Wickham Festival News

Day 3 – review

Frank Turner received a homecoming hero’s welcome as he took Wickham Festival by storm.

The Wessex Boy grew up just nine miles from the picturesque site and his affection for the area was clear in a pulsating set which had the huge crowd on a high.

Homecoming hero Frank Turner

Organisers have been after him for years but dates never quite matched – until now. And it was well worth the wait!

From the moment he burst onto the stage to launch into “Get Better” he had the crowd in the palm of his hand – at least until the encore when fans had him in the palms of their hands as he went crowd surfing!

Frank Turner tries crowdsurfing at Wickham

For Frank, it was show number 2,372 but a very special one as he continually referenced his roots and even apologised for taking so long to appear here.

He stressed how he loved the great line-up and the chilled atmosphere then joked: “When I was growing up just nine miles away, I used to lie in bed dreaming that one day I would play my 2,372nd show in Wickham!”

The crowd loved the banter as much as the supercharged set which followed on from another superb show from evergreen Wickham favourites The Men They Couldn’t Hang.

The Men They Couldn’t Hang

They proved the perfect warm-up for the headline act with a typically high-octane delivery to build on a fantastic set from Grace Petrie.

She was clearly move by the wonderful reception she received, not just for her music but also her ideals and beliefs which came through in her lyrics and her passionate rants.

Grace Petrie

Her fight for LGBT rights and her campaign against transphobia – or bigotry – went down well with the open-minded and receptive audience.

Meanwhile on the Village Stage Holy Moly and the Crackers were also going down a storm with their magical moonshine mix.

They were followed by Elephant Sessions who won over many new fans before Afro Celt Sound System rounded off another great night at Wickham.

There is still plenty more music to come on Sunday with Hollywood legend Kiefer Sutherland and his band followed by Alabama 3 on the Village Stage.

Over on the Valley Stage there is a fantastic four-pack of Ralph McTell, Lucinda Williams, Lindisfarne and Gilbert O’Sullivan.

This year’s festival has drawn huge crowds

Please note Sunday is completely sold out and no day tickets will be available at the box office which is open to receive applications for next year (August 6-9). Fans booking before they leave can save up to £80 on a weekend ticket.

Check out our twitter feed @festivalwickham for interviews with Frank Turner, Swill from The Men They Couldn’t Hang and Grace Petrie. And visit our facebook page for a gallery of pictures from our wonderful Wickham photographers.

 

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  • Facebook Posts

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    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

    2 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

    4 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!

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    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?