THE stage has been set for North Wiltshire’s biggest festival as thousands of people are expected to flock to Charlton Park for the 35th WOMAD.

Boasting artists from all corners of the earth, WOMAD promises to have something for everyone, whether they are visiting for the day or camping for the whole festival.

Organisers have been busy setting up the site ahead of the festival tonight with a bit of help from Malmesbury Girl Guides and Creoda Explorers, who helped put up just under 400 tents to raise money for their international adventures. Traders have also been busy setting up their stalls before the madness begins.

“Now in its 35th year, WOMAD is almost set up and the artists are on their way to Wiltshire from every corner of the world,” said WOMAD spokesman Dee McCourt.

“In the current political climate it really feels even more important to bring everyone together through music, dance, food and culture.”

Schoolchildren from the Malmesbury area will be kicking off the festival in style alongside Sheelanagig later this evening with a mix of traditional and European folk music.

Big names such as Tom Hickson, who has been compared to the likes of famous composers Randy Newman and Leonard Cohen is expected to draw the crowds.

Also appearing will be India’s first Ska band, the Ska Vengers.

“There are lots of artists to look out for this year,” Ms McCourt said.

“Seu Jorge will delight the audience with his mix of samba, pop and gentle soul that have led him to become one of Brazil’s finest songwriters.

“Others worth looking out for are the Tanzania Albinism Society, a group put together by Grammy award-winning producer Ian Brennan from members of the ostracised albino community in Northern Tanzania to escape persecution.

“Also in association with CERN the Physics Pavilion is back by public demand, The Taste the World Stage will be cooking up a storm with everything from a Bhangra Brunch to Sudanese delights from Alsarah and the Nubatones.

“The Tanzanian Albinists will be showing us their culinary skills and Jon Snow will be back to orchestrate a big debate on green issues.”

For more information about the festival visit www.womad.co.uk.

WOMAD will also be encouraging people to get in touch with their creative side with a wide variety of workshops.