Wickham Festival News

Best ever Wickham Festival

Wickham Festival faces an almost impossible challenge – how to top our best ever event!

With record crowds flocking to see the likes of Kiefer Sutherland and Frank Turner, organisers know it will be a tough task to surpass such a successful weekend.

Kiefer Sutherland at Wickham Festival

But they are determined to continue growing the hugely popular event in the picturesque Hampshire village while still retaining the unique relaxed atmosphere.

Organiser Peter Chegwyn said: “It was a fabulous weekend, our best event yet. But that gives us the problem of how on earth do we top it?

“But it is a very nice dilemma to have and we will definitely be looking to make it even better – although it will be tough!

The Wickham festival was a huge success

“We had our best ever sales with Sunday a complete sell-out and the other three days very close. We had our strongest ever line-up and we have had record renewals with hundreds already taking advantage of the Earlybird discounts to book for next year.

“Although they don’t know the line-up, they know it will be strong and they know our very special chilled vibe will be the same as ever.

Kiefer Sutherland drew a huge crowd

“Many of this year’s artists have already asked if they can come back and that shows just what a special event this is. They love playing here because of the friendly welcome they get from all the staff and from the fans.

“It shows just what a special event this is that so many singers are now approaching us rather than the other way round.

“It is now firmly established as one of the most popular events on the circuit and although we may grow it slightly – and are always looking at ways of making it even better – we have no desire to be another Glastonbury. Our atmosphere is our big selling point and we won’t do anything to risk compromising that.

“It was wonderful to see the site full and everyone going round with big smiles on their faces, which is why we do this. We have had fantastic feedback from visitors and of course it has been great for local businesses as the festival really benefits the village.”

There were smiles all round at the Wickham Festival

There was something for everyone with music legends such as Judy Collins, Graham Nash and Lucinda Williams mixed with evergreen stars like Gilbert O’Sullivan, Lindisfarne and Ralph McTell as well as big bands such as Level 42 and The Proclaimers.

Chegwyn added: “They all responded to the fans and really put a lot into their shows. The reaction was fantastic across all four days.

“Frank Turner’s performance was amazing. We have been after him for years and were finally able to make it happen. It was definitely worth the wait. He was a really nice guy and we would have him back in a heartbeat.

“Mark King of Level 42 loved the event and said they would love to come back as did American guitarist Stanley Jordan. It is lovely when big stars say what a wonderful festival it is. Now the planning starts for next year.”

Fans who return the forms given out at the festival or book before August 15 can save up to £70 on a weekend ticket as well be entered into our competition to win a very special signed t-shirt. Prices will increase on 1st Setember 2019.  Please vists our tickets page here.

 

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    Seen in East London. We've booked Ronnie Lane's band Slim Chance several times. They're great! Have you any photos of other roads named after musicians? ... See MoreSee Less

    Seen in East London.  Weve booked Ronnie Lanes band Slim Chance several times.  Theyre great!  Have you any photos of other roads named after musicians?

    14 CommentsComment on Facebook

    Here's another. Heinz Burt Close in Eastleigh. Named after Heinz, the former bass player of The Tornados (famed for their hit Telstar)

    Not named after me as such, but I’ve dj’d the silent disco the last 2 years for Bug Beats Events at the Wickham Music Festival! 🤣🤣

    There's Charles Watts Way at Hedge end of course

    Hi Pete. Did you see my email. Croft No 5 have reformed!! 😊

    I saw Ronnie Lane’s Slim Chance in 1976 in the Roundhouse, Chalk Farm. What a great band.

    Marylebone, London

    As part of the 'other festival' in Pilton you will find a new road Maggies Farm, not a band member but of course from Bobs tune.

    OK - I need to get out more! Here’s a little something to fulfil the request!

    Ash Smither

    Can't remember where this was now but great name 🤭

    Of course its Swansea so it may be the Welsh Dylan

    Spotted this in Partinico, Sicily.

    In his home town of Paisley.

    Not a road name, but Billy Bragg Bicycles sign in Gillingham is one I remember from childhood. Obviously not that Billy Bragg!

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    Great to meet up with The Magic Teapot crew at The Showman's Show today and confirm that The Magic Teapot will be back at Wickham next summThe Magic Teapotvenue ... See MoreSee Less

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    12 CommentsComment on Facebook

    Yay!! My favourite place

    I hope so… best place to be at the end of an awesome day!

    That is great news, just love the Magic Teapot vibe. The coffee’s great too ❤️

    Love The Magic Teapot it’s my festival happy place

    Fab!! Loved ending the evening here, chatting to a few people or just listening 😊

    This is great news xx

    The best place to be for singing and tea!

    Excellent especially the young lad.

    I ❤️ The Magic Teapot

    Great news

    Music to my ears ❤️

    Look good Peter

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    Thank you to everyone who supported Matthew Bannister on his walk from Wickham Festival to Folk East and helped to raise a fantastic £18,014 for the charity 'Help Musicians'.We've done the sums, and from your donations and t-shirt purchases you raised a staggering £18,014 for Help Musicians!

    Thank you so much both for supporting us on this adventure, and for supporting the musicians making the music which brings such joy to our lives
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    Thank you to everyone who supported Matthew Bannister on his walk from Wickham Festival to Folk East and helped to raise a fantastic £18,014 for the charity Help Musicians.

    5 CommentsComment on Facebook

    Amazing effort. Well done Matthew!

    Absolute amazing congratulations and well done 👏

    That is a incredible amount Congratulations

    Fab job!

    Fabulous !!

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