Leaving Planet WOMAD left me with mixed feelings. Did I dream it all? Would I come again? That’s an easy one to answer, of course I would, God willing, as my grandmother used to say!

     But where will all the pixies go and the strange creatures in top hats and those with bushy tails and weird costumes? It’s my guess they’ll go to another planet where they struggle with normality and the wearing of suits and working their way through 9 untill 5. The costumes are probably hidden in a cupboard under the stairs! It’s my guess that I will see them again next year or sometime in the future with children or grandchildren following in their footsteps.

      So the bubble, for many, will burst, taking with it its energy, freedom and its uniqueness. Those lazy summer days on Planet WOMAD were, I have to say, quite pleasurable and relaxing!

       As we prepared for takeoff, in rows of revved up spaceships, I longed to be back in the Coyote Moon Cafe (a tepee in the woods) drinking a cup of sweet tea and listening to someone playing the guitar. Or perhaps a quick visit to the Speaking Tree Bookshop to buy that book I wanted but never got. Too late now, we’re off!

       Did I dream it? I most certainly didn’t! It was too alive to be anything else!

Another day on Planet WOMAD began with an early morning meditation amongst the trees where no birds sing! I found this rather peculiar considering the amount of picnics and food stalls embroidered around the place. Then off for a cup of sweet tea in the corner of a tepee, listening to a young girl play her guitar. This is a planet I shall definitely visit again.

     Many people were talking about the amazing soul singer, Bobby Womack who was due to headline tonight’s show but sadly passed away last month. With soul being a favourite of mine, I will truly miss this incredible man. However, Irish singer, Sinead O’Conner will be taking to the stage and being with a crowd of Irish friends and family, we will be singing along.

      Staying with the Irish theme, we just witnessed an incredible performance by The Gloaming, a transatlantic Irish folk supergroup.  Fiddler Martin Hayes almost stole the show with his extraordinary gift for music. But to be fair, they were all brilliant and I have to agree with The New Yorker, for their words ‘they move the music of Ireland in captivating new directions.’ We all agreed!

     Back at the camper, everyone is taking a break before it all beings again. Home tomorrow, to my kind and unassuming husband and our home for waifs and strays.

Having landed on another planet, I sat myself down in the arboretum, beneath a peculiar tree I could not identify. This was certainly a place where people came to escape their ‘normal’ lives I thought. For instance, as I sat under this peculiar tree an adult human cat, an adult human lion, a fairy and some rather strange people in pixie hats walked passed me. Admittedly, they smiled politely as if it were normal to dress as exotic animals, dragging their tails behind them! And for a brief moment I wondered if I too should run back to the camper and dig something odd out to wear!

     I can only describe this festival of fashion (known to many as WOMAD, world of music, art and dance) as a kind of respite from the normal world we call planet Earth!

     Whilst still sitting there, beneath this tree which I almost expected to talk to me, I watched children and adults, running around with garlands in their hair and somewhere close by I heard the sensual sound of a harp and someone began to sing. It was magical, I have to say. But there was something quite strange! I looked up at the trees and suddenly realised that no bird could I see or hear. How odd!

      And floating in the gentle breeze were scents from around the world that reminded me I hadn’t eaten for quite some time. So I followed my nose and came upon a village of tepees. Much to my surprise (or was I really surprised at all?) I came upon my friends. Or were they imposters?  Their normal faces had been replaced by painted masks of lions, tigers and I knew in an instant that if I wasn’t careful, I too would surrender to this world of make believe!

     However, the magic and make believe soon came to an abrupt end when strolling through this maze of music, art and dance, I noticed a huge sign above a tent...'Mobile Phones Charged Here and a queue a half mile long!

The campervan is packed and I’m about to embark on a long weekend of music, art and dance from around the world.

     Set in glorious fields of England, the WOMAD festival is a perfect place for families to listen to all sorts of live music, poetry readings and talks from Greenpeace to name just a few. And our very own Catrin Finch (harpist) will be there too.

       I shall wonder through the global village of shops where worldwide arts, crafts and cuisine can be found whilst absorbing the atmosphere of this multicultural festival. Perhaps I shall relax with a cup of sweet tea in the World of Wellbeing, to be found by the shaded trees in the Arboretum. Perhaps!

      So I’m off to meet family and friends but will continue to post a tale every evening (if possible!) about the experience.   

       I shall leave you with this wee quote from Peter Gabriel, that says it all....    

"Equally important, the festivals have also allowed many different audiences to gain an insight into cultures other than their own through the enjoyment of music. Music is a universal language, it draws people together and proves, as well as anything, the stupidity of racism."

Often when people think of Wales, they see sheep, mountains and rain, but lately we’ve been basking in glorious sun. A welcome relief after all the floods we endured!

     Keeping the animals cool can sometimes be tricky, especially the young chicks. However, now that they are growing (at an alarming rate) they are able to wonder further afield to where there is plenty of natural shade. A good tip is to put ice cubes in their water to keep it cool.

     At this time of year hedgehogs are also wondering about and get very dehydrated. Please can you take the time to put out a shallow dish of water for them! The birds would also benefit from this but perhaps a tad bit higher and somewhere away from hunting cats!

     At our home for waifs and strays, the cats will climb into anything for a wee bit of shade....even the bird house!