Berlin, Germany - By the Guide Rate deadline on Friday, 12 September, there have been as many pre-registrations for WOMEX 2003 as there had been last year in total. Participants can have a look at the Who is Coming list and the Exhibitors list at Who is Coming. WOMEX expanded its hours and will officially open one day earlier on Wednesday evening.

On Sunday, participants will have two hours more for trade fair business before the Award Celebration starts at 14:00.

WEDNESDAY: On Wednesday, early birds can pick up their registration badge and WOMEX Bag and set up their stand from 17:00 - 20:30.

Wednesday night at 20:30 is the official WOMEX & WORLD FLAMENCO FAIR OPENING. Don't miss it with the first WOMEX showcase of MUSAFIR (Rajasthan/India) and the WFF showcase of DAVID PENA DORANTES "SUR" (Spain)

SUNDAY: The WOMEX AWARD CELEBRATION for Freemuse - the World Forum on Music and Censorship ( http://www.freemuse.org ) will be celebrated on Sunday at 14:00 with showcases by AMAL MURKUS (Palestine/Israel) and MARCEL KHALIFE (Lebanon/France). It is followed by the announcement of the nominees for the BBC RADIO 3 AWARDS FOR WORLD MUSIC.

This is always a good opportunity for last meetings and farewell so keep it in mind when planning your return home. After the Award Celebration you can still visit the World Flamenco Fair with its last showcases until 20:30.

WOMEX PHOTOGRAPHER

Each year WOMEX features a different official WOMEX photographer. This year, Robert Corwin will secure best coverage of all WOMEX activities. Robert has been photographing folk and roots based music for 38 years. His work is seen in CDs, publications, promotion, television, and official Olympic t-shirts and posters and on the web at http://www.robertcorwin.com . As our official photographer, Robert is available to photograph your artist or stand exhibit in the trade fair as well as other activities. To contract his services, mailto:robert@robertcorwin.com .