35 years of The World’s Festival: WOMADelaide 2027 first lineup announced

Performers from around the world will descend on South Australia for the 35th anniversary of WOMADelaide next year, with the first artists for the 2027 lineup now revealed.

 

 

The State Government is a proud primary partner of WOMADelaide, which will be held at Adelaide’s Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla from 5-8th March 2027.

 

Rooted in musical discovery, the 2027 program brings together generations, genres and geographies across four unforgettable days and nights of music, arts and dance.

 

Since 1992, WOMADelaide – The World’s Festival – has brought the sounds, cultures and artistic excellence of the world to South Australia.

 

Marking this milestone, WOMADelaide 2027 promises to thrill: from the visionary duo Underworld (UK) to the math-rock space-voyaging viral pair Angine de Poitrine (Canada) and the Grammy Award-nominated African icon Fatoumata Diawara (France).

 

The artists join the recently announced Leon Bridges (USA), Madness (UK), and Tinariwen (Azawad).

 

Making her three-decade-long return is multi-ARIA Award winning and iconic voice across generations, Christine Anu, along with other Australian artists such as Trials, one half of A.B. Original, with his new solo project.

 

WOMADelaide’s much-loved Taste the World program will see artists sharing cherished food recipes and stories from home.

 

KidZone will be jam-packed with activities for the youngest festivalgoers, while The Planet Talks will continue to dissect and discuss environmental and global issues – and importantly, bring some hope.

 

The 2026 event contributed approximately $31.1 million to the state’s visitor economy with out-of-state visitors making up almost half of the crowd, spending an average $3,454 each during their stay.

 

The average length of stay in South Australia was 5.19 nights – above the three-nights of the festival - creating almost 58,000 visitor nights.

 

WOMADelaide has become South Australia’s first major festival to power all stages using 100% renewable energy, demonstrating national leadership in sustainable major events.

 

Tickets are now on sale, with more artists to be announced. More information can be found at womadelaide.com.au.

 

Tourism Minister Emily Bourke said for over three decades, WOMADelaide has been bringing together extraordinary artists and audiences from every corner of the globe to South Australia to celebrate music and cultural diversity.

 

“WOMADelaide has become one of Australia’s longest-running and culturally rich festivals – a place where the world comes together and a much-loved tradition every year on the March long weekend.”

 

“The South Australian Government has been a proud primary partner since WOMADelaide’s inception in 1992, and the beloved festival continuously delivers an incredible economic boost for our tourism and hospitality sectors.”

 

WOMADelaide Director Ian Scobie said of the event’s history; “Beginning as a wild experiment, WOMADelaide has brought some of the world’s most extraordinary artists to Adelaide for 35 years – and 2027 will be no different.”

 

“To have stood the test of time and become one of Australia’s longest running and most cherished festivals is an enormous honour. But what makes it truly special is that the spirit of discovery, connection and celebration that sparked WOMADelaide in 1992 is as alive today as ever.”

 

“After 35 years, I am immensely proud of what this festival continues to bring to our city – and to the people who return year after year to be part of it.”

 

WOMAD Founder Peter Gabriel added; :As we celebrate 35 years of WOMADelaide, I’m reminded how extraordinary this festival and its audience truly are… I am immensely proud of what this festival stands for and for the open-minded and adventurous audience that brings it to life.”

 

The WOMADelaide 2027 lineup (as of 14 October):

• Altin Gün (Türkiye/The Netherlands)
• Ambiguous Dance Company - Body Concert (South Korea)
• Angine De Poitrine (Canada)
• BCUC (South Africa)
• Bhutan Balladeers (Bhutan)
• Bradley Zero (UK)
• Christine Anu (Australia)
• Claudio Rabe (Madagascar/Réunion)
• DakhaBrakha (Ukraine)
• Dr. L. Subramaniam (India)
• El Laberinto del Coco (Puerto Rico)
• Eliza Hull (Australia)
• Fatoumata Diawara (France)
• Gravity & Other Myths and SAZ - Mortal Coil (Australia/India)
• Haute & Freddy (USA)
• The Haar (UK/Ireland)
• Hempress Sativa (Jamaica)
• Jamaica Moana (Australia/Aotearoa/Samoa)
• Kenny Dope (USA)
• Khun Narin (Thailand)
• Leon Bridges (USA)
• Les Goulus - The Horsemen, Equicoaches and Cupids (France)
• Luke Jerram – Helios (UK)
• Madness (UK)
• Mambe (Colombia/Denmark)
• Maria Arnal (Spain)
• Mohammad Reza Mortazavi (Iran/Germany)
• Musik Blok by Ngaiire (PNG/Australia)
• Seamas Carey – Community Service (UK)
• Seppuku Pistols (Japan)
• Tarta Relena (Catalunya/Spain)
• Tinariwen (Azawad)
• Trials (Australia)
• Underworld (UK)
• Wild Wild Women (India)
• Yegor Zabelov (Belarus)