The highly anticipated 30th edition of WOMEX kicked off last night in Manchester, marking a milestone anniversary with an impressive celebration of global music and culture. Held at the iconic venue The Bridgewater Hall, the opening ceremony set the stage for the upcoming showcases, networking, and cultural exchange, bringing together over 1,000 international attendees at the Opening eager to celebrate music's power to unite and inspire.
Watch the 30 years of WOMEX film here.
Manchester, a city renowned for its rich musical heritage, played the perfect host, strengthening WOMEX’s legacy as a global platform for music from around the world. This year’s Opening welcomed the delegates of WOMEX 24 with performances from four artists who showcased the fusion of tradition and contemporary innovation that represent the breadth of Greater Manchester’s music scene—eclectic musical styles, united by the Mancunian spirit.
The WOMEX 24 Opening: Together in Music, We Welcome the World, was hosted by DJ Paulette, the artistic director was Jenna G, and the signer (British Sign Language) was Cheryl Walker, who communicated the emotions on stage to the audience with great style.
The opening speeches were presented by:
- Kate Lowes, Director of Brighter Sound, Sector Lead for Manchester Music City
- The Lord Mayor of the City of Manchester Cllr Paul Andrews
- Cllr Garry Bridges, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council
- Alex Walter, Director, WOMEX
- Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester
The four artists performing at the Opening ceremony were:
- Agbeko (UK)
- Dirty Freud (UK)
- Heather Ferrier (UK)
- Vulva Voce (UK)
This year's Opening was presented by Manchester Music City, Manchester City Council, Brighter Sound and English Folk Expo, with Artistic Direction by Jenna G. Supported by Manchester City Council, Arts Council England, Department for Culture, Media & Sport, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Manchester Airport Group.
Alexander Walter, Director, WOMEX, thanked and acknowledged everyone involved in bringing WOMEX to Manchester for the first time, shared:
"Well, here we are, 30 years! Wherever this event traveled to, the involved teams always have been committed to make one core thing happen: To built up a platform for diversity and exchange and to create the opportunity to find new brainfood. And we all together managed, over three decades, to develop a meeting space open to people wherever they come from - and we plan to continue that."
Followed by words from Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, who shared:
"When we first started discussing the possibility of bringing WOMEX to Greater Manchester, more than five years ago, we could have never imagined such a magnificent programme....As a city region, we have never been more outward looking, ambitious and - as I hope you will experience over the next four days - more diverse and more welcoming. We’re also really ready to engage with the world and its music in an entirely different way. One of genuine collaboration, respect and friendship."
Watch the Opening wrap up here.
WOMEX 24 Manchester: What's Coming Ahead...
WOMEX is the most international and culturally diverse music meeting in the world and the biggest conference of the global music scene, featuring a trade fair, talks, films and showcase concerts. Over the next five days, delegates will immerse themselves in a packed programme that includes artist showcases, industry panels, film screenings, and networking opportunities.
The 30th-anniversary edition of WOMEX in Manchester features more than 61 artists representing 44 countries spread over 7 stages, including Club Summit showcases. The Conference Programme features more than 35 sessions, including Networking and Mentoring Sessions and Associated Presentations. The Film Programme features a selection of 18 music documentaries featuring new releases, preview screenings, and premieres. The WOMEX Academy accompanied international groups in collaboration with the British Council, a Global Music Leaders group organised by Manchester Music City / the Brighter Sound, a delegation from Brazil supported by Funarte and B&MA, a delegation from the USA brought by Western Arts Alliance, as well as new delegates from Cameroon and Senegal. The WOMEX Radio Studio is coordinated by the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) along with the BBC (UK) and NRK (Norway).
The WOMEX 24 Awards Ceremony will take place on Sunday, 27 October at the Aviva Studios in Manchester. This year, the WOMEX Professional Excellence Award recipient is In Place of War (IPOW), and Hermeto Pascoal (Brazil) is the WOMEX Artist Award recipient.
Due to medical reasons and as per his doctor’s advice against traveling, Hermeto Pascoal will unfortunately not be able to attend the Awards Ceremony in person on Sunday. Although he is unable to travel at this time, his iconic band - affectionately named Nave Mãe (The Mothership) by Hermeto - with his blessing and support will grace the stage with a special performance of celebration. The band will also accept the award on Hermeto’s behalf and bring the statue to him in Brazil.
article posted by:Juliane Bahl, Piranha Arts