Wickham Festival News

Day 3 -review

There was a real throwback to the Eighties as a trio of top bands made it party night at the Wickham Festival.

Headliners Squeeze wheeled out all their hits and more in a polished and slick set which had the Valley Stage dancing as the evening reached an exciting crescendo.

Squeeze provided a fantastic finale

It was a tall order for the chart-toppers as they had to follow in the wake of John Illsley, the former Dire Straits bass guitarist who played 75 minutes of hits by arguably the biggest band of the Eighties.

Sultans of Swing and Tunnel of Love were highlights as the Hampshire pub landlord powered through some of the vast catalogue of top tunes to the delight of the packed crowd already on a high from Tom Robinson’s set.

John Illsley played a set full of Dire Straits hits

He showed he is as relevant and as passionate as ever with a fantastic and often emotional performance, none more so than during the ovation for Glad to be Gay which moved not only the singer but many in the crowd.

If you missed Tom Robinson – or want to see him again – he will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of Power in the Darkness by playing the whole of the iconic album at the 1865 in Southampton on October 20.

Tom Robinson is as fresh and as relevant as ever

His excellent show followed on from the coup of the popular Pierce Brothers and the livewire show from Gordie MacKeeman and his Rhythm Boys.

It was another tough night for choices as the excellent Ferocious Dog closed the evening on the Village Stage in style to the delight of their many fans.

Earlier the tent had rocked to a lively set from Merry Hell and the unique style of the Electric Swing Circus who had been due to perform here a year ago.

However, enhanced airport security checks caused them to miss their flight and forced them to cancel a gig for the first and only time.

Electric Swing Circus made up for lost time

They more than made up for it with a vibrant and energetic show which proved hugely popular – even if fans weren’t quite sure how to describe what they had just seen!

And there is still a full day to go with more tough choices between the two main arenas.

The Valley Stage boasts gritty Irish singer Mary Coughlan followed by guitar legend Richard Thompson and then Jon Boden, former lead singer of Bellowhead.

Meanwhile, the Village Stage hosts the manic madness that is the showmen of Tankus the Henge, always popular here. They are followed by another festival favourite in the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and then the Undertones.

Having fun in the sun

Day tickets are available on site, cash only with children Under 10 admitted free and those aged 10-16 getting half-price. Parking is free and plentiful. With more unbroken sunshine forecast, a big crowd is expected to sample the wide choice of food, real ales and ciders and beers as well as the many stalls and free children’s entertainment.

And if you needed further proof of the family-friendly safe setting, one fan was in despair after losing her phone with £120 in the case. It was handed in with cash and credit cards intact. It’s that sort of event!

*If you have enjoyed the festival then why not book for next year now? Save £80 on a weekend ticket (August 1-4) if you book for 2019 before you leave. Visit the box office for details.

Archives by year

  • 2023 (12)
  • 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

    Newly confirmed. 3 Daft Monkeys will be at our 2024 Wickham Festival on Fri., Aug. 2. Other bands already confirmed inc. Tankus the Henge; Skipinnish; & The Men They Couldn't Hang. More to be announced shortly. www.wickhamfestival.co.uk/tickets ... See MoreSee Less

    Newly confirmed.  3 Daft Monkeys will be at our 2024 Wickham Festival on Fri., Aug. 2. Other bands already confirmed inc. Tankus the Henge; Skipinnish; & The Men They Couldnt Hang.  More to be announced shortly.  www.wickhamfestival.co.uk/tickets

    26 CommentsComment on Facebook

    Great so far! Please get Tide Lines back!

    Excellent!

    Excellent 🤘🤘

    Brilliant band! 😊

    Happy days!

    Awesome!!! Got my ticket months ago, so am so excited!! xx

    Can’t wait to volunteer again 😊

    This just gets better and better. When are you going to announce the Second Coming of Warren Zevon, who will be headlining on Sunday !!!!!! Four acts announced, albums by three in my collection......That's what makes Wickham such a wonderful festival and the musical highlight of my year......!!

    Yusss!

    Can we have the SAS band and Alabama 3 back please 🙏

    Can’t wait

    Another fantastic band! Thank you 🙂

    excellent news three daft monkeys

    How long are the Early Bird tickets on for? I'm trying to round up several others but I don't want to miss out while others dither Wickham Music Festival

    So happy that 3 Daft Monkeys Are at Wickham next year. They were awesome at South Petherton earlier this year 😊

    Yay 😃

    Yessss, excellent, one of my favourites😁

    Great craic are those 3 Daft Monkeys.

    Megan James Astrid must be thrilled with the line up so far for Wickham! All her favs x

    Fab line up already… add Alabama 3 please!!!! 😎❤️

    Dammit Actb Smith looks like I’ll be missing a great lineup next year. Bet you’re glad you got early tickets now!

    3 Daft Monkeys!! Can't wait

    Brilliant festival Wickham Music Festival

    Brilliant 😍

    I love it when these announcements start. I don't know this band but it gives me a chance to start researching. So looking forward to Wickham Music Festival August 2024. Tickets bought in August 23!

    View more comments

    Pleased to confirm that The Men They Couldn't Hang will be back at Wickham in 2024 as part of their 40th anniversary celebrations. Always a great live band. ... See MoreSee Less

    Pleased to confirm that The Men They Couldnt Hang will be back at Wickham in 2024 as part of their 40th anniversary celebrations.  Always a great live band.

    30 CommentsComment on Facebook

    Great news!!👏👏👏👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

    I would appreciate Graham Nash again, sadly never got to see him in 2018, but completely understand if he’s out of budget

    Excellent news! My favourite band and my favourite festival!

    Great stuff !!! Thanks !! Pamela Horrigan

    Great news!

    Great live act well done

    Thats just great news !!!!

    Always a good slot!

    🙌

    Fantastic - very much looking forward to seeing them

    Which night are they playing ?

    Great 😊

    YAY - thank you Wickham Music Festival 🥰

    Simon Tremlett ..this year we are going !

    Deirdre Arthur

    Excellent. Have booked for the Shepherd's Bush Gala night and for Barnoldswick but you just can't have too much of a great thing......Must say, it's all going rather well for Wickham 2024, but then we KNEW it would! What delights are to be revealed in the coming days, I wonder...??

    Woo hoo!

    Yay!!!

    Tmtch and tankus? Looking like its going to be a great year so far

    Any more confirmed yet?

    Ooh amazing news.

    Yay. Well happy.

    Steven C Turner

    Nice!

    Finn Murphy McSweggan

    View more comments

    Delighted to announce that top Scottish band Skipinnish are newly confirmed for the 2024 Wickham Festival on Sat. 3 Aug. Same day as Tankus the Henge. Lots more artists being announced this week. Earlybird tickets still available via www.wickhamfestival.co.uk/tickets
    www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQCuw59ND78
    ... See MoreSee Less

    Video image

    4 CommentsComment on Facebook

    Hurrah. My favourite

    Superb. One of my absolute favourites......Thanks Peter and Team! Starting to drool already.....

    Saw them at the Brook last month and now looking g forward to seeing g them again at Wickham 🥳

    Please consider Robert Plants Saving Grace, his latest project which is very folk based.

    Seen in East London. We've booked Ronnie Lane's band Slim Chance several times. They're great! Have you any photos of other roads named after musicians? ... See MoreSee Less

    Seen in East London.  Weve booked Ronnie Lanes band Slim Chance several times.  Theyre great!  Have you any photos of other roads named after musicians?

    15 CommentsComment on Facebook

    Here's another. Heinz Burt Close in Eastleigh. Named after Heinz, the former bass player of The Tornados (famed for their hit Telstar)

    Not named after me as such, but I’ve dj’d the silent disco the last 2 years for Bug Beats Events at the Wickham Music Festival! 🤣🤣

    There's Charles Watts Way at Hedge end of course

    Hi Pete. Did you see my email. Croft No 5 have reformed!! 😊

    I saw Ronnie Lane’s Slim Chance in 1976 in the Roundhouse, Chalk Farm. What a great band.

    Marylebone, London

    As part of the 'other festival' in Pilton you will find a new road Maggies Farm, not a band member but of course from Bobs tune.

    How come? 😉

    OK - I need to get out more! Here’s a little something to fulfil the request!

    Ash Smither

    Can't remember where this was now but great name 🤭

    Of course its Swansea so it may be the Welsh Dylan

    Spotted this in Partinico, Sicily.

    In his home town of Paisley.

    Not a road name, but Billy Bragg Bicycles sign in Gillingham is one I remember from childhood. Obviously not that Billy Bragg!

    View more comments

    Load more

    Our Twitter Feed