WOMAD world music festival in Glasgow's Kelvingrove Park cancelled over low ticket sales

WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance) was set to make its debut in Glasgow this summer. The festival, first held in 1982 and founded by former Genesis frontman Peter Gabriel, celebrates global music culture.

The first Glasgow edition of the festival promised a packed line-up of global artists, and those from closer to home, over the course of a weekend at Kelvingrove Park.

Organisers announced the cancellation of the event, saying: “Glasgow Life is deeply disappointed to confirm that WOMAD Glasgow, scheduled to take place in Kelvingrove Park on 03 and 04 July, will no longer go ahead. This has been a difficult decision and one that has not been taken lightly. Since announcing the event, Glasgow Life and WOMAD have worked together to bring the world-renowned festival to Scotland for the first time.

“WOMAD Glasgow was an ambitious first edition of a globally respected festival. While audience response to the programme and the vision for the event was extremely positive, ticket sales did not reach the level required to deliver the festival sustainably in its inaugural year. This reflects the challenge of launching a new large-scale event in a competitive and crowded market at this time.

“We know this news will be hugely disappointing, particularly for those who have already purchased tickets, and we sincerely apologise for that. We would also like to thank the many artists, contractors, suppliers, partners and stakeholders who have supported plans for the event over recent months.

“Affected customers will receive a full refund and access to discounted tickets for WOMAD in Neston Park, North Wiltshire 23-26 July 2026. Refunds will be automatically issued within 7 working days.”

Billy Garrett, Director of Culture, Tourism and Events at Glasgow Life, had announced the event saying: “WOMAD arriving in Glasgow will be a landmark moment for Scotland, showcasing a sensational schedule of global performances. As a UNESCO City of Music, Glasgow is a meeting point of cultures, the best live music and unbeatable audiences – WOMAD has found a welcome home here.

“To have an international arts showcase of this scale on our doorstep is remarkable, with audiences able to enjoy a world of music and wonder against the beauty of Kelvingrove Park. This is your chance to be part of a cultural milestone, so come along, buy a ticket, support the arts and let’s show the world why Glasgow and music go hand in hand.”

The event is being delivered by a partnership involving WOMAD International, Glasgow Life and Celtic Connections.

The lineup to the now-cancelled festival involved homegrown talents like Shooglenifty and Peat and Diesel alongside “talent from all corners of the globe, from the Western Isles to West Africa, everything from folk, trad and jazz, to hip-hop, soul and experimental sounds”.