The line-up for Wickham Festival 2026 continues to grow, with another exciting group of artists joining this summer’s programme. This latest announcement brings together rising stars of the folk and roots world, energetic festival favourites, and some fantastic local talent helping to kick-start the daytime celebrations.
True Foxes
Acclaimed Folk/Americana cousin duo True Foxes will make their Wickham Festival debut on Friday 31st July. Known for their rich harmonies and warm, rootsy sound, the pair blend folk storytelling with country and Americana influences to create songs that feel both intimate and timeless. Their music has been praised for its lyrical honesty and beautifully balanced vocal arrangements, and they have steadily built a strong following on the UK acoustic circuit. With a growing catalogue of releases and an engaging live presence, they are fast becoming one of the most exciting emerging acts in the UK folk-Americana scene.
Project SMOK
Project SMOK are the boundary-pushing indie-trad trio made up of Ali Levack, Ewan Baird and Pablo Lafuente. Since forming in 2017, the group have gained a reputation for their fearless and progressive take on Scottish traditional music, blending high-octane instrumental playing with modern influences. Their debut album Bayview showcased their technical brilliance and inventive arrangements, earning widespread praise across the folk world. With driving pipes, intricate percussion and virtuosic guitar, Project SMOK deliver performances that are as exhilarating as they are innovative.
Rob Clamp & The Ashmen
Following a hugely successful debut at Wickham last year, Rob Clamp & The Ashmen return on Saturday 1st August. Led by acclaimed Hampshire singer-songwriter Rob Clamp, the band blend folk, country and Americana influences into a powerful roots sound. Clamp’s songwriting has drawn comparisons to artists like Bruce Springsteen and Jason Isbell, combining vivid storytelling with soaring melodies. Their energetic live shows and strong local following make them a perfect fit for the Wickham stage once again.
Sheelanagig
For nearly two decades, Sheelanagig have been whipping up a storm of foot-stomping, roof-raising, high-energy folk. Drawing inspiration from traditional music from across Europe and beyond, the band have built a reputation for electrifying performances packed with dazzling instrumental skill and infectious rhythms. Their unique sound fuses fiddle, guitar, flute and powerful percussion to create an irresistible dance-driven groove. Regulars on the UK and European festival circuits, they guarantee a lively and unforgettable set.
Freddy Saxo Quartet
Sunday lunchtime at Wickham will have a relaxed groove thanks to The Freddy Saxo Quartet, who will be serving up a stylish mix of jazz, soul and funk on Sunday 2nd August. Led by the charismatic saxophonist Freddy Saxo, the quartet are known for their smooth sound, infectious rhythms and crowd-pleasing performances. Blending classic jazz influences with soulful grooves and funky improvisation, their music provides the perfect soundtrack for a summer festival afternoon.
Local Choirs Open the Day
Wickham Festival has always been proud to support local musicians and community groups, and this year is no exception. Two fantastic choirs from the region will help launch the daytime festivities across the weekend.
Encore Choirs will kick off the action at 12 noon on Saturday 1st August, bringing their uplifting and energetic community choir sound to the festival stage.
Then on Sunday 2nd August, the wonderfully named The Tuneless Choir will start the day at 12 noon. Famous for their welcoming ethos and joyful performances, The Tuneless Choir encourages people to sing simply for the love of it — proving that enthusiasm matters far more than perfection.
With internationally touring artists, exciting festival debuts, returning favourites and a strong showing of musicians and community groups from Wickham and the wider Hampshire area, Wickham Festival continues to celebrate music at every level.
The 2026 line-up is shaping up to be one of the most varied yet, spanning folk, Americana, indie-trad, jazz, community music and more. With many more announcements still to come, it’s already clear that this summer’s festival will once again offer the unique mix of discovery, atmosphere and musical excellence that Wickham audiences love.
