Wickham Festival News

Day 1 – review

Wickham rolled out the red carpet for rock and roll royalty as the 2019 festival got off to a superb start

Two music legends took to the Valley Stage to set a high bar for the rest of the event with an awesome double-header.

Graham Nash

Graham Nash rolled back the years with a magnificent set which went down a storm with the crowd.

Twice inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, he dipped into his extensive back catalogue with a string of crowd-pleasers which sounded as fresh as ever.

It was a tough act for his close friend Judy Collins to follow but if anything her set was even more incredible, if only for the way this multi-talented star showed she is still going strong.

Astonishingly even at the grand age of 80, her crystal voice is still as pure and as delicate as ever sending shivers down the spine.

Judy Collins

Her impromptu rendition of Oh Danny Boy was just beautiful alongside such favourites as Both Sides Now and Send in the Clowns.

But the most special treat was reserved for the encore as she performed a heart-rending new song Dreamers, despite previously saying she wouldn’t perform it outside the USA.

The hardest part of the day for fans was choosing between so many top acts. While Judy Collins was sweetly serenading the Valley Stage, the Proclaimers were rocking it up on the Village Stage.

They rolled out all their big anthems in a storming set which kept up the momentum set by Skinny Lister’s raucous rampage.

The Proclaimers

The two double-acts ensured the opening night was a big success on both stages which now have equal billing.

Sadly, Nash had to leave quickly after his set and was unable to join Judy Collins on stage for a duet.

Graham Nash and Judy Collins

Other highlights included Matthews Southern Comfort and the ever-popular Steve Knightley as well as John Jones and the Reluctant Ramblers who walked 13 miles to the festival before performing an impromptu song for those queueing at the ticket office.

There are limited day tickets available for Friday and Saturday but these are going fast so fans are advised to arrive early, cash sales only.

Weekend season tickets for next year (August 6-9) are now available at £110 for adults… a saving of £90 if bought before Sunday evening. Cheques and cash will be accepted.

Follow us on twitter @festivalwickham for updates.

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    Weve been at The Showmans Show near Newbury today, meeting event suppliers including The Magic Teapot crew, and looking at new infrastructure for Wickham 2025.  Two Magic Teapots anyone?

    We've been at The Showman's Show near Newbury today, meeting event suppliers including The Magic Teapot crew, and looking at new infrastructure for Wickham 2025. Two Magic Teapots anyone? ... See MoreSee Less

    2 weeks ago

    39 CommentsComment on Facebook

    Cant have too many magic teapots - but can traders PLEASE have a local wifi network as some other festivals do, the poor phone/internet signal at the new site was a big problem 🙂

    Two would be good One huge one less so. Magic teapot is an escape

    Would prefer 1 magic teapot and the return of Bunnychow 😀

    View more comments

    Way back before Covid The Song for Wickham was written by Steve Knightley to celebrate Wickhams 800th anniversary.  Post-Covid Steve & Wickhams Community Choir performed the song at the 2022 Wickham Festival.  Now you can buy the recording which is one of 12 fine tracks on Steves The Winter Yards album.Image attachmentImage attachment

    Way back before Covid The Song for Wickham was written by Steve Knightley to celebrate Wickham's 800th anniversary. Post-Covid Steve & Wickham's Community Choir performed the song at the 2022 Wickham Festival. Now you can buy the recording which is one of 12 fine tracks on Steve's The Winter Yards album. ... See MoreSee Less

    4 weeks ago

    5 CommentsComment on Facebook

    Oooh yes please Steve and Phil, show of hands next year would be excellent!! 👍

    Wickham Music Festival please please please can we have him/ Show of Hands back next year ? ❤️🎶Lx

    Is he booked for Wickham Music Festival 2025?

    View more comments

    Our Twitter Feed

    Missed out on @oasis tickets? You can enjoy a full weekend of top quality music at #wickhamfestival instead... and tickets are a lot easier to book. Simply go to and save up to £100 on an Early Bird weekend ticket if you book now.

    We've fewer than 100 'earlybird' weekend season tickets still available for Wickham 2025. At just £40 a day (£160 for the weekend) with no added booking fees, they're the Festival bargain of the summer so don't delay. Prices have to rise next weekend.

    Here it is! Our official 2024 Wickham Festival video with highlights of one of our best festivals ever. Can you see yourself?
    https://youtu.be/QkvNyWA3LMg?si=er305cSqu_wgndbp&sfnsn=scwspmo

    Check out South coast entertainment and news website @InCommonSoton for this article on the success of our move to the new site... and much more.