Tag: John Jones Trio

The Saw Doctors are set to headline the Wickham Festival – 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.

Organiser Peter Chegwyn said: “We are delighted they are swapping their beloved N17 for the M27 to play the Wickham Festival once more.

“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.

“The Saw Doctors are long-standing favourites here and the response has been amazing with ticket sales taking a real boost in the run-up to Christmas.

“I saw them recently in Manchester as part of their sell-out mini-tour of the UK and they were fantastic. 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 it is always a memorable show so we are thrilled to have them back.”

Lead singer Davy Carton said: “We have been coming to this festival on and off for about 20 years and we absolutely love it. There is always a great party atmosphere and it is genuinely one of our favourite venues.

“When Peter asked us to come back, we absolutely jumped at the chance and we are already really looking forward to it.”

Fellow founder member Leo Moran added: “We are very excited to be coming back to Wickham. It is an event which is very close to our hearts – we have so many friends there and love playing the venue.

“The atmosphere is very special and the crowd are always amazing. We are aiming to give them a real party. It is going to be a great night, the sort where I almost wish I was in the crowd!”

The Saw Doctors will line up on August 1 alongside Ferocious Dog who are stopping off on their farewell tour.

Lead singer Ken Bonsall said: “It is a huge tour to allow us to say goodbye and thank you to all our fans – and it would not have been complete without playing Wickham one last time.

“It is an amazing festival, brilliantly run and with a great atmosphere. After deciding this would be our final year on the road, it was a no-brainer to add Wickham to our list of dates.”

Also confirmed for the Saturday night are Black Water 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.

Chegwyn added: “It is a fantastic line-up packed with plenty of old favourites plus a lot of new bands too. It is a great mix and one which is proving popular with tickets selling fast, even more so since we announced the Saw Doctors.

“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. And of course the atmosphere is as chilled as ever.

“Once again we will have a wide range of craft and food stalls, a wide selection of beers, late-night comedy and plenty of entertainment for young children. They can wander freely in a safe environment while their parents enjoy a great variety of music.”

Four-day tickets are currently on sale at £200 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.

Festival website: www.wickhamfestival.co.uk