Excitement is certainly building for Wickham Festival 2026 (30th July – 2nd August) as we unveil another wave of outstanding artists set to appear in Hampshire this summer. From iconic international acts to festival favourites and first-time visitors, this latest announcement truly highlights the breadth and quality of this year’s line-up.
The Amy Winehouse Band
The musicians who helped shape the unmistakable sound of Amy Winehouse are coming to Wickham. The Amy Winehouse Band features her long-standing musical collaborators, the players who toured the world and performed on some of her most celebrated live shows. Expect an authentic, heartfelt celebration of Amy’s music, from the jazz-infused brilliance of Frank to the era-defining soul of Back to Black.
Dervish
Legendary Irish folk giants Dervish return to Wickham, having last graced our stages in 2019. Hailing from County Sligo, they are among the most revered interpreters of Irish traditional music, renowned for their dazzling musicianship and the sublime vocals of Cathy Jordan. With a career spanning more than three decades, Dervish continue to bring the spirit of Ireland to audiences around the globe.
Jack Broadbent
Making his Wickham Festival debut on Sunday 2nd August, Jack Broadbent is widely regarded as one of the finest contemporary slide guitarists in the world. Known for his astonishing lap-slide technique — often using a whiskey glass — he has built an international following with his gritty blues sound and electrifying live performances.
Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman
Festival favourites Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman return after their last appearance in 2021. Twice winners of Best Duo at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, they are celebrated for their seamless harmonies and exquisite musicianship. Their performances blend traditional roots with contemporary songwriting, delivered with warmth and craftsmanship.
Ímar
Glasgow-based quintet Ímar have become one of the most exciting forces in modern Celtic folk. Bringing together musicians from Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man, the band are known for their driving rhythms, tight arrangements and high-energy performances that breathe new life into traditional tunes.
Norrie MacIver
Former lead singer of Skipinnish, Norrie MacIver makes a welcome return to Wickham with a brand-new trio. A celebrated Gaelic singer and broadcaster, Norrie is known for his powerful voice and engaging stage presence, combining Highland tradition with contemporary flair.
Penguin Café
Founded in 2009 by Arthur Jeffes, Penguin Café continues the musical legacy of his father, Simon Jeffes, creator of the much-loved Penguin Cafe Orchestra. Blending folk, minimalism and chamber pop, their performances capture the timeless charm of pieces like “Music for a Found Harmonium” while introducing new generations to this uniquely uplifting sound world.
Pronghorn
The undisputed kings of cowpunk, Pronghorn, are the first act confirmed for our opening night on Thursday 30th July. Known for their high-octane fusion of country and punk energy, they guarantee a foot-stomping, barnstorming start to the festival weekend.
Bonfire Radicals
Birmingham’s Bonfire Radicals describe themselves as an (un)traditional folk band — and they certainly live up to the name. Fiercely contemporary yet rooted in social history, they fuse folk instrumentation with global rhythms and politically charged storytelling.
Belinda O’Hooley
An exceptionally gifted pianist, singer, songwriter and composer, Belinda O’Hooley is revered across the folk and acoustic world. Known also for her work with O’Hooley & Tidow, she has written for stage and television and is admired for her lyrical depth, emotional honesty and masterful piano playing.
With returning favourites, exciting debuts and artists spanning Irish traditional, Gaelic song, blues, cowpunk, chamber pop and contemporary folk, the Wickham Festival 2026 line-up is really starting to take shape. The diversity of genres — and the balance between much-loved returning performers and first-time Wickham appearances — promises a weekend packed with discovery, celebration and unforgettable live music.
In other news … why have one Magic Teapot when we can have two? As well as our popular Magic Teapot venue in our main arena, we’ll also have a 2nd Magic Teapot in our Backstage VIP Area this year.
