WOMADelaide, one of the most beloved festivals on Australia's cultural calendar, returned in 2025 with an extraordinary lineup of artists and performances celebrating diversity, culture and the shared human experience.
Taking place in the heart of Adelaide at the iconic Botanic Park, this year’s event brought world-class music to the stage while connecting the rich history of the Kaurna people, the original inhabitants of the Adelaide Plains, to a global celebration of sound.
The natural beauty and cultural significance of Botanic Park formed the perfect backdrop for the festival which celebrated the diversity of music from across the globe.
Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
View this post on Instagram
The park, known as Tainmuntilla in the Kaurna language, meaning “mistletoe place”, is located on land once used by the Kaurna people, who gathered along the River Torrens in areas rich in water and shelter. With its 9000 shady trees and plants and open grassed areas, entering the festival gates is like walking into a mural.
This year WOMADelaide welcomed a line-up spanning genres, continents and cultures. PJ Harvey, with her intense, poetic rock music, brought her unique voice to the stage, offering a raw and emotional experience.
Nils Frahm, known for his ethereal, minimalistic compositions, provided a calming contrast, inviting festival-goers to lose themselves in a sea of sound and emotion. British two-piece O. blew the late-night crowd away with their experimental jazz/punk/rock energy.
The genre-blurring Khruangbin, with their funky grooves and afro-surf rhythms offered a rhythmic journey across continents. Meanwhile, Bangarra Dance Theatre blended dance, music and storytelling in a powerful tribute to Aboriginal heritage, reflecting the deep connection to the land and the cultural traditions that have endured through generations with their production of The Light Inside.
View this post on Instagram
The festival also saw the return of Mariza, whose soul-stirring fado music transported listeners to Portugal’s emotional heart and Nitin Sawhney, whose eclectic mix of electronic and world music brought together influences from Asia, Africa and beyond.
In keeping with WOMAD’s commitment to showcasing cultural diversity, artists such as Ngaiire and 47 Soul brought an exciting mix of pop, soul and electronic beats with cultural undercurrents rooted in their respective backgrounds.
Melbourne-based artists like The Mande Spirit, Miss Kaninna and TEK TEK Ensemble featured in the 2025 edition, bringing some genre-defying sounds that reflect the vibrant multicultural tapestry of Australian music. Wrong Way Up and Owelu Dreamhouse took their audiences on an auditory journey, pushing boundaries and exploring new sonic landscapes.
WOMADelaide 2025 once again proved it’s more than just a festival. It’s a powerful reminder of the cultural and historical layers that exist within the landscape of Adelaide.
With its roots deeply intertwined with the Kaurna people, Botanic Park was perfect setting for this celebration of global music, where the past and present converged and diverse sounds harmonised audiences at the end of another hot Adelaide summer.
To keep up with WOMADelaide, head here.
