Pure enthusiasm for music from around the world led Peter Gabriel, Thomas Brooman and Bob Hooten to the idea of Womad in 1980.

These days, Womad festivals are known around the world for their unique mix of artists and distinctive, family-friendly atmosphere.

In the course of the year there may be up to ten Womad events world-wide. Last year there were festivals in South Africa, Spain, the Czech Republic, Australia, Sicily, USA and Singapore attracting crowds of over 100,000.

But the event Oxfordshire music fans have come to know and love is held annually in Reading. This year's event takes place from July 27-29 and there's a fabulously eclectic line-up of acts.

Topping the bill on the main stage are Asian Dub Foundation - one of the most radical and exciting bands in Britain.

ADF take their music from everywhere - King Tubby, metallic guitars, ragas, drum 'n' bass - forging a radically danceable sound.

Also at Womad this year are Badenya Les Frres Coulibaly, a group of phenomenal drummers from the North West of Burkina Faso, West Africa.

Ballet Folklorico Cutumba is one of the best-known Cuban National Dance Companies. It comprises ten dancers, five musicians and three singers. Cutumba's first-ever UK performance will trace Cuban music and dance from its Afro-Cuban roots to the present day.

A weekend ticket is £77.50, which includes free camping. Day tickets are priced at £20 (Friday) and £36

(Saturday or Sunday).

To book contact the Womad Ticket LIne on 0118 939 0930. For more information check out the Womad website www.womad.org/reading