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

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 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.

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 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, 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.

Belinda O’Hooley is an exceptionally gifted pianist, singer, songwriter and composer and has become renowned for her highly individual, emotional, yet sensitive musicality.

She is half of four time BBC Radio 2 Folk Award ‘Best Duo’ nominees O’Hooley & Tidow, alongside her wife Heidi Tidow, together described by The Guardian as ‘exceptional songwriters’.

Inversions showcases Belinda’s abilities as a composer and pianist with many of the piano pieces inspired by the songs and tunes her father inherited from a long line of male musicians in the hills of the West coast of rural Ireland. With the passing of her father in 2017, Belinda – the first woman to be handed the tradition – has found the freedom to express the music of her ancestors in her very own, unconventional way, evolving and migrating into something you could describe as an inversion: a reversal of the norm.

Gently nurtured, produced and recorded by Heidi Tidow at MOMA Wales, the mountains, valleys and landscapes of Snowdonia also provide the backdrop to a trio of compositions; each celebrating a deep love of the nature and wildlife of this breathtaking part of Wales.

Inversions encapsulates the essence of an artist truly at one with her instrument.

“Exquisite”
The Guardian *****

“Dense, complex, beautifully performed”
Songlines ****

“Defiant, robust, northern, poetical, political folk music for the times we live in”
The Independent

Penguin Cafe was founded by Arthur Jeffes in 2009, bringing together a talented and disparate group of musicians initially to perform his father Simon Jeffes’ legacy of world-renowned PCO music, ten years after his untimely death in 1997. Arthur, a talented composer in his own right, quickly began to create new and unique genre-defying music, blending classical instruments like violins and cellos with unexpected elements like ukuleles and melodicas, the spellbinding philosophy of the Penguin Cafe always in his mind. Penguin Cafe have released five studio albums of original music, four of which are released on Erased Tapes Records.

The current show ‘Penguin Cafe performs Music from the Penguin Cafe Orchestra’ pays homage to the original PCO music featuring performances of classic compositions that have been captivating listeners for decades. Audiences can expect to hear beloved works like ‘Music from a Found Harmonium’ and ‘Perpetuum Mobile’ delivered with the ensemble’s signature warmth and inventiveness. This tour not only celebrates the enduring legacy of the Penguin Cafe Orchestra but also showcases the continued evolution of their sound under Arthur Jeffes direction. To commemorate the tour Universal Music has re-released all of the original PCO albums on limited edition Vinyl, and the original iconic PCO album cover paintings by Emily Young are available to own as limited edition art prints for the first time.

The Freddy Saxo Quartet will be serving-up lunchtime jazz, soul & funk on Sunday 2nd August. Fred Schmid is a Saxophonist, Composer and Educator based in England.  He is at home on all saxes across the Musical Spectrum. Originally from Switzerland where he studied at School of Musical Technologies ETM.  He’s perfomed around the UK and abroad for the last 25 years in venues including Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Cafe, Southbank Centre, Hackney Empire, Union Chapel, LoveSupreme Festival, London Jazz Festival, and Womad Festival.

Curtis Stigers proved himself as a firm favourite with many when he joined us in 2024 so we are delighted to welcome him back on Sunday 2nd August.

Curtis Stigers has had several top ten hits as a long-haired, blue-eyed soul singer and he’s written and sung an Emmy nominated TV theme song. He’s recorded a track for one of the biggest-selling pop albums of all time and he’s released nine critically-acclaimed, award-winning jazz albums. He’s played for presidents and princes and he’s appeared in two Seth MacFarlane movies about a foul-mouthed cuddly bear called Ted. He’s recorded thirteen studio albums and a live album singing Sinatra songs with the world-famous Danish Radio Big Band. He’s toured with symphony orchestras, written songs with Carole King and duetted with Al Green, Shawn Colvin and Tom Jones.

For the past 30 years, the singer, songwriter, saxophonist and guitarist has been making records that confound those who try to categorize his music or put him in a box.

Curtis Stigers’s new album This Life is the answer to that question. It’s a celebration of three decades of musical exploration, evolution and growth. It’s a look back at 13 albums, thousands of concert performances and millions of miles on the road. “We created most of these arrangements onstage, during soundchecks and concerts,” says Stigers. “My songs have changed and grown as they’ve gotten older, just like I have.”

Curtis Stigers burst onto the recording scene in 1991 with his eponymous debut album, which sold 1.5 million copies and spawned several self-penned, pop/soul-flavored hit singles, including “You’re All That Matters To Me,” “Never Saw A Miracle” and the worldwide top-ten hit, “I Wonder Why.” The 25-year-old NYC-based musician then toured the world in support of the album, opening shows for the likes of Elton John, Prince, Eric Clapton, James Brown, Joe Cocker, Rod Stewart and Bonnie Raitt, and made multiple appearances on the TV show circuit, including The Tonight Show, David Letterman, Arsenio and The Today Show.

“Inspired marriage of visceral clout and intellectual savvy.”
New York Times

“I cannot think of another vocalist who creates such an exuberant combination of bebop artistry and raw emotion.”
London Sunday Times

“When Curtis Stigers came on stage on Wednesday night, it felt as if someone had upped the wattage in the bulbs.”
Wall Street Journal

Love to sing? Dread anyone hearing you? Wouldn’t dream of joining a ‘real’ choir? Then come sing with us, The Tuneless Choir, at the Wickham Big Sing, on Sunday 2nd August at midday. We look forward to seeing you there.

Lyrics will be available at the performance. You probably won’t need them as we are sure you’ll know all the words.  They are always top tunes!

The Tuneless experience is unique. We sing purely for the pleasure of it – with no pressure or expectation to improve – and simply aim for everyone to leave us feeling energised and uplifted.

The Leaders of Locks Heath and Solent Tuneless Choirs say “We know that singing in a group brings huge benefits. Some of those are physical, as we know choirs benefit conditions such as Parkinson’s and COPD. I believe, however, that the greatest effect is on our mental health from the emotional and social benefits.

“Research has shown that group singing reduces cortisol levels, so decreases stress and anxiety. It also increases endorphins, our “happy hormones”, and so people who sing regularly are shown to have greater life satisfaction. I’m not surprised as when you are in a positive frame of mind, it’s so much easier to cope with what life throws at you. It’s just incredible how doing something so simple can increase someone’s quality of life.

There are 30 plus Tuneless Choirs around the country, but for our WICKHAM BIG SING we’ll be led on stage by two Local Tuneless Choirs.

Singing is for everyone, come join us!

Last appearing at Wickham Festival in 2021 and twice voted BBC Folk Duo of the Year, Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman will be at Wickham on Sunday 2nd August. Duos come and go, but few nurture and refine their craft with such dedication and originality.

Roberts and Lakeman have forged a creative bond that is as enduring as it is inspiring. Their 30 year journey together — from young trailblazers in the 1990s folk supergroup Equation to one of Britain’s most admired and decorated folk duos — stands as a testament to their artistry, authenticity, and masterful musicianship.

Their contribution to the British folk landscape has not gone unnoticed. Kathryn and Sean have twice been named ‘Best Duo’ at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, in addition to accolades from Spiral Earth and Fatea Magazine. Their live shows — brimming with charm, wit, and musical mastery — have earned them a devoted following and a reputation as a cornerstone act of the British folk and acoustic scene.

In 2025, the duo celebrated an extraordinary 30 years of music-making with the release of their first live concert album, “Another Day at the Circus” which captures the warmth, humour, and emotional depth that have made their live performances so cherished — an invitation into the magic of an evening spent in the company of two artists completely at ease with their craft.

“It’s folk music for the modern age.”
The Telegraph

“These guys are something very special.”
Acoustic Magazine

“Rightly regarded as one of the most engaging folk/acoustic duos on the circuit.”
Rock ’n’ Reel

“Songwriters par excellence.”
fRoots

We’re delighted to announce that The Proclaimers will headline the Sunday night (2nd August) at the 2026 Wickham Festival. They last appeared at Wickham in 2019 so they are long overdue a return visit having had to cancel in 2023 due to Charlie losing his voice the week before.  2026 will see The Proclaimers return with a new album recorded in the spring and back out live from early summer.

2022 had seen The Proclaimers release their 12th studio album to immense acclaim. Dentures Out saw them record again at the legendary Rockfield Studios in Wales with producer Dave Eringa.

The fire and ire of Craig and Charlie Reid remain righteously undimmed. Dentures Out is a record of the times, for the times, the twins at their political, observational, satirical and fist-punchingly tuneful best with guest guitarist James Dean Bradfield playing on a couple of tracks.

On their most political album since Sunshine On Leith, in the lyrical firing line are: the weaponising of nostalgia for electoral capital, porcine press barons, the comforting but distracting illusion of destiny, the hysterical bubble of modern life.

They kicked of a 14-month World tour in June 2022 followed by a series of summer festivals and regional concerts. October to December saw The Proclaimers embark upon their biggest and most successful sell out 35 date UK & Ireland tour.

2023 then saw The Proclaimers touring Australia and New Zealand followed by summer shows and festivals in the UK. 96 shows in total to over 500,0000 people.

Strikingly individual, twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid emerged 31 years ago with their debut album This Is The Story and Top 3 single ‘Letter from America’. Since then their enduring appeal across generations has have over the years seen them enjoy huge success across the globe.

The Proclaimers songs are timeless, capturing a gamut of human emotions, written with poignancy, emotional honesty, political fire and wit. Their songs feature at weddings, funerals and everything in-between and there is one song, an early
celebration of falling head over heels in love that is known the world over and has become a staggering global anthem. There are many others that have gained great popularity in different parts of the planet and then there is a wide cross section of sublime songs embraced by a multitude that has kept up with The Proclaimers studio albums, compilation collections and extensive touring over three decades.

2018 had seen their ‘Angry Cyclist’ album released to immense acclaim, becoming their 8th UK, Top 40 album debuting in the UK Official Album charts at 17 and at number 3 in the UK Official Independent Album Charts.

The Proclaimers “Angry Cyclist World Tour” began in July 2018 and ended in September 2019, 111 shows in 14 countries to over 400,0000 people. The tour began in Stroud, England and ended at The Hydro in Glasgow. The tour included
their biggest ever tours of Scotland, England, Canada, New Zealand and Australia and notably in June 2019, The Proclaimers opened The Pyramid Stage for their 7th appearance at Glastonbury. The Proclaimers July 2019 Edinburgh Castle concert sold out in just under 10 minutes with Castle Concerts reporting this as the fastest sell out in their 25-year history. A second show at Edinburgh Castle was added, this show also sold out within 24 hours, which Castle Concerts reporting as never before seen demand.

Strikingly individual, twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid emerged 34 years ago with their debut album This Is The Story and Top 3 single ‘Letter from America’. Since then their enduring appeal across generations has have over the years seen them enjoy huge success across the globe.

The Proclaimers songs are timeless, capturing a gamut of human emotions, written with poignancy, emotional honesty, political fire and wit. Their songs feature at weddings, funerals and everything in-between and there is one song, an early
celebration of falling head over heels in love that is known the world over and has become a staggering global anthem. There are many others that have gained great popularity in different parts of the planet and then there is a wide cross section of sublime songs embraced by a multitude that has kept up with The Proclaimers studio albums, compilation collections and extensive touring over three decades.

The Proclaimers have carved out a niche for themselves in the netherworld where pop, folk, new wave and punk collide. In the process, they have enjoyed Gold and Platinum singles and albums in UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

They have even inspired a musical, the play and film Sunshine on Leith. The movie was the fifth highest grossing Independent UK film of 2013. The stage version of the musical continues to be performed regularly to sell out crowds by productions throughout the UK and Ireland.

On BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island discs, David Tennant describes his first track by The Proclaimers – “I could have chosen any and every track from this band, probably my favourite band of all time. They write the most spectacular songs, big hearted, uncynical passionate songs.”

Earlier this year after Coldplay had performed Sunshine on Leith on BBC’s The Piano Room, Chris Martin said “There is a whole other world of music behind that song that I’ve just been discovering, and they’re a wonderful, wonderful band. Now we live in the age of coolness doesn’t mean anything, just quality and soul. The Proclaimers make more sense than ever.“