X Factor winner Matt Cardle will be making a special guest appearance at next week’s award-winning Wickham Festival.
The Southampton-born singer will be joining the Trevor Horn Band on Saturday August 6 for what is sure to be an emotional “home-coming”.
Since becoming the runaway winner of the seventh series of the reality TV show, Cardle has sold more than two million albums and singles including the winner’s song When We Collide, the Christmas Number One and second biggest selling single of 2010.
The 33-year-old has released three successful albums as well as starring in the hit musical Memphis and has recently embarked on a successful Intimate and Live tour of the UK and now includes a stop at the picturesque Hampshire village where he will join hit-maker Horn and his band.
Festival organiser Peter Chegwyn said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome such a talented singer to Wickham. It is a real bonus for the thousands who have already bought tickets and I am sure it will spark a surge in sales to have someone of Matt Cardle’s calibre.
“It should be a very special set. Trevor Horn has worked closely with Yes and Frankie Goes To Hollywood as well as producing Band Aid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas and now with such a great guest, it will be a very exciting evening.
“On the same bill we also have the SAS Band featuring Roger Taylor of Queen, Fish, Madeline Bell and Toyah Willcox. They always create a fantastic party atmosphere so it should be a memorable night.
“With Oysterband plus Chas & Dave also appearing on the Saturday, tickets were already selling really well and now we expect to be close to a sell-out with the three other nights also going fast.”
Spandau Ballet frontman Hadley tops the bill on the opening night on August 4 with the Stranglers and Bruce Foxton’s From the Jam as the main attractions 24 hours later.
Lindisfarne close the family-friendly event on Sunday August 7 with strong back-up from Steeleye Span, Hayseed Dixie and festival favourites the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.
The hugely-popular four-day fiesta was voted Best Festival (Under 15,000 capacity) at last year’s Live UK Music Business awards and this year’s event looks to be even better.
In addition to the three regular stages, there will now be a fourth platform where local and unsigned bands can perform with a view to possibly landing themselves a contract or at least gaining further exposure.
There will be the usual array of craft and clothing stalls as well as a wide variety of high quality food outlets and a huge range of activities for children who can roam safely.
Chegwyn added: “We pride ourselves on our family-friendly reputation and tickets are already selling well with sales up on last year’s record-breaking event.
“There is a real feelgood factor about this festival which reflects our rapidly-growing reputation locally, nationally and internationally with fans coming from the USA, Canada and even Australia.
“Parents can enjoy the music knowing their youngsters are being well entertained. The atmosphere is very chilled and relaxed which is why so many people book to come back year after year, even before the line-up is announced.
“But with so many top names now confirmed we are looking forward to this being our biggest and best event yet.”
Weekend tickets are £160 or £80 for Under 16’s with Under 10’s admitted free. Day tickets for Friday, Saturday or Sunday can be bought for £60 (£30 Under 16’s) while evening tickets (after 6pm) are £40 (£20). Details at www.wickhamfestival.co.uk or email eastfest@talk21.com
