The 2015 WOMAD Festival in New Plymouth is going to be a ripper – check out that lineup: Richard Thompson, Sinead O’Connor, Rufus Wainwright, Youssou N’Dour, Toumani & Sidiki Diabate, Public Service Broadcasting, Lake Street Drive – and those are just the obvious standouts. Check that link there to the full line-up there are plenty of other names on the list.

Sure, there’ll be a few duds, it’s a festival – but that’s enough heavy hitters to make this one worth the trip.

I’ve never been to WOMAD before – often wanted to get along, thought about it, never quite made the trip. I have to see Richard Thompson – I actually believe he’s getting better all the time, this year’s Acoustic Classics was wonderful. I’d like to see Sinead O’Connor, Rufus Wainwright puts on a great show – Toumani & Sidiki Diabate’s album is lovely, Lake Street Drive should be superb and Public Service Broadcasting too. Then the legend that is Youssou N’Dour – that’s enough reasons, add in the fact that you’re sure to stumble onto something fabulous when – and as – you’re hearing it for the first time.

WOMAD 2015 – it’s a great lineup.