Wickham Festival News

Wickham 2017 is “best yet”

This year’s Wickham Festival has been declared the biggest and best yet after breaking box office records.

Tankus The Henge … energetic as always!

More than 20,000 music fans poured into the tiny Hampshire village to see the likes KT Tunstall, 10CC, Show of Hands and the Levellers.

The event endured a difficult start as unprecedented rain turned the site into a quagmire just hours before it was due to open.

Many other festivals might have cancelled – Hope and Glory was called off in Liverpool this weekend – but organisers refused to be beaten and staff worked tirelessly to not only get the event on but to turn it into a triumph.

Organiser Peter Chegwyn said:  “We have had a fantastic festival; the feedback has been phenomenal.

The Peatbog Faeries

“We had a few issues with the weather but we overcame them and really turned it around. We have had so much praise from people who loved it and really appreciated our efforts. I really must thank all the crew and backstage staff who were magnificent.

“We had record ticket sales and a lot of those were first-timers many of whom have already told us they will be back next year which is really gratifying after all our hard work.”

As a thank you, fans who attended the festival can save £60 on an adult weekend season ticket for August 2-5 next year if they buy before Tuesday August 15 at the reduced rate of £100 or £50 for children aged 10-16. Under 10’s will again get free admission.

Chegwyn added: “It is our way of rewarding those who came this year and put up with the mud on the opening day. Many festivals would have cancelled but we spent more than £30,000 to get the event on.

“We brought in diggers to clear the mud, tractors to tow vehicles and we covered the site in straw – and it worked. The fields there are remarkably quick to drain and it was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the festival. Our reward genuinely is to see so many happy, smiling faces.

“We had some fantastic bands and for the first time we introduced a late night comedy stage which was a big success. We brought in Tom Walker aka internet sensation Jonathan Pie and that proved so popular we had to put his Q&A on the second stage.

“The bands all said how much they enjoyed playing here and what a good time they had and much they valued our hard work. We were delighted to see so many people having such a good time. We look forward to welcoming them back next summer.”

Weekend tickets for August 2-5, 2018 cost £160. Those aged 10-16 get in for half price with Under 10’s admitted free. Those renewing by cheque or cash before August 15 will save £60 on an adult weekend ticket, online renewals save £50.

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  • Facebook Posts

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    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

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    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.