At the beginning of their career, Level 42 was squarely a jazz-funk fusion band, contemporaries of fellow Brit funk groups like Atmosfear, Light of the World, Incognito, and Beggar & Co. By the end of the ’80s, however, the band — whose music was instantly recognizable from Mark King’s thumb-slap bass technique and associate member Wally Badarou’s synthesizer flourishes — had crossed over to the point where they were often classified as sophisti-pop and dance-rock, equally likely to be placed in the context of Sade and the Style Council as was any group that made polished, upbeat, danceable pop/rock. The band’s commercial peak came with 1985’s World Machine, but they continued to record and tour sporadically throughout the ’90s and 2000s.

The Early Tapes Featuring Mark King (bass, vocals), Phil Gould (drums), Boon Gould (guitar), and Mike Lindup (keyboards), the band formed in 1979. Before they released their first single, “Love Meeting Love,” the band was pushed to add vocals to their music in order to give it a more commercial sound; they complied, with King becoming the lead singer. Released in 1981, their self-titled debut album was a slick soul-R&B collection that charted in the U.K. Top 20, resulting in the release of The Early Tapes. Level 42 had several minor hit singles before 1984’s “The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up)” hit the British Top Ten. Released in late 1985, World Machine broke the band worldwide; “Lessons in Love” hit number one in Britain and “Something About You” hit number seven in America. Their next two records, Running in the Family (1987) and Staring at the Sun (1988), were a big success in the U.K., yet made little headway in the U.S. Both of the Gould brothers left the band in late 1987; they were replaced by guitarist Alan Murphy and drummer Gary Husband. Murphy died of an AIDS-related illness in 1989; he was replaced by the renowned fusion guitarist Alan Holdsworth for 1991’s Guaranteed. The band followed Guaranteed in 1995 with Forever Now.

Retroglide Throughout the remainder of the ‘90s and the 2000s, the band’s lineup fluctuated, with King the lone constant and his brother, guitarist Nathan King, onboard since 2001. Level 42 released a studio album, Retroglide, in 2006. Four years later, the band celebrated its 30th anniversary with a special tour, as well as a box set, Living It Up, which included a disc of fresh acoustic versions recorded by Mark King and Lindup. 2010 also saw Husband leave the band once again, replaced by Pete Ray Biggin. The group continued to tour over the next few years before releasing new material in 2013, in the form of the EP Sirens. Supporting the release with an extensive tour of the U.K. and Europe, the group also recorded the live release The Sirens Tour, at their stop in London in 2015. The band continued to tour into 2016 with performances at festivals across Europe and South America.

Descending from a long line of theatricals, Hattie has been writing and performing a unique brand of musical entertainment for many 18 years.  She began entertaining back in the early 90’s as a performance poet in Brixton, where she discovered she could make people laugh.She soon learnt to play the accordion, closely followed by the ukulele and then the pain of everyday reality manifested itself into a growing collection of comedy songs.  She has played gigs, cabarets and festivals all over the UK and Europe including long stints in the UK, Netherlands, France, Portugal, Germany and Switzerland. She has performed alone, in duos, trios, street bands and circuses.

She is a superb songwriter and engaging performer whose way with words endears her to audiences. Her ability to hold an audience and get them to laugh, sing, cry and interact with her is wonderful to behold. She is quite unique, a true star, whose intelligent songwriting, musicianship and captivating stage presence makes her a genuine ‘one-off’.

John Watterson (A.K.A Fake Thackray), the UK’s foremost interpreter of the wonderful wordsmithery of the late, great Jake Thackray, will be at Wickham on Friday 4th August. Expect not only the comic genius of Jake’s songs but also a poem or two from the late Les Barker, another comic genius who sadly passed a few months ago.

Fake Thackray, an adopted Yorkshireman, was born and grew up on the Isle of Man, which is where he first saw and met Jake Thackray in 1975. He recalls a performance at the local folk club, which had the audience in stitches and also a chat with a very modest and self-deprecating Jake at the interval – ‘a big man and a huge talent, clearly embarrassed by the standing ovation, Jake preferred to have a pint at the bar with the punters and didn’t really see what the fuss was about’.

John took a business degree at Loughborough (‘my mum was stationed at Bletchley Park in WW2 and said Loughborough was quite nice’) and this was followed by a 30 year ‘accidental’ career in the laundry industry (‘I went to an interview in 1979 just for the travel expenses, and the buggers gave me a job!’).

On learning of Jake’s passing in 2002, John decided that the songs were too good not to be kept alive, so he set about learning more of them. ‘Before I had decided what to do when I grew up, it was time for my mid-life crisis. I told my wife, Carol that I wanted to give up the day job and sing Jake’s songs and she said – OK then – so I did!’

We welcome back Gibb Todd as one of our comperes for Wickham Festival 2021.

First emerging amid the creative fervor of the 1960s British Isles folk renaissance, singer, songwriter, and raconteur Gibb Todd continues to be one of the scene’s most beloved and respected figures. Constant international touring – both solo and with such groups as the legendary Dubliners, the Fureys, and Cherish the Ladies – has made this Scotsman (now based in Australia) welcome around the world and added intriguing layers of international influence to his songwriting and repertoire.

Astonishingly, Goin’ Home is only Todd’s second solo album in a career that now spans over four decades. Recorded in Nashville with an international cast of folk, Celtic, and bluegrass luminaries, it reflects Todd’s wide musical range over a program of aching ballads, rousing shanties, and several compelling originals. Joining Todd are innovative Irish guitarist John Doyle (ex-Solas), maverick banjoist Alison Brown, bluegrass fiddler Stuart Duncan, double bassist Danny Thompson (Richard Thompson Band, Pentangle), Nashville fiddler Andrea Zonn (Vince Gill Band, James Taylor), and vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Tim O’Brien.

We welcome back Alistair Russell as one of our comperes for Wickham Festival 2023.

Singing and playing folk music since his teens, and over thirty years a professional musician and sound engineer, Alistair sings songs mainly from his family homeland Scotland, its neighbour Ireland, self-penned songs inspired by his world-wide travelling with Battlefield Band, and any other song that takes his fancy.

Alistair grew up in the North-East of England, with Scottish parents who had a rich fund of songs of their own—music hall favourites, Harry Lauder songs, sentimental ballads and stage Irish songs which his father brought back from working on contract.

The sixties’ beat boom saw Alistair and a few like-minded school friends exploring folk music. By the late seventies, his band was playing extensively throughout NE England, with frequent forays into Germany and Poland. In 1978, he teamed up full-time with Tom Napper, and they released their first album, “Tripping Upstairs”. The next four years saw Tom take his leave, and Alistair set out on a solo career. His album “Getting to the Border” (with a star-studded guest musician list) was released.

Then came that rare thing in the world of folk music—the “big break”. Alistair joined Scotland’s legendary Battlefield Band. The next thirteen years were a whirlwind of touring—one million miles of it!

Nine Battlefield albums and two videos later, Alistair jumped off the global tour bus to “recharge the batteries”. His spell in Battlefield had not only developed his playing, singing and songwriting skills, but his role as “front man” in the band had honed the skill of relaxed communication which is so vital to putting the music across.

He didn’t remain idle for long. Knowledge gained on the road and in the recording studio got him jobs in management (Chris Sherburn and Denny Bartley), album production and CD recording (over 60 commercial projects released), tour management (Magnetic Music),  stringed instrument setup and sales (The Music Room), stage management,compering and live sound engineering at major UK festivals (CV Audio and freelance), and tuition DVD production (Mrs Casey Music).

Alistair Russell has recently written a book! It’s a light-hearted look at life on the road as a travelling musician & sound engineer. It’s received rave reviews from the critics and copies can be ordered online here:

https://www.alistairrussell.co.uk/shop/

The Alistair Goodwin Band will be performing on Sunday 7th August.  The band members are as follows:

• Alistair Goodwin – Guitar, Vocal
• Nigel Rippon – Cello
• Age Gould – Cajon
• Nigel Davies-Patrick – Bass

Hard-driven freak-folk steeped in psychedelia, country-punk and urban blues – you won’t know what to call it but you’ll want to keep hearing it.
Alistair’s raw vocal-guitar sound is taken to new dimensions by an actual wizard, whose soul-tripping electric cello sweeps you from rock to flamenco via trance and whale song.

Add percussion, grunge bass and some Nigels, and the result is a musical oddity of strange and rare beauty.

To illustrate the diversity, the audio embed below is the full Alistair Goodwin Band whilst the video at the bottom is from a solo performance.

Since first picking up a guitar at the age of three the instrument has held a lifelong fascination for Alistair. His love of acoustic music has led him to play with an extremely wide range of musicians from street performers to the classically trained.

“Powerful vocals and mastery of the guitar make this guy a must see.”

“A unique and wholly original talent and after having seen him play live on a number of occasions, including a session on the programme, I’m very happy to confirm that.”

“If you’re a fan of acoustic music that’s firmly rooted in the Troubadour tradition then you’ll enjoy Alistair’s music.”

Phil Jackson, BBC Introducing

Described as gutsy driven acoustic roots, Alistair’s live performances blend melody, rhythm and vocal talent into a heartfelt and heady brew. Recent performances include radio exposure on the South Coast’s Spirit FM, live interviews and performances on the BBC’s Radio Solent and for Portsmouth and Southampton Television. His frequent live performances at venues across London and the south coast of England continue to build an impressively awed and loyal following in his musical wake.

Winters Hill are back in town, or rather coming home to Wickham Festival!

We’re always keen to promote local bands and they don’t get any more local than Winters Hill. They went down a storm last year so much so we used their track on our 2016 promo video on the home page.  They’re a 3 piece Americana / Country band formed in 2012.  This year they’ll be performing on the main stage on Sunday 4th August.  Winters Hill consists of:

• Max Hoar – Vocals and Guitar
• Nimrod Taabu – Cajon drum
• Jack Holmar – Harmonica,Guitar,Vocals

As lifelong friends who share a passion for music, the band formed on the back of watching Wickham Festival. Since then Winters Hill has grown way beyond what was expected. With Jack Holmàr on lead guitar, harmonica and steel slide, Max Hoar on rhythm guitar and lead vocals, and Nimrod Taabu on percussion, the band have crafted a distinguished alternative to the traditional Americana sound. Before ever playing in front of a single person, interest had begun from local radio as the band crafted their unique sound in Jacks’ loft. The trio played an acoustic session on Voice FM as their first ever live performance, and popularity has been rapidly growing ever since.

“We are pleased to say we will be playing the main stage at Wickham Festival this year. As many of you know, this is the festival that inspired us to start playing music. This truly means a hell of a lot to us. Thank you for everyone who has supported us over the last 3 years. When we stood by the acoustic stage 3 years ago, we never thought in a million years this would happen.”
Winters Hill 2016

“It was fantastic to watch this great band open on the main stage today.  This is a real fairy tale success story for Wickham Festival.  We’re sure these guys have an incredible future.  You heard them here first and hope they’ll be back to perhaps inspire some other local bands.  Thank you Winters Hill, it was a brilliant start to our day… “
Peter Chegwyn, Wickham Festival Organiser, 5th August 2016

Combining elements of Folk, Blues, Country and Rock, Winters Hill have a certain nostalgia and romance to their music. With catchy choruses wrapped in melodic guitar riffs, Winters Hill have been influenced by a vast range of musicians from both past and present; from Dylan to Young, Springsteen to Tom Waits, and Kenyan born Nimrods’ drumming style on the Cajon is something not to be missed. Within the first year of Winters Hill forming, they were playing at the London 02 arena for Country 2 Country, a spot well deserved from by the boys.

Winters Hills’ song writing style tells a story which is relatable to every listener; songs of good times and past times. Recent national radio (Amazing radio) sessions and joining bands on tour such as Brother and Bones, The Treetop Flyers, and Ben Caplan are creating a loyal fan base for the trio. Two-time Isle of Wight Festival favourites Winters Hill, are set to embark on this years festival season with new original songs and a brand new setup. Fresh from being invited by Gabrielle Aplin’s record label, Never Fade Records, and supporting Aplin herself to play the labels debut showcase night, Winters Hill are fast becoming the name all Americana fans are talking about. Listen to them chat with Stephanie Nieuwenhuys on BBC Introducing 22nd April 2017…

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04zbw7x/clips

Their EP, Burnt Hearts and Landmarks, is available on iTunes.

Lindisfarne emerged from Tyneside in the 1970s and quickly carved out a unique place for themselves as one of British rock’s most original bands. Their pioneering sound, combining acoustic instruments like mandolin and fiddle with their electric blues roots, proved the perfect medium to deliver the catchy, memorable songs provided by the band’s resident writers Alan Hull and Rod Clements. Their first hit, the Clements-penned Meet Me On The Corner, paved the way for their classic Fog On The Tyne to become the UK’s top-selling album of 1972.

Lindisfarne ’s unforgettable songs, powerful live performances and unpretentious style led to worldwide success and an enviable reputation as festival favourites, and the annual Christmas concerts they presented in their native Newcastle became the stuff of legend.

The original band finally called it a day in 2003, but now Lindisfarne are back with a classic five-piece line up of long-time members fronted by original founder-member Rod Clements (vocals, mandolin, fiddle, slide guitar) and Alan Hull’s son-in-law Dave Hull-Denholm (vocals, guitars). With a repertoire of much-loved songs like Meet Me On The Corner, Fog On The Tyne, Lady Eleanor and Run For Home and a reputation for live performance second to none, LINDISFARNE’s power to galvanise festival and concert audiences remains undimmed and is guaranteed to get the crowd on its feet and singing along.

Lindisfarne members are:

• ROD CLEMENTS (1969-present) Vocal, mandolin, fiddle, guitars
• DAVE HULL-DENHOLM (1994-present) Vocal, guitars
• STEVE DAGGETT (1986-present) Vocal, keyboards, guitars
• IAN THOMSON (1995-present) Bass, vocal
• PAUL THOMPSON (ex-Roxy Music) Drums

TRADarrr last appeared for us at a free pre-Festival Concert at Wickham Community Centre in 2017. We’ve welcomed them back for 2019 to appear on Friday 2nd August.

They are an incredible seven piece folk-rock band comprising of:

• Mark Stevens – drums, horns
• PJ Wright – guitar
• Marion Fleetwood – fiddle, cello, guitar
• Gregg Cave – guitar
• Guy Fletcher – fiddle, mandolin
• Gemma Shirley – fiddle, keyboards
• Brendan O’Neill – bass

Everyone sings and all possess an interesting musical pedigree.  

The studio project that grew into TRADarrr has, in the three years since their explosive debut at Fairport’s Cropredy Convention 2015, played many festivals, concerts and clubs; they have released two critically-acclaimed studio albums and an exciting live album.

2019 sees the band undertaking an early (necessarily pre-Brexit!) European Tour and the recording of a third studio album. They are accepting festival bookings throughout the year – no gathering too small (or too large) for consideration.

TRADarrr ‘s beautifully produced albums use the full palette of sounds that the contemporary recording studio offers, and their live show is a rock’n’roll invigoration of English traditional folk music – five featured singers, harmonies, several fiddles, cello, trumpet, organ, piano, electric & acoustic guitars, etc., etc.

Holy Moly & The Crackers last appeared at Wickham back in 2016.  This year they’ll be performing on Saturday 3rd August.  They make riotous party music for the masses. Their upcoming third album, ‘Take A Bite’ (released April 5th 2019 on the band’s own Pink Lane Records), is concise, passionate take on folk, blues and indie rock. The sound of a band who have been searching and experimenting for several years; arriving at a place where they can say “this who we are and this is where we want to go”.

​Led by the euphoric lead single, ‘All I Got Is You’ (championed by Spotify and Radio X) ‘Take A Bite’ combines pop song craft with stomping, four to the floor backing, demonstrating the Newcastle-based sextet’s commerciality and ambition, as well as their ability to tackle personal lyrical fare, deftly led by vocalist Ruth Patterson. Further adorning their naturally expressive take on British folk with sizeable dollops of rock’n’soul, sharp indie-rock, vulnerable balladeering and festival-ready psychedelic trips towards the Middle East, ‘Take A Bite’ sets its stall confidently in the previously unoccupied space between the Gossip, Arctic Monkeys and Gogol Bordello..

Working once again with producer Matt Terry (The Prodigy/The Enemy), the band – completed by Conrad Bird on vocals/guitar/trumpet, Rosie Bristow on accordion, Nick Tyler on electric guitar, Jamie Shields on bass and Tommy Evans on drums/backing vocals – created ‘Take A Bite’ at VADA Studios in Warwickshire, where the band recorded their 2017 album ‘Salem’ and their breakthrough track ‘Cold Comfort Lane’ (which a year later featured in the end credits of 2018 summer blockbuster movie, Oceans 8).

Le Vent du Nord (The North Wind) is a Canadian folk music group from Quebec. The band, formed in 2002, performs traditional Québécois music (which is heavily influenced by Celtic music from both Ireland and Brittany), as well as original numbers in this style, in French. The group’s membership currently consists of Nicolas Boulerice (vocals, hurdy-gurdy, piano accordion, piano), Olivier Demers (vocals, fiddle, foot-tapping and guitar), Simon Beaudry (vocals, guitar, Irish bouzouki), and Réjean Brunet (vocals, diatonic button accordion, acoustic bass guitar, piano and jaw harp). Their first five recordings have been nominated for multiple awards; the first two have received awards.

Take a group of the hottest contemporary fiddle players from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, mix with some wonderfully sympathetic piano and guitar arrangements and you’ve got the award winning Blazin’ Fiddles on your hands. And they are Blazin’, in the past decade no other band has quite captured Scottish fiddle music’s variety, energy and sensitivity like Blazin’ Fiddles have. Like rare single malts, each member of Blazin’ Fiddles draws the distinct flavour of music from their part of the Highlands and Islands. Blending solo and ensemble sets, aged with the occasional insightful tale, they all come together in a fiery blend to excite your senses. From remote village halls to the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, fiddlers Jenna Reid, Bruce MacGregor, Rua Macmillan and Kristan Harvey are joined by Anna Massie on guitar/fiddle and Angus Lyon on piano to deliver a musically intoxicating evening for all.