Wickham Festival Day 2 - review

The second day of the Wickham Festival finished with a Bhang thanks to a stunning show from The Dhol Foundation.

Complete with Bhangra dancers, Johnny Kalsi’s band almost blew away the Big Top with their pounding drums. It was energetic, vibrant, colourful, almost hypnotic – and it was loud!

It is impossible not to get swept away by the power of the music and the infectious stage presence of the festival’s patron who can always cure the doldrums with the Dhol drums!

And there is plenty more to come from them with a Bhangra dance workshop and then a DJ set in the Big Top on Saturday night.

Their deafening display contrasted sharply with the final act in the Little Top where Gaz Brookfield and the Company of Thieves headlined for the first time.

It was definitely quieter but no less enjoyable. The singer-songwriter had the crowd in the palm of his hand with a set of fun songs which captured his personality perfectly.

Once again, the programme encapsulated the diverse range of musical talents on show at the festival as he was preceded by the Celtic sound of Mec Lir and Hejira playing the music of Joni Mitchell, the talents of Tim Edey and great upbeat set from Nick Parker and the False Alarms.

Back on the main stage, former Radio One DJ and TV star Mike Read gave an entertaining and insightful interview in the popular Audience With… slot.

He was followed by the Young’Uns who drew tears of laughter and love with a set which ranged from deeply emotional with the haunting Be the Man to the funny yet pointedly political The Day We Drank the Nazis Out of Town.

Long-time favourite Steve Knightley went down a storm with the Winter Yards Band finishing a great set with a new version of Cousin Jack before being joined on stage by Johnny Kalsi for a rousing rendition of The Wickham Song, penned especially for the festival.

Former Skipinnish lead singer Norrie MacIver beautifully paved the way for one of the great guitarists in Tommy Emmanuel who entranced the crowd with an incredible display of dexterity.

It was a stunning solo show from the 71-year-old who picked and plucked and simultaneously played a beat on the back the guitar with incredible skill.

At one point he turned to an imaginary backing group and called: “Come on boys!” He was only half-joking as it really sounded as though there was more than one man on stage.

And what a man! His musicianship and command of the instrument were breathtaking – all the more so as he has had a severe hearing loss since birth yet only realised in his Thirties!

At the halfway point the festival has already been a huge success with so much more to follow.

Saturday sees a stellar line-up with long-time favourites the Saw Doctors headlining the Big Top at the unusually early slot of 8pm. One of the best Irish bands around, they truly know how to throw a good party!

That will be followed by the Dhol Foundation’s DJ set while the Little Top hosts what will be a very special farewell performance from Ferocious Dog making their last visit to Wickham before calling it a day in November.

Other highlights include An Audience with… Queen guitarist Spike Edney, Black Water County, the Amy Winehouse Band, Dervish and the new project from the former Oysterband singer now fronting the John Jones Trio.

Sunday brings American singer-songwriter Curtis Stigers and the Proclaimers on one stage with Jack Broadbent and Project Smok on the other.

With plenty of craft and clothing stalls, a wide range of high quality food and drink outlets, free entertainment for children and a unique chilled atmosphere, the remaining two days look set to be a sure-fire success.

Tickets are still available at both the on-site box office or www.wickhamfestival.co.uk/tickets