Show must go on: Womad

The people behind this year's World of Music, Arts and Dance (Womad) Abu Dhabi said they've pulled all stops to ensure performers from around the world got to the Capital in time for the festival – despite European flight disruptions.

Organisers have said they arranged for a chartered flight from Marseilles in southern France, dubbed the 'Womad Express' to Abu Dhabi after requesting artists and crew from different parts of Europe to drive down to the city.

"Despite the cloud of ash that closed the skies for several days we saw that there was likely to be a break in the cloud over the south of France. Without even being certain that the flight would take-off, more than 100 crew and artists jumped in cars and trains to head south with only hours notice," said Chris Smith, festival director.

"A full flight took off yesterday morning and landed in Abu Dhabi later. What ever the problem, the show must always go on."

The free-for-all festival, organised by Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (Adach) and Womad, begins tonight on the Abu Dhabi Corniche and simultaneously at Al Jahili Fort in Al Ai and will feature artists from all over the world performing across three evenings.