Wickham Festival News

Day 1 – review

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.

Not the muddy start that welcomed you last year.

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.

Steve Harley produced a rousing finale

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.

The South had the crowd dancing

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.

Jonathan Pie has become an internet sensation

 

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.

 

Take the chance to try body painting!
A heavenly vision
There is plenty of entertainment as you walk round the site

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  • Facebook Posts

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    Video image

    Re-live Beatlemania. The Bootleg Beatles will be at the Wickham Festival on our opening night, Thurs. 31 July, with Lindisfarne & Judie Tzuke. Full updated Festival line-up & ticket details on our website www.wickhamfestival.co.uk
    www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuR0-jIirNs
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    2 days ago

    4 CommentsComment on Facebook

    Just had to look it up - I saw them in 1997 at the Hillsborough Justice benefit gig at Anfield. Thunder, lightning and bonkers rainfall, and we didn't care. Bootleg Beatles were bloody awesome. If anyone is a bit unsure about the band - do go and see them!

    That must be it! How many top acts do you have this year? Always a fab festival. I think I might have to be at 3 stages at the same time this year. Can't wait ❤️

    Please tell me that Lindisfarne and the Bootleg Beatleas aren't on at the same time...🙏

    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
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    1 week 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'..

    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?