It is hard to believe the Saw Doctors have not played a festival for 10 years judging by the way they rocked Wickham.
After a five-year hiatus, the Irish band swapped their beloved N17 for the M27 to play a UK festival exclusive – and it was like they had never been away with the fans singing along to every word.
The boys from Tuam were on top form, belting out all their most popular songs with their trademark infectious enthusiasm to make it a proper party.
They even briefly went into a random rendition of the Match of the Day theme tune as they closed with Hay Wrap aided by former Waterboy Steve Wickham who also guested on N17 and Joyce Country Ceilidh Band.
It was clear just how much it meant to them to be back at a festival – and Wickham in particular.
Singer Leo Moran said: “It is fantastic to be back and we were thrilled to be asked to come to Wickham by the brilliant Peter Chegwyn. We’ve been playing festivals for him for many years and he always puts on a great event.”
The 90-minute set left the fans on a real high especially following on from the high-octane show from Skinny Lister who were also clearly loving Wickham’s unique atmosphere.
The band went all out and got the Big Top bouncing – a sharp contrast to the much more mellow mood on the other main stage where Martha Wainwright and then Rumer were perfection personified with their smooth sets encapsulating their delightful voices and the richness of their songs.
And there is still so much more to come with Saturday again providing very different music in each tent.
One has a much more raucous and edgy feel with the Undertones, the Dhol Foundation, Ferocious Dog and the Levellers; the other has a more traditional folk feel with Spiers and Boden, Show of Hands and Breabach.
It will be a second appearance in as many days for Steve Knightley who also had a solo slot to perform his eagerly-anticipated and very moving Song for Wickham.
Tickets are available online or at the ticket office on site (cash only). Please only buy from recognised official sources as scammers have been selling the same ticket multiple times, often claiming they suddenly they cannot get to the festival.
Anyone genuinely unable to attend can give or sell tickets to family or friends but we cannot give refunds or rollovers.
With glorious weather forecast and two days of high quality music still to come, you don’t want to miss out.
