Wickham Festival News

Plaitford Common

Southampton-based 5-piece Plaitford Common will open proceedings on Friday 31st July. Plaitford Common are a five-piece band from Southampton playing folk rock, folk, Americana, blues & Celtic folk on electric & acoustic guitars, mandolins, fiddle, banjo, bass and drums.

Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage

Making their Wickham Festival debut on Thursday 30th July, Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage are one of the most captivating duos on the contemporary folk scene. Known for their vintage guitars, exquisite harmony vocals and intimate single-microphone performances, they create live shows that are both deeply moving and wonderfully atmospheric.

Since joining forces in 2016, Hannah and Ben have forged a distinctive sound that blends English folk traditions with Americana influences, combining timeless storytelling with modern songwriting. Their natural chemistry, effortless musicianship and heartfelt performances have earned them widespread acclaim from audiences and critics alike.

Hannah’s pure, expressive vocals perfectly complement Ben’s inventive and highly individual guitar style, creating a musical partnership that is both elegant and compelling. Their ability to connect with listeners through authentic, live performance remains at the heart of everything they do.

Their 2022 Topic Records release, Ink Of The Rosy Morning, reached No. 3 in the Official UK Folk Album Chart and was named one of the year’s standout folk albums by MOJO magazine. Following tours with their band and collaborations with folk-rock pioneers Fairport Convention, the duo returned to the stripped-back single-microphone format that first established their reputation.

In autumn 2025, Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage released their fifth studio album, The Strangers’ Share, an evocative collection inspired by dreams, folklore and the supernatural. Expect an unforgettable performance filled with rich harmonies, masterful musicianship and spellbinding songs.

Sorrel Nation

The wonderful folk rock singer songwriter Sorrel Nation will make her main stage debut on Friday 31st July 2026. Sorrel brings a rich blend of Americana, folk-rock and country music to the stage, crafting heartfelt songs inspired by a life spent travelling the UK. Known for her evocative storytelling, warm 1970s-influenced sound and soulful vocals, she has built a reputation for creating genuine connections with audiences wherever she performs.

The last two years have seen Sorrel’s career continue to flourish. Following the release of her intimate live EP Thirty Summers, she unveiled her acclaimed debut album Lost En Route, later released on vinyl, before stripping her songs back to their essence on the Live & Acoustic EP. Together, these recordings showcase both the emotional depth of her songwriting and the energy of her live performances.

A regular on the UK festival circuit, Sorrel has appeared at major events including Black Deer Festival, Isle of Wight Festival and Cambridge Folk Festival. She has also become closely associated with The Magic Teapot, continuing her journey through one of the country’s most distinctive grass roots music communities.

Touring remains central to Sorrel’s music. Travelling across Britain in her camper van, affectionately named Dory, she shares the road with her partner and cellist Theo, along with their rescue dog Lana. In 2026, she embarks on two extensive UK tours with her band, bringing her uplifting live show to audiences nationwide.

When she’s not performing, Sorrel lives on the Isle of Wight in a converted horse lorry. Surrounded by nature, she finds inspiration in the changing seasons and quieter moments, influences that continue to shape her honest and authentic songwriting.

Sorrel’s second studio album, Creeping Thyme, is scheduled for release on 23 October 2026. Inspired by the people, places and everyday moments that have helped her feel grounded, the album explores themes of resilience, belonging, nature and folklore. Drawing on the symbolism of the ancient wild herb creeping thyme, the collection reflects ideas of courage, protection, peace and the enduring magic of traditional ways of life.

And for those wondering – yes, Sorrel Nation is her real name.

The Rose & Thistle Pipes and Drums

The Rose & Thistle Pipes and Drums is a Gosport and Portsmouth based band, which has been running successfully for 68 years.

We are a social band (with a serious side) who believe in playing the instruments for the enjoyment obtained as well as the pleasure we receive in performing for others.

The bands beginnings are shrouded in mystery. Whether it began in Portsmouth Dockyard or a pub in Gosport is not known but we are certain that it was formed in 1956 and had its first public performance in 1957 at Stokes Bay, Gosport. The original band members were all former serviceman who used to meet up for practice in a school on the Gosport / Fareham border. Two of the known founder members of the band were Mr Jock Ferrigan, who was a Burma Star medal holder, having fought in the campaign, and Mr Harry Robertson, who was a Black Watch Piper of the 1st Battalion, 51st Highland Division.

In the early days, the band used to travel to most of the holiday camps in and around the local area including the Isle of Wight, Hayling Island, Southsea Common and Bognor Regis. They also performed at various galas, competitions and social events. Throughout the years the band has competed in the British and European championships as well as having made many successful European tours, including the French Celtic festivals and the prestigious Cologne carnival.

There have been a number of Pipe Majors with the present one being Alan Foggie who has been playing with the Band for the last 20 years.

Big Noise Samba

Big Noise Community Samba Band is a dynamic, self-funded community band based in Gosport, Hampshire. Founded in 2007, the group blends traditional Brazilian samba-reggae with a unique, energetic twist. They perform at over 400 festivals and community events, offering static performances, processional playing, and interactive workshops.

Windborne

Windborne’s captivating show draws on the singers’ deep roots in traditions of vocal harmony, while the absolute uniqueness of their artistic approach brings old songs into the present. Known for the innovation of their arrangements, their harmonies are bold and anything but predictable. Beyond simply dazzling the audience with vocal fireworks, Windborne evokes a deep emotional response, breathing new life into songs of change from the past that ring true in modern times. It’s no wonder they’ve been crowd favorites since starting to tour full time in 2017, and have amassed a loyal online following of over half a million fans.

The Firelight Trio

Firelight Trio play European folk music that is evocative, inventive, and endlessly exciting. Driving fiddle and gorgeous nyckelharpa meet deep accordion grooves in a rich tapestry of lively Swedish polskas and Scottish reels, lilting French waltzes, toe-tapping klezmer, dazzling original tunes and more.

‘A veritable roots music supergroup’
RnR magazine

‘Top-calibre trio with grace, energy and playfulness’
Folk Radio UK

‘Newly formed supergroup’
Pianodrome

Hejira

Celebrating the music of Joni Mitchell, Hejira featuring Jana Varga on vocals are appearing for this year’s Wickham Festival on Friday 31 July.

“The UK’s best and most convincing take on Joni Mitchell”
The Guardian

Hejira is a project that has rapidly blossomed from an initial ‘one-off gig’ into a highly successful touring band, set up to celebrate the music of Joni Mitchell. In particular, the band performs the masterpiece works that Mitchell captured on her albums, ‘Court and Spark’ through to ‘Wild Things Run Fast’. Hejira comprises 7 highly experienced, world-class musicians whose primary concern is to serve the music.

Within three years, Hejira have clocked up 130 + shows, including many prestigious venues and festivals; they will be performing 40-50 shows in 2026 including theatres and festivals in America, this July.

Hejira have produced several high-quality videos which have now been viewed approximately 1.5 million times! Their rendition of ‘Help Me’ was cited by the internationally renowned critic and musicologist Ted Gioia as one of his ‘Favourite Videos on Youtube’.

The band comprises:

Jana Varga ~ vocals & guitar
Ollie Weston ~ tenor & soprano saxophones
Chris Eldred ~ keyboards
Pete Oxley ~ guitar
Dave Jones ~ bass
Rick Finlay ~ drums
Marc Cecil ~ percussion

“I was mesmerized by this interpretation of the great music of the legendary Joni Mitchell with illustrious band led by Pete Oxley”
John Etheridge (UK’s primary guitar player [Soft Machine; Andy Summers; Stephane Grappelli etc.)

“Anyone who loves Joni will find these performances entrancing”
Lynne Truss (best-selling author and broadcaster)

Roving Crows

Roving Crows are an Irish Folk Rock band who deliver the goods with unbounded amounts of riotous energy and banter . They seamlessly marry humour, provocative lyrics, traditional Irish tunes and rock to bring the audience on a ride they won’t want to get off! The band comprises guitar, fiddle, drums, bass and vocals. The Crows storm the stage, dance, sweat, sing, laugh, entertain and leave the audience wanting more!

Roving Crows are:

  • Paul O’Neill (guitar and lead vocals)
  • Caitlin Barrett (fiddle & vocals)
  • Laurence Aldridge (drums & vocals)
  • Jim Smith (bass & vocals)

Their passion and energy on stage is infectious, never failing to deliver a great time with their vibrant live show! Their music pushes the boundaries of the Irish Folk genre, the jumping jigs and reels will get you dancing whilst their enquiring and provocative lyrics will make you think.

The band won Best Song for Wild Atlantic Woman and Best Album for UNITE at the CeltCast Fantasy Awards 2026.

“Music to get you in the mood for a wild night out.”
London Celtic Punks 2023

Olivia Chaney

Born in Florence to a writer and painter-turned-academic, Olivia Chaney grew up listening to everything from Prince to Joni Mitchell to Henry Purcell. This eclectic mix of influences sparked a passion for songwriting nurtured at Chetham’s School of Music and The Royal Academy. After showcasing at SXSW and a stint as lead singer for electronica outfit Zero 7, Olivia signed with Nonesuch, leading to collaborations with Kronos Quartet and a Grammy nomination for Offa Rex, a collection of Fairport Convention-era classics made with The Decemberists.

Olivia’s first solo album (The Longest River), produced by Leo Abrahams, received rave reviews. Following this she recorded Shelter in NYC with producer-pianist Thomas Bartlett. These records established Olivia’s reputation as the author of an unmistakable brand of luscious and sophisticated music that explores inherited trauma, the clash of tradition and modernity, and the paradoxes of love.

An EP entitled Six French Songs was released in September 2023, bringing together ballads from medieval crusader dirge to 60s pop classic Tous les garçons.

Circus of Desire, released in March 2024, is the much anticipated third studio album from Olivia Chaney. Worked up over five eventful years, this collection of lovingly wrought songs was recorded in NYC with long-time collaborator, producer and musician Thomas Bartlett. Featuring an all-star line-up of friends old and new, including Sam Amidon, Nico Muhly and remixes by Dave Okumu, Oliver Coates and Vessel, Circus of Desire is Olivia set free.

Olivia’s latest single Dark Eyed Sailor released with the new Wuthering Heights movie, which the song features heavily in. This was recorded with producer Oli Deakin (CMAT) in his rural Lake District studio and is performed with her Indian harmonium.

The TR5’s

The TR5’s bring the spirit of 1950s skiffle and early 1960s rock ’n’ roll roaring back to life with a high-energy live show that has been winning fans across Surrey and beyond. Blending vintage rock ’n’ roll rhythms, acoustic-driven skiffle grooves and a generous dose of humour, the band have built a reputation as one of the region’s most entertaining live acts.

Over the past few years The TR5’s have been lighting up stages with their lively performances and infectious enthusiasm. Their music captures the excitement and raw energy of the early rock ’n’ roll era – the kind of sound that once packed dance halls and inspired the first wave of British rock bands. Expect twanging guitars, driving rhythms and plenty of feel-good fun.

Fronting the band is Rusty (vocals), a charismatic red-haired showwoman from the deep south… of Surrey. With a voice that can move from smooth crooning to full-throttle rock ’n’ roll, Rusty leads the charge with boundless energy and a natural connection with the crowd.

On acoustic guitar is Lucky, whose upbeat playing keeps the band’s skiffle-inspired rhythms bouncing along. Known for his laid-back charm and uncanny good fortune, Lucky is the perfect rhythmic backbone for the TR5’s’ retro sound.

Eddie (lead guitar) brings the spark of classic rock ’n’ roll with his electrifying guitar work. With fast fingers and a love of vintage tones, Eddie delivers soaring riffs and spirited solos that channel the golden age of early rock music.

Holding down the low end is Buzz (bass), whose nickname comes from his lifelong fascination with bees and all things honey-related. His rock-solid bass lines keep the groove locked in while the band’s playful sense of humour buzzes away on stage.

Behind the drum kit is Ted (drums), whose powerful backbeat drives the band forward. Don’t be fooled by his matinee-idol looks — Ted is a formidable rhythm man capable of delivering the pounding rock ’n’ roll groove that keeps audiences dancing.

With their lively stage presence, vintage-inspired sound and infectious sense of fun, The TR5’s deliver a show that celebrates the golden age of rock ’n’ roll while keeping the party firmly in the present. Expect a performance full of rhythm, nostalgia and plenty of crowd-pleasing energy when they take to the stage at Wickham Festival.

Encore Choirs

Starting our Sundays witha choir has proved very popular so we thought we’d make it a great way to start our Saturday too. Encore Choirs will make their Wickham Festival debut and kick off action at 12 noon on Saturday 1st August.

Founded in 2019, Encore Choirs brings people together through a shared love of singing, creating uplifting musical experiences that welcome everyone, regardless of background or ability.

Their mission is simple: to offer a fun, relaxed and rewarding space for people to explore their voice, make new friends and feel part of something truly special. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone with plenty of singing experience, their doors are open.

The Wickham branch of Encore choirs is a welcoming and inclusive group where you can meet new friends, develop your singing skills, and be part of a supportive community. If you’re searching for a welcoming and lively choir in Wickham, look no further than Encore Choirs.

Archie couldn’t resist a sing, how about you…

Sheelanagig

Foot-stomping, roof-raising, high-energy Sheelanagig will make their Wickham debut on Sunday August 2nd. They’ve been whipping up a storm for nigh on twenty years with an arsenal of strings, soaring flute, pounding drums and a sprinkle of fairy dust they spin melodies that have set feet flying all across the globe. Their shows are a heady mix of raucous dance medleys and thoughtfully crafted original pieces feverishly brimming with fire, flair and finesse. Floors tremble and windows rattle in their presence; these rapturous minstrels are not to be missed under any circumstance.

Drawing deep from a bountiful well of European folk traditions, from medieval melodies to modern grooves, from baroque to folk-rock, Sheelanagig’s irresistible alchemy makes it impossible to stand still. Their infectious energy and mischievous stagecraft are matched only by their impeccable musicianship—delighting festival crowds and intimate venues alike.

Now, in 2025, they mark twenty years of tuneful trickery with the release of St Congar’s Walking Stick—heralding a new dawn for Sheelanagig. In this thrilling new chapter, the band have embraced folk-rock flavours, break-neck bangers, thoughtful takes on the traditional and a raucous array of original material which blends seamlessly with their time-honoured, inimitable style. Produced by their guitarist Alex Garden (The Drystones, Tarren) this album ventures boldly into new realms whilst remaining faithful to it’s heritage. One feels the clout of twenty years’ experience, bolstered and ignited by the drive of a daring new frontier in UK folk.

Project SMOK

Project SMOK is the indie-trad trio of Ali Levack, Ewan Baird and Pablo Lafuente, whose nonconformist and progressive style has set them apart since their formation in 2017.

Known for their ability to effortlessly blend traditional Scottish and Irish music with contemporary new-age pop influences, Project SMOK are at their most comfortable when pushing boundaries, making listeners stop and re-evaluate their musical expectations. They do away with perceived genre limits from the first note. The close-knit group transitions effortlessly between the innovative, explosive and emotive, drawing outside inspiration from indie pop, to more time-honoured West Coast styles of playing.

Their tunes are built around the distinctive whistle playing & piping of Ali Levack, winner of the BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year award in 2020. With Ewan Baird’s fierce bodhrán playing and Pablo Lafuente’s nuanced guitar style, the trio effortlessly blends their styles into a powerful and dynamic sound. Throw in instrumental virtuosity, blistering drive, infectious rhythm and a delicate sensitivity and you have the unique and thirst-quenching sound of Project SMOK.

In addition to their high energy live performances, the band’s eclectic discography has solidified their place at the forefront of the traditional music scene, amassing over 15 million streams worldwide.

Blending innovation with their fearless and distinctive style, Project SMOK continues to push the boundaries of modern traditional music. Their seamless fusion of genres captivates new audiences,
making traditional music more accessible to those who might not have explored it before.

Jack Broadbent

Jack Broadbent, winner of the 2025 Boisdale Jazz/Blues Artist of the Year Award (presented by Jools Holland), will make his Wickham Festival debut on Sunday 2nd August 2026.

Broadbent is no ordinary singer songwriter. He can break your heart and then turn around and set the world on fire. Combining elements of Blues, Folk, Rock n Roll and Jazz, Broadbent carries a lineage of true artistry into the 2000s that sets him apart from the rest.

His initial rise to fame was for his unique and explosive slide guitar playing. This notoriety was quickly solidified by his superb songwriting. Broadbent went from busking the streets of Europe to smashing the world stage alongside some of the biggest names in rock n roll.

In 2018, Broadbent performed as a guest at the launch party for the Rolling Stones curated blues compilation, “Confessin’ the Blues” in London. This lead to a tour opening for Ronnie Wood across the UK, with Wood crediting Broadbent with “keeping the flag flying”.

Legendary southern rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd simply call him “badass” after he wowed audiences across America on a full stadium tour.

A recent tour found Broadbent being invited to join Sheryl Crow onstage during an open air performance in Madrid, Spain. Playing the famous slide guitar part on her 90’s smash hit “All I Wanna Do”.

Broadbent also notably opened for Peter Frampton on his farewell tour across Europe with Frampton himself praising Broadbent as “a wonderful player”.

In the summer of ’25, Broadbent opened for Bryan Adams, alongside Texas, at the Musicos en la Naturelza Festival in Gredos, Spain.

Broadbent has thrilled audiences on the international festival circuit, including Montreux Jazz Festival where he was hailed as “the new master of the slide guitar”.

After six album releases Broadbent’s range is impressive. Stylistically, it’s a perfect blend of raw emotion and yet controlled chaos, best described by Bill Payne of Little Feat and The Doobie Brothers following a recent tour.

Archives by year

  • 2026 (8)
  • 2025 (19)
  • 2024 (17)
  • 2023 (13)
  • 2022 (13)
  • 2021 (20)
  • 2020 (12)
  • 2019 (25)
  • 2018 (25)
  • 2017 (27)
  • 2016 (23)
  • 2015 (19)
  • 2014 (2)
  • Our Twitter Feed

    Get in the mood for Wickham Festival 2026 and listen to interview from highlights from last year’s festival. The first of two special editions of the podcast is available now!

    Day & Weekend Tickets on-sale via http://www.wickhamfestival.co.uk Save £40 on 4-day weekend tickets if you book before midnight Monday. Chance to see @sawdoctors @The_Proclaimers @Dholfoundation Curtis Stigers. John Jones Trio and many more

    4

    Newly confirmed: Our Friday night headliners on Main Stage 2. By popular request we present Gaz Brookfield & The Company of Thieves. https://gazbrookfield.com/

    2

    The Dhol Foundation will headline Friday with their first full band set at Wickham since 2022 & will also perform a late night DJ Set after The Saw Doctors on Saturday & host a Bhangra Dance Workshop on Saturday morning. Day & Weekend tickets now onsale http://www.wickhamfestival.co.uk/tickets

    Our 'An Audience With...' interviews this summer will feature keyboard player & guitarist with 'Queen' for over 40 years & founder of The SAS Band Spike Edney; Russell Hastings 'From The Jam'; and Radio DJ & TV Presenter Mike Read.

    3

    Happy St Patrick's Day to all those getting in the party mood for @sawdoctors headlining the Wickham Festival on August 1. Tickets on sale now http://www.wickhamfestival.co.uk