Wickham Festival News

Oysterband praise for Wickham Festival

Oysterband frontman John Jones believes the Wickham Festival is one of the best in the country.

Oysterband deliver incredible set

Despite heavy rain and huge logistical problems, the event not only went ahead but has proved hugely successful with big crowds enjoying the fantastic acts and activities.

And that triumph in adversity is largely down to the passion and determination of organiser Peter Chegwyn according to Jones.

 

He said: “Wickham has always been one of our favourite festivals, we have been playing here for years and we love it.

“It has a very special feel to it and much of that is down to Peter who puts so much into it.

“I was reading the online updates and the horrific weather on Wednesday and I did wonder if it would even been on. A few festivals have cancelled because of the weather but not only did it go ahead but the site is fantastic considering what it has been through.

“It must have cost Peter a lot of money but it is worth it because it is as good as it possibly can be. He has a fantastic team of people round him and they have worked tirelessly to get it on and to keep the unique feel to the festival.

“And of course there is some great music for people to enjoy. The programming is first-class with a West Country theme to Friday and then a folk feel to Saturday with the Men They Couldn’t Hang, ourselves and the Levellers.

Mark Chadwick of The Levellers

“We are delighted to be part of it and I hope everyone appreciates the massive effort and expense that has gone into making this weekend as good as it can be.”

A heavy morning shower caused a few problems on the third day of the festival with some cars having to be towed in by tractor causing some traffic delays.

However organisers eased the problem by opening an overspill field and also sending in diggers to improve the exits particularly to the field of motorhomes.

Chegwyn said: “The mood among fans has been incredibly positive on the whole. There are bound to be some frustrations caused by the weather – an occupational hazard of running festivals.

The Men They Couldn’t Hang

“But people can see how much work we have put in to improve and maintain the site. We added another covering of straw and the site has actually drained extremely well.

“We have had three fantastic days of music and comedy. As a local councillor I particularly enjoyed seeing the Q&A with political satirist Tom Walker, aka Jonathan Pie.

“The headline acts were fantastic but we had a really strong line-up on all the stages throughout the day, finished off with late night comedy. There really is something for everyone.”

 

 

Archives by year

  • 2025 (4)
  • 2024 (17)
  • 2023 (13)
  • 2022 (13)
  • 2021 (20)
  • 2020 (12)
  • 2019 (25)
  • 2018 (25)
  • 2017 (27)
  • 2016 (23)
  • 2015 (19)
  • 2014 (2)
  • Facebook Posts

    Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons
    Video image

    Congratulations to Flook on winning the Gradam Ceoil TG4 Award 2025! This prestigious award highlights their remarkable contributions to Ireland's traditional music heritage. You can see Flook at the Wickham Festival on Friday 1st August. Day & Weekend tickets now onsale via www.wickhamfestival.co.uk/tickets
    www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFWwf-dMles&t=7s
    ... See MoreSee Less

    21 hours ago

    3 CommentsComment on Facebook

    It's great, but I have a question, why do flute players often stand on one leg ? Is it just because they can ?

    They have a string attached to bellows on their back, gives the lungs a 'breather'..

    I’d do a similar thing if you’d book me I guess I’m the leader of the uninvited

    Were delighted to say The Twisted Tearooms will be back at Wickham this summer.  And weve some wonderful new food & drink offerings along with all your Wickham favourites.

    We're delighted to say The Twisted Tearooms will be back at Wickham this summer. And we've some wonderful new food & drink offerings along with all your Wickham favourites. ... See MoreSee Less

    3 days ago

    13 CommentsComment on Facebook

    Just bring plenty of that Dorset apple cake! 😋 It wouldn't be Wickham without you.

    Always enjoy the cakes and music there!

    And there one of the build crew enjoying a cuppa - MLD

    View more comments

    Our Twitter Feed

    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'

    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?

    We've updated the 'Line-Up' pages of our website to show who's playing (so far!) on which day. You can also view artist biogs & videos by clicking on artist photos. https://www.wickhamfestival.co.uk/line-up/

    The wonderful singer-songwriter @NewtonFaulkner will make his #WickhamFestival debut on Friday, 1st Aug. Same day as @Fishy_Friends, @TaliskMusic, @FlookQuartet and many others.

    Another band confirmed! Legendary Geordie folk-rockers @lindisfarneband will headline the opening night of #WickhamFestival on Thursday 31 July.

    More artists confirmed! @IanProwse and Amsterdam will be at this year's #WickhamFestival on Sunday 3rd August. Ian toured with Elvis Costello last year and is touring with Levellers this Spring.