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.

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    The amazing Dhol Foundation will be at Wickham on Friday 1st August with a very special set.  Day & Weekend tickets selling fast. www.wickhamfestival.co.ukImage attachmentImage attachment+4Image attachment

    The amazing Dhol Foundation will be at Wickham on Friday 1st August with a very special set. Day & Weekend tickets selling fast. www.wickhamfestival.co.uk ... See MoreSee Less

    2 days ago
    Were pleased to see that the late, great Wilko Johnson, who appeared twice at Wickham, is having a train named after him by C2C today.  It will undertake its inaugural journey from Southend Central to Fenchurch Street at approximately 10:45.

    We're pleased to see that the late, great Wilko Johnson, who appeared twice at Wickham, is having a train named after him by C2C today. It will undertake its inaugural journey from Southend Central to Fenchurch Street at approximately 10:45. ... See MoreSee Less

    5 days ago

    Our Twitter Feed

    Applications are open to perform on our Local Artists Stage at #WickhamFestival this summer! If you're based within 30 miles of Wickham please apply to John via this email address: govinda304@hotmail.com

    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'