Wickham Festival News

Danny & the Champions of the World

Danny & the Champions of the World, a heartland rock and soul band, will make their Wickham Festival debut on Friday 1st August. Formed in London during the summer of 2007 by Danny George Wilson, the band have since released seven studio albums and two live albums. In 2016, they dominated the inaugural UK Americana Awards, winning UK Artist of the Year, UK Album of the Year for What Kind of Love and UK Song of the Year for Clear Water. Danny is instrumental in the London movement “Neckerchief Rock” alongside Radio London DJ Robert Elms, they regularly put on events at local pubs and venues.

“A fabulously creative and engaging 40 minutes of a band at their peak and a songwriter reaching new heights of communication”
9/10 AmericanaUK

“An absolutely fantastic album – a contender for Record Of The Year”
Robert Elms (BBC Radio London)

“The people arrived out of nowhere and they danced and sang along all night…they blew us away. It was without doubt a night to remember, impossible to forget. It was beyond what any rock and roll band should rightfully expect”
Danny George Wilson

Heathen Apostles

The Heathen Apostles from Los Angeles, California, will make their Wickham Festival debut to bring a touch of Gothic Americana on Saturday 2nd August. Born of the voices of past lives and baptized in the dust bowl dirt, the Gothic Americana music of the Heathen Apostles harkens back to a bygone chapter of American history. Using contrasting influences such as Bauhaus, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds and The Pogues along with Howlin’ Wolf, Loretta Lynn (the band covers her classic Fist City) and Bessie Smith, the Heathen Apostles have created a style of music that at once conjurs both angels and demons, and will enlighten a darkened soul.

Crossing paths at a gathering one Indian summer evening, femme fatale bellower Mather Louth (Radio Noir) and rock n roll veteran Chopper Franklin (The Cramps, Mau Maus, Nick Curran & the Lowlifes) quickly uncovered a mutual appreciation for murder balladry, Americana, and memento mori. It was not long before a collaboration that sought to marry these interests in a sonic landscape, the Heathen Apostles, surfaced. The landscape was further tilled with the addition of Thomas Lorioux (Kings of Nuthin’, Legendary Shack Shakers) on bass and Luis Mascaro on violin.

Their 7 albums – Boot Hill Hymnal (2013), Fire to the Fuse (2015), Requiem For a Remix (2016), Bloodgrass Vol. 1 & 2 (2018), Dust To Dust (2019) Bloodgrass Vol. 3 & 4 (2022) and The In Between (2024) – along with their many EPs and singles (their release The Fall was named Best EP of 2018 by Folk n Rock magazine), capture the essence of the Heathen Apostles modus operandi: Southern Gothic Americana imagery surrounded by haunting, minor-chord melodies, musical influences including Gothic Roots music, Bluegrass, Blues, and Gypsy Jazz, all deftly bound together by the band’s dark and sometimes brooding sense of a bygone age.

In 2023 the Heathen Apostles signed with Rocky Road Touring (the home of artists such as Peter Murphy, Sisters of Mercy, Killing Joke, Fields of the Nephilim, and Diamanda Galas). In 2024 their agent Dana McDonald left Rocky Road but continues to represent the band, so for 2024 & 2025 the Heathen Apostles will be touring in support of The In Between, which came out on Ratchet Blade Records on July 5th, 2024.

Scottish Fish

Scottish Fish (who, despite their name, are a 5-piece all-girl fiddle band from Boston, America) will be making their Wickham Festival debut on Sunday 3rd August. They present a fresh take on traditional and contemporary Scottish and Cape Breton music. After growing up steeped in the Boston Celtic music scene, these five young women began touring at an early age, quickly enchanting domestic and international audiences with their youthful enthusiasm, creative arrangements, and sensitive performances. As described by a concertgoer, “this powerhouse quintet wows listeners with a luscious and exciting sound, at times five instruments sharing one voice, and others a dynamic orchestra of harmony. Their years of friendship cultivate a truly unique musical bond. Their love for each other and the music they create is a gift they offer to anyone willing to listen.”

Scottish Fish have performed at a wide variety of venues and festivals across the U.S. and Europe, including Boston Celtic Music Festival, Bellingham Celtic Festival, and Festival de Ortigueira. Their music and performances have earned them features on WGBH, KALW, and in American Girl and Folkworld Magazines; attracted the attention of programs such as America’s Got Talent; and secured an international audience of over three hundred thousand followers across social media platforms. In 2017, the group released their debut album, “Splash,” and followed it with “Tidings,” a 5-track holiday EP, in 2019. Their newest record, “Upscale,” produced by pianist and composer Neil Pearlman, was released in October, 2022, marking the band’s ten year anniversary. Scottish Fish expect their third full-length album to be released in 2025.

Scottish Fiddler Hanneke Cassel has described the Scottish Fish sound as “both incredibly musical, and just a little unusual.”

“Individually they are all creative and talented,” writes Cassel, “and together they spark each other, pushing each other even further to make amazing music.”

Leonard Barry

Widely regarded amongst his peers as one of the most innovative pipers, Leonard’s track record of both solo and collaborations reflects the importance of the recording. Leonard was described by The Irish American News as“an important musician”.

Kevin Burke states : My visits to the West of Ireland over recent years have brought me into regular contact with Leonard since he moved to Sligo in 2015 . We have spent many hours together enjoying each other’s music and I’m thrilled at the release of this solo CD. I have been aware of it since it’s inception so it’s a delight to finally hear it in its entirety. He has assembled a great team of players to accompany him on the various tracks and his decision to engage fellow piper, flautist and multi instrumentalist, Michael McGoldrick as his producer was an inspired choice. Leonard and Michael’s combination of unusual accompaniments ,interesting tunes and warm, rich sounds have resulted in a superior, recording, comfortable and self confident, while expressing the joys of both piping and traditional music.

Leonard’s recently collaborated with Sottish piping legend Allan MacDonald in a band with traditional music greats, Iain MacFarlaine, Finlay MacDonald and Ali Hutton. A sold out performance at last year’s Celtic Connections in Glasgow which was described as “an evening of wonderful, memorable music imbued with a sense of joy and amusement”. Folk Radio UK.

Leonard also collaborator with Daoiri Farrell, and 2024 is a busy year for Leonard with performances in Festivals in Germany including Rudolstat World Music Festival, the Blas Festival in Scotland and an upcoming performance at the Celtic Colours in Nova Scotia.

The Bootleg Beatles

We are delighted to welcome The Bootleg Beatles to our stage on Thursday 31st July. They are the world’s premier Beatles tribute band. Arguably they are the most well known tribute band of any band. Incredibly they have performed for over four decades and 4500 live shows whilst touring the world. They have become an institution in their own right with their note-perfect recreation of hits from every era of the world’s most famous songbook.

In 1979 ‘Beatlemania’ opened in The West End at The Astoria Theatre and four British hopefuls (Neil Harrison, Andre Barreau, David Catlin-Birch and Jack Lee Elgood) became the UK cast. After the show run ended, ‘look-alike band’ The Bootleg Beatles was formed, signing up to the late Brian Epstein’s NEMS Agency. Their first gig was a college shindig in Tiverton, Devon. The band cut their teeth playing clubs and colleges around the UK.

Over the next 40 years and with many line up changes they are still going from strength to strength. In 1998 the group supported Rod Stewart at Wembley Stadium. The following year they were the last band to play at the old Wembley Stadium at a gig featuring Elton John and football legend Pele in the audience. The band have also supported, Simple Minds, The Coors and David Bowie.

In 2017 they performed (twice) at Glastonbury, the Royal Albert Hall and toured Australia. Their now traditional Spring and Winter tours of the UK are unmissable! The Bootleg Beatles, continue to thrill audiences with performing their acclaimed homage to the Fab Four.

The current band members are:

Paul Canning (John Lennon) – guitar, vocals, keyboards, harmonica (2024–present)
Steve White (Paul McCartney) – bass, vocals, keyboards (2012–present)
Stephen Hill (George Harrison) – guitar, vocals (2014–present)
Gordon Elsmore (Ringo Starr) – drums, percussion, vocals (2016–present)

Judie Tzuke

The acclaimed Judie Tzuke will make her Wickham Festival debut on our opening night, Thursday 31st July. Judie Tzuke is the epitome of the female singer-songwriter. Her wistful lyrics, sublime harmonies and hauntingly clear voice are testament to a career which has spanned four decades and continues to inspire a generation of fans with her unparalleled songwriting.

After an education in the arts, music and drama, at the age of 13 Judie began to spend her time writing poems which she turned into songs. In 1975 she met Mike Paxman and together they secured a record deal with Tony Visconti’s label Good Earth and released a single These Are The Laws under the name of Tzuke and Paxo. It was at this time that Judie met her future husband Paul Muggleton who would go on to produce all of her future recordings.

In 1977 Judie went to see managing director David Croker at Elton John’s label Rocket Records as their motto was “a label for artists”. She played them a few songs, one of which was Stay With Me Till Dawn and was immediately signed. Judie and Mike spent the next six months recording her first album Welcome To The Cruise at Air Studios in London. Released in 1979, it contained Judie’s haunting signature song Stay With Me Till Dawn which stayed in the UK charts for 16 weeks. In 2002, BBC Radio 2 conducted a poll to determine the top fifty British songs of the past fifty years, Stay With Me Till Dawn was at number 39.

Fuelled by the success of her debut album, Judie began her first full band tour which lasted for 18 months and her second album Sportscar shot to number 7 on the UK album chart. Around this time, at the request of Elton, Judie toured America as his special guest.

Back in the UK, her third album I Am The Phoenix was released and Judie undertook another lengthy UK tour culminating with a headlining slot at Glastonbury Festival. At this time, Judie was selling out concert halls all over the UK and Europe and recorded her acclaimed live album Road Noise during two sell out shows at Hammersmith Odeon. As Rocket Records folded in the UK, Judie signed with Chrysalis to release her next two hit albums, Shoot The Moon and Ritmo.

The Cat Is Out was released with Legacy, a new independent company, in 1985. For the first time, Judie and her producers Paul and Mike were able to create an album without record company interference and drew up designs for a purpose built home studio: Big Ocean Studios. This was to become the place where she would record all her future albums including her next release; Turning Stones.

Judie entered the 1990s signing to Columbia Records for her next album, Left Hand Talking which included an atmospheric take on The Beach Boys’ illustrious God Only Knows and a reworking of her own classic Stay With Me Till Dawn. In 1992, Brian May featured on her Wonderland album. Founding her own label in 1996, Big Moon, Judie released with Under The Angels followed by her own personal favourite album, Secret Agent in 1998. Queen Secret Keeper became her first release of the new millennium.

Tzuke’s pen still poised, more albums followed with: Over The Moon, The Beauty Of Hindsight and The End Of The Beginning. These were all released to acclaim and devotion from her ardent army of fans. In 2010, the retrospective compilation Moon On A Mirrorball saw Judie touring the UK with a band that included both her daughters Bailey and Tallula on backing vocals. The tour climaxed with a stunning show featuring a wide selection of her old and new songs at the Union Chapel in London.

Having always suffered from stage fright, Judie decided to take a few years out from touring to explore her unique ability to write beautiful songs, working with a large number of artists including Lucie Silvas, Morcheeba, Tom Baxter and many others

In 2013 Judie was diagnosed with cancer of the womb. After undergoing a major operation and radiotherapy, she received the wonderful news that she was cancer free. Judie’s battle with cancer was the inspiration behind her most recent album Peace Has Broken Out. It is perhaps her most accomplished album to date, featuring some of her most personal and poignant writing.

Judie contributed four songs on the recent Woman To Woman album, a collaboration with Beverley Craven and Julia Fordham: If (When You Go), Temporary, a re-working of her classic song For You and Safe, a simple and delicate song co-written with Beth Nielsen Chapman. This song was the perfect vehicle for the hit Woman To Woman album, showing all three ladies at the top of their game, in a perfect blend of harmony. The Woman To Woman tour saw Judie along with Beverley and Julia playing to sold out houses around the UK and selling in excess of 35,000 tickets.

After the success of the Woman to Woman album and tour, Tzuke joined forces again in 2022 with Craven, Fordham and new addition Rumer when their show played to Sold Out shows in concert halls across the country. Their song Safe has now amassed half a million streams on Spotify.

Judie’s latest album, ‘Jude The Unsinkable’ was released in October 2023.

WOB

Singer-songwriter and energetic musical troubadour WOB will be warming-up our Main Stage 2 at Wickham on Saturday 2nd August.

Travelling extensively with a trusty acoustic guitar, the “astonishingly bouncy talent machine” was spotted at venues all over England, gaining ecstatic audience reactions from crowds more used to punk rock than acoustic music. At the end of 1990 he joined the ranks of agit-folk-rockers Blyth Power, a band described by Folk Roots, as “a national treasure”. After four years of touring and recording the critically acclaimed Guns of Castle Cary and Pastor Skull albums, Wob decided to concentrate on his own music. This path has led him to festivals, rock venues, folk clubs and a host of weird and wonderful places in Britain, Europe, Australia and the US.

In 1995 Cycle Records released Wob’s debut album I Can’t Stay Long. “Despite the albums title, this looks set to be a story that will run and run” (Rock ‘n’ Reel). Since then there has been Friends In The Night which according to Folk Roots, “captures energy on a coiled spring”. March 1996 saw Wob travelling to Australia to tour with the Killjoys, a band often heard on Neighbours and Home & Away. During this tour he won “Best Newcomer” award at the Port Fairy Festival, the prize was a brand new Maton guitar.

In August 1997 a charity tour of Romania was undertaken, playing in children’s homes and culture houses. This was followed a few months later with the recording of Straight on till morning which saw a new element to the Wob sound. The album was recorded in Wales with Matt Cooper on bass and Wig on drums. The production was by Wiggy, the once right hand man of Billy Bragg, he encouraged and was encouraged to bring out a much more band orientated sound which has continued and being continually honed to this day.

Early 1999 found Wob recording his first solo album, proper. Gather brings together moments from the Straight on till Morning sessions, a new set of recordings done at Lighthouse Studios, Weymouth and live tracks from Germany and Austria.This album was released in time for his second solo tour of Australia in March 1999.

At the end of 2000 it was decided to utilise the powerful recordings that were made on this tour and release the live, Shouting from the shore which really does show Wob and his audience interaction at it’s best. Listening to Legacy on this record will have the hairs standing up on the back of your neck, just about every time.

After returning from touring the Live album Wob found himself performing at a friends wedding in Vienna with Matt Cooper. Here they met up with John Rutherford and Robbie Davies and after a very brief rehearsal around a coffee table performed at the Szene supporting festival favourites, Kangaroo Moon. It was organised at the last minute and nobody knew if it would work but from this performance came the birth of Silverleaf. The Silverleaf project lasted a couple of years, they played up and down the UK and Austria a couple of times but due to geographical problems it was short lived, half the band were in Edinburgh and the other half in southern England and the distance took it’s toll.
During the demise however, Wob was busy recording and in 2003 released With just one step. The advent of this album and honouring booked Silverleaf gigs meant that Wob reformed the trio with previous cohorts John Forrester and Wig. The gigs rolled in and once again saw them off to Europe for some well received gigs in Germany, part of one of these you can hear on the Mp3 page.

During the summer of 2006 whilst rehearsing new drummer Jon Edon, Wob recorded A month of Sundays which has been called, “The best and most well produced Wob album to date”. He played everything on it and it shows a versitilty and growth in his song writing. This was then mixed and mastered in September at Audrey Studios, Melbourne by Craig Pilkington whilst Wob did a short tour of South Australia. This was released in 2007 and was toured through out the year. Kerri Stapleton joined the band on bass when John Forrester left.

“A little guy with just a guitar and an extra long pair of vocal chords, UK’s Wob began the show by kicking ass… Humorous and passionate, the combination of his clever acoustic style and his perky stage presence was definitely worth seeing, the crowd vouched for that”
Beat Magazine

Martha Tilston

With a pure silken voice and lyrics that inspire and captivate, Martha Tilston has developed a successful musical career with a large and loyal following. She has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages and festivals, recorded and released several critically acclaimed albums, gained a nomination for BBC best newcomer, appeared as a guest vocalist for Zero 7, toured internationally and worked with the some of the world’s most inspiring performers including Damien Rice, Nick Harper, Kae Tempest, Roddy Frame (Aztec Camera) and Zero 7.

“She has the power to draw an audience into her world, leaving all those present with a smile, and a few issues to ponder, too”
Time Out

The past few years have seen Martha venture into the world of film making, gaining nominations for best arts film for The Clifftop Sessions and recently releasing her first feature film (with an accompanying Soundtrack Album) – The Tape – which is garnering much praise and excitement. With her long-time collaborators and musicians Matt Tweed and Matt Kelly, among others they entwine raw vocals, sparkling melodies and thought- provoking lyrics with filmic movements and earthy baselines. To see them live is to connect with longed-for parts of ourselves… 

“Sharp, original songs that dissect the modern world. She captures both the harshness and enchantment of life”
The Guardian

Gilkicker Weevils

Stories and songs from Hampshire, country & coast, Gilkicker Weevils are a contemporary folk and roots band with a rocky flare. Whether through big hooky chorus’s, heartfelt ballads or fast paced footstompers, their feet are firmly planted in the ancient folk tradition of storytelling. You’ll immerse yourself in history and folklore through their catchy folk rock melodies.

We Mavericks

Real-life troubadours and masters in the art of connection; Victoria Vigenser (NZ) and Lindsay Martin (AU) interweave soulful vocals, effortless strings and driving rhythms to form a singular musical voice. Their sound is equal parts contemp-folk, alt-country and acoustic-pop, but no words capture their unbelievable musical kinship, or the deeply heartfelt way they relate to their audiences.

We Mavericks have been on a steep rise to countless festival billings and shows at home and abroad, twice nominated “Te Kaipuoro Taketake Toa | Best Folk Artist” in the Aotearoa (New Zealand) Music Awards, twice nominated “Best Contemporary Duo/Group/Ensemble” in the Australian Folk Music Awards, selection as Spotlight Showcase Artists at Folk Alliance International and are recipients of Australia’s Troubadour Foundation Award.

Although the duo describe themselves as a folk act, the singles from brand new album “Heart of Silver” have been picked up by the country music scene in Australia- “All This Noise” featured on Country Music TV, “Hold Me” featured on ABC Country’s GRASSROOTS and title track “Heart of Silver” enjoyed the spotlight on ABC’s premier country program, Saturday Night Country with Beccy Cole. They are currently touring across the UK, Europe and Australia to wide acclaim.

The Band from County Hell

The Band From County Hell are an original celtic folk band with 7 critically acclaimed albums, published works with Cherry Red Records and over 2000 live performances as part of their history. Live gigs have seen them play from the smallest of venues to outside arenas and most notably their own show at The London Palladium. They have appeared with bands such as The Levellers, The Stranglers, UB40 and have supported Stiff Little Fingers, Hayseed Dixie, The Beat and most recently, New Model Army on national tour dates. Major festivals appearances include Wychwood Festival, Rhythm Festival, Weyfest, The Bearded Theory Festival, Galtres, The Acoustic Festival of Great Britain and The Great British Folk Festival, amongst many others.

In 2017 BFCH won the public vote at The Great British Folk Festival for the best ‘new act’ which saw them play on the main stage to a capacity crowd.

In 2019 BFCH were invited to headline Stramash as part of The Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

2022 saw two BFCH original songs, “Meet The Folks” and “Pussycat” being used as part of the soundtrack in a brand new feature film “Morris Men”. The movie is directed by Gregg Masuak.

In 2023 BFCH song, “None of Us Are Getting Out Of Here Alive” was used for an advertising campaign and 2025 “Changing” from BFCH 4^th album has been picked up by an American producer Arthur Baker, Demon Music Group for inclusion in his works.

The Band continue to enjoy regular airplay for their original works and to be booked by major festivals and venues.

“These guys instrumentally are so good as a unit, then you add the vocals of Joolz McLelland and you have the perfect Celtic Combo.”
Ian Usher live review from The Bodega, Nottingham

“Gritty, passionate and appealing original compositions”
RocknReel

“Great tunes, great humour, great performers”
Andrew Lock, The Leamington Spa Courier

“Great choice of band to get the crowd going at Wychwood Festival”
Americana UK

“A band few could walk past… drawing a large crowd and a full dance floor”
efestivals & Northern Sky Magazine review of The Great British Folk Festival

Madison Violet

Madison Violet is a Canadian Juno-nominated female musical duo, consisting of Lisa MacIsaac and Brenley MacEachern. 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of Madison Violet. A rare and impressive feat that they are both proud of and grateful for. To celebrate this grand achievement their first thought was to fly from Canada and make their Wickham debut 🙂

The pair, who both have roots in rural Cape Breton, came together musically in the late 1990s. Influenced by their maritime heritage, Brenley and Lisa began creating music together that had roots firmly planted in their past, but with contemporary and modern elements generously overlaid. Categorizing Madison Violet’s music is an impossible task, in that one can hear elements of folk, singer-songwriter, pop, indie, bluegrass, and country flawlessly interwoven throughout.

MacIsaac and MacEachern are exceptional story tellers, skilled multi-instrumentalists, and together, perfect harmonists. Their voices soar, perfectly complimenting each other, as they sing lyrics that will both mend and break your heart.

MacIsaac and MacEachern have released more than 10 albums together. Their latest record “eleven” was self-recorded and produced, ranking MacIssac and MacEachern among the less than 2.1% of female-identifying music producers in the industry.

“Eleven” is considered their most candid album to date, filled with deeply personal stories of love and loss.

The musicians have received dozens of notable accolades for their work, including a JUNO nomination for Roots & Traditional Album of the Year. They have brought home a Canadian Folk Music Award for Best Vocal Group Album of the Year, have reached the top 5 on the Canadian iTunes download charts, amassed over one million streams on Spotify, and have placed on CBC’s Top 20 multiple times throughout their career.

Their music is consistently played across Canada and throughout the world, and the internationally acclaimed artists are no strangers to receiving glowing reviews for both their studio work, and live performances.

MacIsaac and MacEachern currently live in and around Toronto, Ontario, tour internationally, identify as members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and are fervent advocates for social justice.

Miranda Sykes

Miranda Sykes, the acclaimed singer and bassist with ‘Show of Hands’ is returning to her roots. After a career spanning over 20 years, during which time she has played with many of the top musicians and singers within the folk world, she will be touring as she started out: one woman, one bass, and one guitar. Borrowed Places is a project that draws its inspiration primarily from the songs and landscapes of her native Lincolnshire but seen through the eyes of someone who has lived away for many years. The themes are not specific; the land changes, it grows, it shrinks, it adapts and it resists but most of all it lives and breathes. With her sensational voice, and accompanying herself, Miranda interprets the soul of the land and takes her audience on a journey that resonates with us all, wherever we live and it is one you won’t want to miss.

Richard Thompson

Richard Thompson’s musical influence cannot be overstated. Having co-founded the groundbreaking group Fairport Convention as a teenager in the ‘60s, he and his bandmates invented the distinctive strain of British Folk Rock. He left the group by the age of 21 which was followed by a decade long musical partnership with his then wife Linda, to over 30 years as a highly successful solo artist.

In 2011, Thompson received an OBE (Order of the British Empire) personally bestowed upon him by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. The Los Angeles Times called him “the finest rock songwriter after Dylan and the best electric guitarist since Hendrix” and Rolling Stone has named him one of the Top 100 Guitarists of All Time. He has received lifetime achievement awards for songwriting from the BBC Radio 2 Awards, the Americana Music Association, and was awarded the prestigious Ivor Novello Award. His song “1952 Vincent Black Lightning” was named one of TIME Magazine’s “100 Greatest Songs Since 1923.”

A wide range of musicians have recorded Thompson’s songs including Robert Plant, Elvis Costello, R.E.M., Sleater-Kinney, Del McCoury, Bonnie Raitt, Tom Jones, David Byrne, Don Henley, Los Lobos, and many more. His massive body of work includes many Grammy nominated albums as well as numerous soundtracks, including Werner Herzog’s Grizzly Man and 2019’s The Cold Blue.

His genre defying mastery of both acoustic and electric guitar along with engaging energy and onstage wit continue to earn him new fans and a place as one of the most distinctive virtuosos and writers in Folk Rock history. In May 2024 Richard Thompson released to critical acclaim, Ship To Shore, his first studio album in six years.

Phil Beer Trio

The ever-popular Phil Beer will be appearing at Wickham on Sunday 3rd August as well as joining with Reg Meuross, Marion Fleetwood & Geraint Watkins to perform ‘Fire and Dust: A Woody Guthrie Story’.

World-class award-winning multi-instrumentalist, singer, arranger and composer Phil Beer is a founder member of the internationally acclaimed folk pioneers Show of Hands along with his long time collaborator, Steve Knightley. His own Phil Beer Band is much in demand as are Beer’s solo performances. A sought-after musical collaborator, session player, recording engineer and producer, Beer is also the boss of his own record label, Chudleigh Roots.

With Knightley and Show of Hands’ then manager Gerard O’Farrell, Beer created a business model that turned the usual business of music on it’s head and they formed the label ‘Hands on Music’ in 1996. Bypassing the middlemen and building an enduring, close relationship with their audience, Beer with Knightley and Sykes, has built up a phenomenal grass roots following.

Beer is an extraordinarily intuitive musician who really listens to his fellow performers. His playing lifts and inspires those around him. Beer is known for having no ego about playing and will not ‘hog the solos’. Famously easy-going, “except about performing standards”, he’s also highly regarded for happily trying anything out.

Beer dedicates himself to an exemplary professional approach in all his work, and to gigging with the highest production values wherever, whatever the venue. Remaining adamant that you’re only as good as your last performance, he believes that the audience should always come away feeling they’ve witnessed a quality show “on the level of say, Clapton at the Albert Hall.”

Bringing the same attention to detail to his recording and production work, Beer put together the Show of Hands recording studio at Riverside Studio which he ran until 2011 as well as his own studio at The Green Room in Devon where he continues to work on his own projects. These include editing and compiling a retrospective from his massive back catalogue for subsequent ‘box set’ releases, and on commissions for compositions for film and TV. He set up his own Chudleigh Roots label in 2007.

Dedicated to paying it forward, Beer mentors young musicians amongst them Jackie Oates, producing her acclaimed second album The Violet Hour (Chudleigh Roots, 2008). His production/recording work also includes Tom Palmer’s eponymous 2007 album (Chudleigh Roots), and with Knightley, Jez Lowe’s Jack Commons Anthem (Tantobie 2007).

After several BBC Radio 2 folk award nominations, including Musician of the Year’ Beer won Best Duo in 2010 with Knightley for Show of Hands, also picking up Best Original Song for Arrogance, Ignorance and Greed. That same year Beer responded to what he describes as ‘minor heart surgery’ with typical humour, saying: “News of my demise has been greatly exaggerated.”

He received an Honorary Doctorate for services to music from Plymouth University in 2015, along with Knightley and Sykes. In 2017 he won the title ’Best Musician’ in the 2017 Folking Awards, voted for by the public and Best Duo for Show of Hands. Again with Knightley, Beer was voted Greatest Ever Devonian in 2006, beating amongst others, Agatha Christie, Sir Francis Drake, Captain Scott and Chris Martin to the title.

Phil will be joined by Miranda Sykes & Sian Monaghan to perform as the “Phil Beer Trio” at Wickham.

From left to right is Sian Monaghan, Phil Beer, and Miranda Sykes

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31st July - 3rd Aug 2025. Tickets available now: https://t.co/zXhzJdFwXy

Wickham Festival @festivalwickham ·

19 Apr

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

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Wickham Festival @festivalwickham ·

14 Apr

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!

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14 Apr

The #WickhamFestival 2025 lineup, with more acts still to be announced!

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Wickham Festival @festivalwickham ·

19 Feb

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

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Wickham Festival @festivalwickham ·

12 Feb

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'

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Merry Hell - Folking Mag Best Live Act Award 2022+ @merryhell_band ·

31 Jan

Huzzah for @festivalwickham and Saturday 2nd August and another mighty HUZZAH for it is a particular favourite of ours, do thoroughly deserving of thrice Huzzah! http://Www.wickhamfestival.co.uk for tickets!! See you there. Is there time for one more Huzzah?