WOMAD music festival cancelled for 2026
For the third time in over 20 years, the iconic Taranaki music and arts event will be taking a year off.
This article has been amended to reflect that WOMAD was cancelled in 2021 and 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Taranaki's iconic music festival WOMAD will be taking a "purposeful rest" in 2026.
The family-friendly three-day festival, which features local and international artists, has been a mainstay at New Plymouth's Brooklands Park since 2003. It was cancelled in 2021 and 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and related restrictions.
Described as one of the country's "most iconic and longest-running festivals", thousands of fancy-dressed festival-goers attend every year.
A scene from Friday night at WOMAD 2025, New Plymouth.
Fede Pagola
Taranaki Arts Festival Trust, who organise the event, say the decision not to host WOMAD in 2026 follows thoughtful reflection and extensive discussion, with festivals here and around the world facing a rapidly changing environment.
"With rising costs and shifting conditions impacting the industry, pausing for a year is a proactive step to protect the long-term future of WOMAD Aotearoa," they said in a statement.
WOMAD Aotearoa event director Suzanne Porter says it's a necessary step to protect the festival's future and gives it the best chance of a return.
Cuban cellist and singer Ana Carla Maza performing at WOMAD 2025 in New Plymouth.
Fede Pagola
Since 2003, WOMAD has generated about $190 million in economic benefit for the Taranaki region, The Trust says.
"This long-term contribution underlines the festival's importance not only as a cultural celebration, but as a driver of regional growth and vitality,' they said.
The 2025 event transcended geographical and musical boundaries with a lineup bringing together artists from Aotearoa to Scotland, Brazil to Palestine, and Cuba to Niger. Local artists on the bill included The Beths and CHAII.
Also on offer over the three days were yoga, tarot readings, and cooking classes from the musical guests.
Brylee Flutey, GM Destination, Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, said in a statement that WOMAD's value to the region "cannot be overstated".
"Venture Taranaki will work with council and partners to look at how we can continue to attract visitors in 2026, through major events as well as other diverse visitor opportunities," she said.
