrated, enjoyed and bring us together.”

Over the past three decades, the festival has taken place in 30 countries, with events held in Fuerteventura and Cáceres in Spain, Santiago in Chile and Taranaki, New Zealand, among others. There is also an annual Australian version called WOMADelaide.

WOMAD will be brought to Glasgow by WOMAD International in partnership with Glasgow Life – the charity which delivers culture, events and active living in Glasgow – and Celtic Connections, Glasgow’s annual folk, roots and world music festival which will help to programme the event.

Billy Garrett, director of culture, tourism and events at Glasgow Life, said: “It is fitting that Glasgow, the UK’s first UNESCO City of Music, will add WOMAD Festival to the growing list of spectacular cultural events taking place in the city in 2026. Glasgow’s UNESCO City of Music status continues to open doors for international collaboration, tourism development, and inclusive cultural programming, reinforcing our city’s standing as a dynamic global hub for music lovers and creators alike.

“The addition of WOMAD further enhances Glasgow’s enviable cultural events calendar, which already features the likes of Celtic Connections, Glasgow Film Festival, Glasgow International Comedy Festival, the Glasgow Mela, TRNSMT and the Merchant City Festival, among others. Glasgow will proudly join other WOMAD host cities around the world like Adelaide, Las Palmas, Rome and Santiago in hosting a celebration of extraordinary arts performances which emphasises the importance of community, diversity and mutual respect.”

Some of the headline acts who have performed at WOMAD festivals over the years include Gabriel himself, Simple Minds, Australian and New Zealand rock band Crowded House, American R&B and soul singer Macy Gray, rap group De La Soul and Echo and the Bunnymen.

The WOMAD Glasgow line-up and tickets will be released in early 2026.