Here comes the Sun! Headliner Steve Harley could not have picked a better opening song as he closed the opening night of the 2018 Wickham Festival.

After last year’s downpour on the eve of the event, the weather was perfect this time around.

The festival got under way in glorious sunshine – with three more days forecast. And the Cockney Rebel frontman picked up on the mood.

Despite nursing a broken hip, Harley produced a high-energy set which had the crowd singing along to his string of hits finishing, of course, with Come Up and See Me Make Me Smile.

It was a rousing finale to a fantastic first day with Imar and then the South picking up the tempo after Les Barker’s hugely entertaining poetry readings.

Imar got the Valley Stage fans dancing with their infectious blend of celtic tunes before the South dipped into their huge catalogue of hits to delight the crowd.

Meanwhile the Village Stage – now extended to become a second main stage – was rocking to Mad Dog Mcrea followed by the pulsating beat of the ever-popular Dhol Foundation.

After all that excitement, many were not ready to turn in and headed to the Quay West Cave for the late-night comedy which is proving a big success once again.

Friday’s comedy set will be held on the Village Stage as it features internet sensation Jonathan Pie who is sure to draw a big crowd.

The music gets under way at noon building up to headline sets by Show of Hands (Valley Stage) and Skipinnish (Village Stage) with Kate Rusby, Martyn Joseph and Boo Hewerdine providing quality support among many others.

Day and weekend tickets are still available at the box office. Parking is free and plentiful and with top quality food and drink, arts and craft stalls and a host of free activities for children (Under 10’s admitted free, 10-16 half-price) the Wickham Festival is the perfect place for a fun weekend.