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.

Archives by year

  • 2025 (4)
  • 2024 (17)
  • 2023 (13)
  • 2022 (13)
  • 2021 (20)
  • 2020 (12)
  • 2019 (25)
  • 2018 (25)
  • 2017 (27)
  • 2016 (23)
  • 2015 (19)
  • 2014 (2)
  • Facebook Posts

    Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons
    Video image

    Congratulations to Flook on winning the Gradam Ceoil TG4 Award 2025! This prestigious award highlights their remarkable contributions to Ireland's traditional music heritage. You can see Flook at the Wickham Festival on Friday 1st August. Day & Weekend tickets now onsale via www.wickhamfestival.co.uk/tickets
    www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFWwf-dMles&t=7s
    ... See MoreSee Less

    5 days ago

    3 CommentsComment on Facebook

    It's great, but I have a question, why do flute players often stand on one leg ? Is it just because they can ?

    I’d do a similar thing if you’d book me I guess I’m the leader of the uninvited

    They have a string attached to bellows on their back, gives the lungs a 'breather'..

    Were delighted to say The Twisted Tearooms will be back at Wickham this summer.  And weve some wonderful new food & drink offerings along with all your Wickham favourites.

    We're delighted to say The Twisted Tearooms will be back at Wickham this summer. And we've some wonderful new food & drink offerings along with all your Wickham favourites. ... See MoreSee Less

    7 days ago

    13 CommentsComment on Facebook

    Will you be having the on stage interviews as per last year ? Nicky Horne / Fred Dinnage

    Just bring plenty of that Dorset apple cake! 😋 It wouldn't be Wickham without you.

    Always enjoy the cakes and music there!

    View more comments

    Our Twitter Feed

    Quick reminder that ticket prices will have to rise after Easter.

    You can still save £40 on every 4-day adult weekend ticket (£20 on every under-16 ticket) if you book NOW, before midnight on Easter Monday (21st April). Tickets can be booked online via

    Some great additions to our line-up with @BootlegBeatles @judietzuke @sohsteve @TheAlabama3 @stevewickham and many more.
    Have you got your tickets yet?
    If not, you can still save £40 on every adult weekend season ticket (£20 on every under-16 ticket) if you book now but hurry!

    We are delighted to announce ever-popular music legend @RthompsonMusic will be appearing on Saturday August 2. Tickets available at http://www.wickhamfestival.co.uk

    The ever-popular Phil Beer will be appearing solo at #WickhamFestival on Sun. 3rd Aug. as well as joining with Reg Meuross, Marion Fleetwood & Geraint Watkins to perform 'Fire and Dust: A Woody Guthrie Story'

    Huzzah for @festivalwickham and Saturday 2nd August and another mighty HUZZAH for it is a particular favourite of ours, do thoroughly deserving of thrice Huzzah! http://Www.wickhamfestival.co.uk for tickets!! See you there. Is there time for one more Huzzah?