No more heroes any more? Try telling that to 5,000 fans who rocked to the sound of the Stranglers at Wickham Festival.
It was as though the clock had been turned back 40 years to the explosion of the punk scene as Wickham welcomed two major forces from that golden age.
The Stranglers and Bruce Foxton’s From the Jam performed all their big hits at a blistering pace to show they have lost none of their trademark energy.
View highlights of the day here.
Bruce Foxton, one of the founder members of the Jam, made the hairs on the neck stand up with his distinctive bass underlying some of the most iconic anthems of the movement.
Then the Stranglers picked up the pace and brought the second night to a thundering finale with a string of top tunes from Peaches, No More Heroes and Something Better Change to Walk on By, Golden Brown and – fittingly for this festival – Always the Sun.
Before that the crowd enjoyed a wonderful day of music from the likes of veteran Roy Bailey, the lively Slim Chance and the authentic voice of Dublin Lynched who held the fans spellbound with their raw and real material.
The day was kicked off by outstanding newcomers Winters Hill who formed the band while attending this festival as fans four years ago. For them it was a dream come true to play the main stage and if this set was anything to go by they will be higher on the bill in future years. If you missed them, catch them on the Quay West Cave at 7.30 on Sunday evening.
But we are still only halfway through. Still to come are two days of fantastic music in a chilled, family-friendly atmosphere and in probable golden sunshine.
On Saturday night X Factor winner Matt Cardle will be guesting for the Trevor Horn Band also featuring Lol Creme of 10CC followed by the SAS Band starring Roger Taylor of Queen, Fish, Madeline Bell and Toyah Willcox. Other top attractions include Chas & Dave and outstanding country star Gretchen Peters with the ever popular Oysterband headlining the wildlife Stage.
Television entertainer, artist, comic and conservationist Bill Oddie will be giving a talk for the League Against Cruel Sports at 3pm before joining the SAS Band on stage.
And Sunday brings folk festival favourites Lindisfarne, Hayseed Dixie, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and Steeleye Span among many others so get down to the picturesque Hampshire site for an unforgettable weekend.
Tickets are on sale on the gate at £60 for the day or £40 after 6pm. Children aged 10-16 are half price and under 10’s are admitted free. There is ample free parking.
