Wickham Festival News

Record crowds expected at Wickham Festival

Record numbers of fans are expected to flock to this year’s Wickham Festival.

With headliners including the Proclaimers, 10CC, Wilko Johnson and Billy Bragg, ticket sales have risen sharply ahead of the August 6-9 event.

The capacity of the picturesque site has been extended to 7,000 following the success of last year’s sell-out show by James Blunt.

And the signs are that the final two days of this year’s event will attract a full house to the small Hampshire village with a big reputation for attracting top-name artists.

Crowds flock to the Wickham Festival
Crowds flock to the Wickham Festival

Organiser Peter Chegwyn said: “We have always had a capacity of 5,000 until last year when we were granted an extension to cater for the unprecedented demand.

“The site coped comfortably with the extra numbers so we have stuck at that limit this year and I am delighted to say the final two days look like they might sell out completely.

“We are up on numbers overall year on year, partly down to the good weather and largely because we have a very strong line-up over all four days.

“At the moment I would say we are expecting between 20,000 and 25,000 visitors over the weekend including a potential sell-out on the Saturday and Sunday.

“Our ‘glamping’ has already sold out but we have plenty of camping places still available at just £25 for the whole weekend. It means people can enjoy the music and have a few drinks and enjoy the top quality catering in a relaxed atmosphere.”

Fans will be coming from as far as the USA, Canada and Australia for this annual event with such a special and informal feel allowing children to roam freely and safely enjoying their own entertainment.

They can watch a range of family films at the Groovy Movie solar-powered cinema or enjoy a wide range of family entertainment including: cartoon cinema, storytelling, puppet theatre and make ‘n’ take crafts tent.

In addition there is a digital funfair, playbus, laser arena, bouncy castles and children’s entertainers – and all are free once people are in the festival arena!

Wickham Festival from the air
Wickham Festival from the air

Chegwyn added: “With more than 80 artists on three stages plus a host of other family entertainment for all ages and a wide range of craft and food stalls, there is something for everyone.

“But probably our greatest selling point and the thing which brings people back year after year, is the unique atmosphere and family feel.

“The great thing about Wickham is that we never get any trouble at the Festival. We attract an audience from all over Britain and abroad, people who just want to enjoy top-quality live music in a lovely rural setting.

“If the sun shines people sit outside but even when it rains we have two huge circus-style ‘Big Tops’ so people can still enjoy the music without getting wet.

“Wickham offers the best of both worlds with lots of entertainment for all ages, a family-friendly Festival that’s not too big, a wonderful day or weekend Festival experience for all who attend

“We have great camping facilities and the picturesque village is less than10 minutes walk for those who want to stock up on supplies or enjoy afternoon tea or a cooked breakfast.

“We have plenty of parking on site, good toilets and showers plus nappy-changing areas – and a fantastic line-up this year with the main stage protected by a big top to keep fans dry so they don’t need to worry about the weather.”

This year’s line-up also includes Andy Fairweather-Low, Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel, Seth Lakeman, The South (formerly the Beautiful South) and the Tom Robinson Band making a rare festival appearance.

The Wickham Festival was recently featured in the top eight festivals in the Guardian. Tickets are available at www.ticketsouth.co.uk Day tickets start at just £35 with under-16s being half-price and under-10s free. Camping tickets are priced at £25 per tent or caravan for the whole weekend. Tickets can be booked by phone on 023 8071 1818, via The Mayflower in Southampton, the Ferneham Hall in Fareham, or in person from Wickham Wine Bar in The Square, Wickham.

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  • Facebook Posts

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    Video image

    Re-live Beatlemania. The Bootleg Beatles will be at the Wickham Festival on our opening night, Thurs. 31 July, with Lindisfarne & Judie Tzuke. Full updated Festival line-up & ticket details on our website www.wickhamfestival.co.uk
    www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuR0-jIirNs
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    2 days ago

    4 CommentsComment on Facebook

    Just had to look it up - I saw them in 1997 at the Hillsborough Justice benefit gig at Anfield. Thunder, lightning and bonkers rainfall, and we didn't care. Bootleg Beatles were bloody awesome. If anyone is a bit unsure about the band - do go and see them!

    That must be it! How many top acts do you have this year? Always a fab festival. I think I might have to be at 3 stages at the same time this year. Can't wait ❤️

    Please tell me that Lindisfarne and the Bootleg Beatleas aren't on at the same time...🙏

    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
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    1 week 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 ?

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

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

    Our Twitter Feed

    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

    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!

    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

    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?