It was the perfect end to a perfect weekend as the best ever Wickham Festival came to a fantastic finale.

With record crowds, glorious weather and a bill of top artists, organisers were quick to hail the four-day fiesta as their best yet.

It proved so successful that hundreds of fans have already booked for next year’s event (Aug 3-6) taking advantage of a £60 discount on a weekend ticket.

Organiser Peter Chegwyn said: “The whole event was absolutely wonderful. We had bigger crowds than ever before and it was great to see so many happy, smiling faces – not just the fans but the artists too. They genuinely love playing here.

“As always, the atmosphere was so relaxed and chilled – it is the main feature of this festival, which is why so many people have already renewed for next year. It has been a big success, helped by the weather and the fact we had so many big names.”

The festival finished in style with a perfect mix of styles to fit the mood. Cherish the Ladies got the place going with their Irish music complete with Irish dancing before long-standing festival favourites Steeleye Span provided the perfect set for early Sunday evening.

The pace picked up with a stomping set from the Red Hot Chilli Pipers who had the Big Top bouncing but there was no chance for rest as Hayseed Dixie’s awesome “rockgrass” had fans hurtling towards the finale at breakneck speed.

And then to finish, Lindisfarne had everyone rocking and chilling at the same time to send the crowds home on a high.

Chegwyn added: “It was the perfect way to end the weekend. The Chilli Pipers and Hayseed Dixie was fantastic and really got the place going and then we eased back a little for the final act and Lindisfarne delivered a wonderful set as they always do.

“Now the hard work starts to clear up and then plan for next year to see if we can make it even better, although it will be tough.”

All those booking an Early Bird weekend ticket for next year can save £60 on a weekend ticket and will be entered into a draw for the chance to win a t-shirt signed by many of the top artists.

These can be booked on site on Monday August 8 or email eastfest@talk21.com.