The Wickham Festival has now confirmed its full line-up with the Saw Doctors, the Proclaimers and the Dhol Foundation as the main headliners, July 30-August 2.
American jazz legend Curtis Stigers and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers are making a welcome return along with Ferocious Dog as part of their farewell tour.
Organiser Peter Chegwyn is thrilled with the bill which also includes top guitarists Tommy Emmanuel and Jack Broadbent, long-time favourites Steve Knightley and the Winter Yards Band, Gaz Brookfield and the Company of Thieves plus many more.
He said: “We have had fantastic feedback from the fans who flock to the festival year after year and who help to make the event such a success.
“It is a tremendous achievement for us to continue to thrive when so many others are struggling. Nationally, some 40 festivals have already cancelled with many more downsizing.
“Wickham is going from strength to strength despite some major challenges with the long-term impact of the pandemic still being felt through the industry.
“We have a very loyal fanbase who book early every year before the line-up is even announced as they know it will be top-quality and, most importantly, the unique chilled atmosphere will remain the same.
“We have an outstanding array of musical talent across four stages plus a host of other attractions including street theatre, a silent disco, craft and clothing stalls, fabulous food and Yoga and Bhangra dance workshops – though not at the same time!
“We have three big names being interviewed on stage to tell their life stories with a host of anecdotes including former Radio One DJ Mike Read, Russell Hastings (From the Jam) and most notably former Queen guitarist Spike Edney who will give an insight into touring with Freddie Mercury!
“And of course we still have late night comedy for those who are not ready to go to bed when the music finishes. This year we welcome Charmain Hughes and Jimmy McGhie (Thursday), Markus Birdman and Alistair Barrie (Friday) plus Andrew Pipe and Paul McCaffrey (Saturday).
“There is plenty of free entertainment for children including storytelling and bouncy castles and the safe environment means they can do their own thing.
“It will be our third year on the new site which is proving a huge success and even withstood last year’s rain without turning into a quagmire but with the recent fine weather and a good forecast, we are looking forward to another fantastic weekend.”
Top billing goes to the Saw Doctors who are back by public demand. The ever-popular Irish band will top the bill on Saturday August 1, making their third appearance in five years at the picturesque Hampshire site.
Over the years, The Saw Doctors have built up a reputation as an unmissable live band. Famed for their unrelenting energy, their live show is still performed with as much passion and fervour as their legendary small-town gigs 33 years ago in Ireland.
Their date at the Wickham Festival is a major coup for organisers as this will be one of only two English festival appearances for the Irish band in 2026.
Chegwyn added: “They went down a storm in 2022 and 2023 – and since then fans have been clamouring for us to get them back. So, we are happy to oblige.
“They sold out the Hammersmith Apollo as part of their recent mini-tour of the UK and they were fantastic there – they have as much energy as ever. It was a brilliant night and we are expecting more of the same at Wickham.
“They don’t play too many dates over here but they always sell out and produce a memorable show so we are thrilled to have them back.”
Also confirmed for the Saturday night are Blackwater County and the John Jones Trio, (ex-Oyster Band). The Proclaimers headline on Sunday August 2 along with top American jazz singer Curtis Stigers.
Top Australian guitarist Tommy Emmanuel stars on the Friday night with firm festival favourites the Dhol Foundation. The Red Hot Chilli Pipers take centre stage on the Thursday.
Prices are set to rise at midnight on Monday July 6 so fans are urged to book now for the best rates. Four-day tickets are currently on sale at £220 with Under 16’s admitted half price and Under 10’s paying a nominal £10. Day tickets are also available. A weekend camping pass starts at £40 and parking is free. See www.wickhamfestival.co.uk for more details.
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