Residents have been left “gutted” after a major festival announced it would be relocating.

In early November, WOMAD confirmed it would be cancelling its 2025 festival, at Charlton Park near Malmesbury, and relocating to a new venue for 2026.

The popular festival, which annually attracted tens of thousands of visitors to the county over the last 17 years, has found a new home nearby, which had not been revealed at the time of writing.

The decision disappointed many residents, while the town council hopes the “wonderful asset” will stay local.

Malmesbury mayor Cllr Phil Exton said: “WOMAD has been a wonderful asset to the community of Malmesbury and the surrounding area for the last 17 years and we hope the intention is that it stays local.”

Speaking on Facebook, multiple people voiced their sadness that the event will no longer take place at Charlton Park.

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WOMAD 2024WOMAD 2024 (Image: Borkowski) Hannah Elizabeth said: “This is absolutely gutting. I love taking my children to WOMAD every year, really happy memories. We have been going for 17 years.”

Martin Fausing Smith added: “I haven’t missed a day since WOMAD moved to Charlton Park. I really hope it doesn’t move too far away.”

WOMAD explained the decision will allow the festival to “thrive” in future years.

A spokesperson said: “After a hugely successful 42nd year, over which time we have put on over 300 festivals around the world, we are pleased to announce that WOMAD is moving to a new home, not far from our site for the past 17 years in Wiltshire.

“To ensure that the festival can continue to thrive for years to come in our new location, we have decided to take a year off in 2025 before returning fully charged in 2026.”

Organisers thanked the Malmesbury community and those at Charlton Park for their support over the years.

WOMAD 2024WOMAD 2024 (Image: Borkowski) A spokesperson added: “We want to send a massive thank you to all of the brilliant staff at Charlton Park who made us feel welcome for the last 17 years, pulling us out of many sticky situations (quite literally, on those rainy weekends).

“We couldn’t have done what we did without you.

“Also, to the fabulous community in Malmesbury, Charlton, and all the surrounding villages for whom we created a few days of disruption each year.

“You have always responded positively and embraced WOMAD, welcoming us into your community and working with us in so many ways.”