This summer, Ceylon and Beyond had the incredible opportunity to bring our vibrant Sri Lankan street food to one of the UK’s most celebrated festivals: WOMAD. As an independent catering company based in Bristol, it was an honour to share our passion for Sri Lankan cuisine with festival-goers at this internationally renowned event.
What is WOMAD?
WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance) is a festival like no other, dedicated to celebrating the world’s many forms of music, arts, and dance. Founded by the legendary Peter Gabriel in 1980, the festival has become a global phenomenon, renowned for its eclectic mix of artists and performers from all corners of the globe. WOMAD 2024 did not disappoint, offering an extraordinary lineup that spanned genres and continents.
WOMAD 2024 Lineup Highlights
This year’s lineup was nothing short of spectacular, featuring a diverse array of artists:
- Young Fathers: Hip hop group from the UK.
- Amadou & Miriam: Swing and blues duo from Mali.
- Gogol Bordello: Eclectic band from the USA.
- Sampa The Great: Hip-hop sensation from Zambia.
- Alison Goldfrapp: Iconic singer from the UK.
- Baaba Maal: Celebrated singer from Senegal.
- The Allergies: Hip-hop band spanning the UK and USA.
- Islandman: Electronic folk music from Turkey.
- Seckou Keita: Kora virtuoso from Senegal/UK.
- Witch: Blues/rock music from Zambia.
These are just a few of the incredible artists who lit up the stages at WOMAD 2024, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of unity and celebration through music.
Ceylon and Beyond: A Taste of Sri Lanka
Amidst the beats and melodies, Ceylon and Beyond had the pleasure of serving our delicious Sri Lankan cuisine to festival attendees. Our menu, crafted with love and authentic spices, featured a variety of street food delights and hearty Lankan bowls.
Menu Highlights:
Short Eats:
- Sri Lankan Rolls (ve): Mixed vegetables, potato, onion, and spices rolled in a crispy pancake and coated in panko breadcrumbs, served with our signature Devil’s sauce.
- Dal Vada (ve, gf): Lentil and chickpea fritters with curry leaves and green chilli, served with Devil’s sauce and herby mayo.
- Masala Croquettes (v): Egg, potato, and vegetable fried croquette toast, served with Devil’s sauce, herby mayo, and a fresh cucumber salad.
Street Food:
- Kothu Roti (v): Stir-fried shredded roti bread with mixed veg, egg, onion, garlic, and spices.
Lankan Bowls (gf):
- Coconut Dal (ve): Mild curry with red lentils and coconut milk.
- Ceylon Chicken: Medium spice marinated organic chicken curry.
- Sri Lankan Black Pork: Toasted spice curry organic pork belly on the bone.
- Jackfruit Curry (ve): Green baby jackfruit chunks with Sri Lankan spices and chilli.
- Cashew Nut Curry (ve): Creamy cashew nuts with coconut milk and fresh curry leaves.
- Sri Lankan Egg Curry (v): Whole boiled eggs in a yellow sauce, with green beans, sweet potato, and dill.
Each dish was a celebration of Sri Lankan flavours, designed to delight and satisfy the diverse palates of WOMAD’s global audience.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Our time at WOMAD 2024 was nothing short of magical. The vibrant energy of the festival, the diverse range of performances, and the enthusiastic reception to our food made it an unforgettable experience. The festival’s spirit of inclusivity and celebration of global cultures resonated deeply with our own values at Ceylon and Beyond.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who came to our stall, tried our food, had a chat, and shared the amazing festival experience with us. Your support and enthusiasm mean the world to us, and it was a joy to meet so many wonderful people.
A massive thank you also goes out to our dedicated team, whose hard work and passion made our presence at WOMAD possible. From early mornings to late nights, their commitment ensured that we could deliver the best of Sri Lankan cuisine to all of you.
Lastly, we express our gratitude to the WOMAD organisers for putting together such an incredible event and for giving us the opportunity to be part of this extraordinary celebration of music, arts, and culture.
Looking Ahead
As the summer continues, Ceylon and Beyond will be bringing our Sri Lankan street food to more of the UK’s biggest festivals. However, WOMAD 2024 will always hold a special place in our hearts. We look forward to returning to WOMAD in the future and continuing to share the rich culinary traditions of Sri Lanka with all of you.
Until then, follow us on social media to keep up with our festival adventures and find out where we’ll be next. Thank you for making WOMAD 2024 an extraordinary experience for Ceylon and Beyond. See you next year!
About the author : Contact Ceylon and Beyond
