The basic programme - about 10 rousing performances each night over three nights - takes place on multiple stages and is complemented by workshops and classes by the artists.

One act not to be missed this year is Jamaican reggae artist Jimmy Cliff. Often described as one of the fathers of ska, Cliff has enjoyed worldwide acclaim with hits such as Many Rivers to Cross and You Can Get it if You Really Want during his 40-year career. He's made more than 20 albums to date, and his latest, Black Magic, features collaborations with Sting, Annie Lennox, Wyclef Jean, Joe Strummer, and Kool and the Gang.

This year's Womad is also bringing in two Latin American stars: Peruvian singer Susana Baca, whose songs of black Peru combine African rhythms, conga beats and Andean pan pipes; and Chico Cesar, one of Brazil's leading songwriters, whose social criticism takes up women's rights, the plight of the homeless and countless other causes.

'Cesar has an uncompromising social conscience, alongside a gift to create infectious melodies - qualities that have made him a superstar in his home country,' says Martin. 'He's got a musical base with percussion and melody that will have everyone on their feet.'

Some visual treats also feature. Korean drumming ensemble Dulsori have forged a name on the international festival circuit with energetic and passionate performances that incorporate zither and pipa (Asian string and wind instruments), acrobatics and singing.

Dulsori, which means 'wild beat', reinterpret traditional Korean drumming, and the musicians are known for encouraging audience participation, enhancing the festive atmosphere. 'To enjoy our music,' says drummer Soojeun, 'you must be vibrating, physically and spiritually.'

From Rajasthan, the Musafir Gypsies entertain in the tradition of Indian troubadours, with fakirs, sword swallowers, nail-carpet dancers and fire-eaters all performing to a musical potpourri of gypsy, Hindu and Muslim sounds.

Between the steamy Latin beats and reggae rhythms, the zen-like melodies of Chinese bamboo flautist virtuoso Guo Yue will provide some chill-out time before the first and second days wind to a close in the Subaru Groove Tunnel, an atmospheric club setting for DJs Marvin Kamand and Adrian Wee to spin the night away until 4am.

Womad has a reputation for introducing lesser-known artists. Among its alumni are Neneh Cherry, Youssou N'Dour and the Housemartins. This year, festival-goers can discover T-Bone, the first Thai band to play at the Glastonbury Festival; South African percussionist and dancer Risenga Makondo, who mixes native marimba music with contemporary British dance sounds; and Bukky Leo & Black Egypt from Nigeria, who distinctively fuse traditional Afrobeat with jazz-funk.

'We'll be showing our audience what Thai ska is like, and, hopefully, they'll have as much fun listening to us as we do performing,' says T-Bone member Nakarin Teerapenun. For many artists, Womad festivals provide an opportunity to globalise their music. 'We'll be able to join fellow musicians from other countries and cultures, and share our music with them, as well as learn from them,' says Nakarin.

'The Womad experience isn't about the tried and tested,' says Womad artistic director Thomas Brooman. 'The essence of the festival is in an idea of discovery, a true enjoyment of music in a way neither audiences nor the artists expect.'

Master Ousado of the Singapore-based Association of Capoeira Argola de Ouro, which will be performing, says the festival offers a great opportunity to promote the Afro-Brazilian, fight-like dance.

'Womad brings to the Singaporean community the possibility of discovering new cultures through music and art,' Ousado says. 'The festival also gives us an opportunity for an exchange with other artists. It's very important for everyone to discover new ideas and expressions, and incorporate them in their work.'

Audiences at Womad aren't just passive observers, and this weekend they can meet artists in a series of workshops for children and adults. This year's Womad offers a few firsts, including a Taste of the World festival kitchen, where artists will cook their favourite dishes, and a showcase of Asian short films to promote budding filmmakers from around the region.

'The idea of discovery goes beyond what happens on the stages at Womad,' says Martin. 'For many people, that's the beauty of the festival.'