WOMAD Aotearoa will take a break in 2026, with organisers confirming the festival will pause for a year before returning.
Festival organisers said the decision had not been made lightly, citing rising costs and challenging conditions facing events across Aotearoa and around the world.
“Rising costs and shifting conditions mean that pressing pause for one year is the most responsible step we can take to protect the future of WOMAD Aotearoa, and ensure it continues to be the exceptional festival you know and love,” organisers said.
They added that the festival’s impact went beyond the event itself, noting its cultural and economic contribution to New Plymouth and the wider region.
“At such a difficult time for everyone, we want to assure you that we are doing everything we can to encourage our partners to stand with us so that we can continue to support our community in return,” organisers said.
The decision is being framed as a way to secure the long-term sustainability of the festival and the cultural economy in Taranaki.
“Taking this rest year allows us to focus on planning, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring WOMAD remains an accessible, world-class celebration of music, arts, and culture,” the statement continued.
Organisers thanked supporters and said they looked forward to welcoming audiences back after the one-year break.
“WOMAD has always been more than a festival — it’s a whānau. We look forward to the time when we can gather again to celebrate music, arts, and dance from around the globe, right here in Aotearoa.”
