Thursday 23rd July – Sunday 26th July 2026

The much-loved World of Children will offer four days of creative adventures for young festivalgoers at the brand new WOMAD site in Neston Park. From the 10am packed-out Children’s Rave, more arts and crafts than you could ever imagine, and music and dance workshops. WOMAD’s World of Children champions creativity, culture and community for all ages.

WOMAD has always prided itself for being a family festival, but some may say that children have the best fun of all withdedicated children and youth spaces that offer unforgettable experiences across the whole weekend.

This year’s theme, One World, Many Stories, invites young imaginations to run wild, with artist-led sessions celebrating global culture and storytelling. From giant puppet-making to intricate crafts, everything comes together in the annual procession — a highlight that captures the spirit of creativity and togetherness at the heart of WOMAD.

This year also sees an exciting addition to the World of Children. The Launch Pod is a dedicated new space for teens and young adults to explore their creative futures. Here, emerging artists can join live jams, DJ workshops, industry talks, and mentoring sessions with young creatives — designed to give them the tools, confidence, and connections to shape their own artistic journeys.

For children looking for active, adventurous fun, there is a wide range of energetic activities, including a climbing wall, parachute games and a brand new-skate ramp alongside ball games, and circus-skills. These lively spaces give young festival goers the chance to move, explore, and play between creative sessions. We also run children’s cookery sessions at the Taste the World Stage, where children can learn to cook simple and delicious recipes from around the world, adding another playful and engaging activity to enjoy.

For the tiniest members of our audience, the beloved WOMAD Weenies area provides a safe, enclosed haven especially for babies and toddlers. This oasis of calm includes a cosy chill-out zone, breastfeeding facilities, and a comfortable changing area, ensuring even the smallest attendees (and their grown-ups) have a peaceful, nurturing space to rest and reset before diving back into the festival magic.

From babies discovering rhythm for the first time to teens finding their artistic voice, WOMAD’s World of Children promises a weekend of discovery and memories that last long after the final beat.

Adult 4 days: £275

Adult 3 days: £225

Teenage 4 days: £200

Teenage 3 days: £175

Child (5-13y): £32

Children 4 and under: FREE (ticket still required)

Camping, live-in vehicle and parking passes available separately.

By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.