After a steady drive from the Devon/Cornwall border in the Folkmobile, I arrived in Hampshire on the 28th July, A great line up over the four days with new and old friendships to savour.
As I wasn’t camping and staying with my friend in Langstone near Havant, we were able to drive in each day. I aimed for the Day Parking field for the opening of the site at 4.00 for wristbands. I didn’t realise it would be a fair trek from the parking to the festival site. Couldn’t find signs to follow and ended up in a cow shed a good bit away off the beaten track. Finally got onto the field and had a walk about. Biblical rains came and that was still going into the evening! We walked around the craft area which had amazing goods to buy and met some lovely people. Found the food outlets which were aplenty and with very varied menus. The beer and cider tent had a vast array of handcrafted beers and ciders, and were very kind to allow a small sample taste to make sure you were happy. Cheerful bar staff too!
The Big Top was the only stage open on Thursday so we headed over, a problem with lightening and heavy rain lead to a late start, therefore instead of Alistair Russell (Big Top Compere) kicking off proceedings, Judi Tzuke gracefully took the stage, with a glittering career of over 50 years Judi gave us the hits and then some. The Bootleg Beatles were just amazing. Various line-ups over the years, but still the Beatles reincarnated. We had the 1960’s version and then 1970’s style they rocked the Big Top. Now a world-wide sensation touring the globe. Wickham were lucky to have them. Lindisfarne were the headliners for Thursday to round off the evening. Led by Rod Clements of the original 1969 line up they belted out the hits and more. They raised the Big Top roof. Those that couldn’t get in the Big Top could watch a big screen outside. Former Roxy Music drummer Paul Thompson, Stave Daggett on keyboards, guitarist Dave Hull-Denholm and bassist Ian Thomson gave their all for a rousing set. Audience participation helped raise the roof!
Friday dawned a little humid but dry which was a blessing. A bit of fine tuning as to where I was going to be today. Managed to catch the lovely Miranda Sykes, Martha Tilston and an Audience with Jim Cregan which was captivating. A quick bite to eat then on to The Gerry Colvin Band, a particularly favourite of mine. A fabulous sing/songwriter and lovely man, with fine musicians and great to catch up with him after. His last song ‘Watching Feathers Fall’ about his Dad makes me cry every time. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. The audience sang and cried with him. I dashed off for a date with Newton Faulkner (had to miss Flook sadly) in the Little Top (which I was surprised at being the big star he is), then back to the Big Top for Steve Knightley, who had Johnny Kalsi as a guest, who I truly feel gives such a great addition to a song. They know each other from way back, and clearly know how each other works on stage. I then legged it back to the Little Top for The Dhol Foundation and then back again to the Big Top for Fisherman’s Friends, who raised the roof from the stage and also audience participation was a riot! Was a pleasure to see Fishy Friends again. Living in Devon I see them often, but this was such a special performance.
Saturday brought another day of good music with such notaries as Tom Robinson, festival favourite Leo Sayer, Richard Thompson, The Bar Steward Sons of Val Doonican and Merry Hell, running shoes were in order! Such wonderful sets, RT hadn’t totally recovered from his fall, and it was different to see him seated while playing, but he still sounded brilliant. The Bar Stewards were as outrageous as ever, with Scott surfing the crowd as can be seen on my photographs. Nutters! The crowd absolutely loved them as they do anywhere you see them. I spotted a white Christmas Tree in the area in front of the Big Top screen. Front row for Merry Hell and the stage was electric! Virginia and Bob Kettle, as indeed all of them were just raw energy. Great festival favourites with too many fab songs to mention. Although ‘Bury Me Naked’ was exceptional audience participation all the way!
Sadly, Sunday came around so quickly. My first act of the day was the wonderful Phil Beer Trio, blues and jazz rather than his folk cloak with Steve Knightley. Phil shows how mega talented he is with his different guises in his collaborations. He can put his hand to anything. Joined by former Show of Hands member Miranda Sykes and acclaimed percussionist Sian Monaghan they filled the Big Top and beyond. I watched An Audience with Ray Dorset (Mungo Jerry frontman) on the big screen outside of the Big Top and was amazed at who he had worked with in his long illustrious career. Very interesting.
Caught the tail end of the effervescent Track Dogs whereupon Phil Beer made an appearance again, after having toured with them recently. A mix of folk, roots, Latino and Americana they are fast paced and uplifting. Phil Beer then again made an appearance in a full set with Reg Meuross. Fire and Dust – A Woody Guthrie Story was an amazing journey through his musical journey. Commissioned by none other than Pete Townsend! Fiddler player extraordinaire Marion Fleetwood and Geraint Williams brought the story to life. Loved it and hope to see it again somewhere soon.
Barnsley lass Kate Rusby and her band were as wonderful as ever. Her humour and warmth shone through, and her band did her proud. Kate aired her new song ‘Light Beyond The Lines’, written for BBC 2’s 21st Century Folk initiative, where half the profit goes to worthwhile charity The Samaritans. Ending with ‘Underneath The Stars’ was just a lovely way to complete the set.
Headliners The Oysterband was a bittersweet ending to the Festival. I had been dreading this moment as this would be my last Oysters gig due to their retirement. Managed front row central, and apart from the infernal photographers up and down and in the middle of the press pit for 25 minutes we then had a good view. John Jones smiled at me when this equipment was moved, knowing me from gigs before and an interview I did for Folking a while back. A shout out for Compere Alistair Russell on the Big Top stage and to Jon Benns on the Little Top.
As well as all the fabulous music on four stages, there was story telling for the kids, rides for the kids and adults, Magic, Yoga, Bhangra Dance Workshop from The Dhol Foundation, walkabout puppet acts, Tuneless choir, silent disco, Wickham History Tours, Morris Dancing displays etc. Plenty to do before the music started and during! After the music had ended for the day, there was the Late Night Comedy Shows from 11.30pm on the Sunset stage. A truly fabulous family friendly festival with an easy to use festival programme to plan your weekend.
A big hand for the sound guys who toiled with 4 days of music on different stages, to make everything perfect and with quick-change arounds too. The food stalls were a great choice and general stall holders had a vast array of different wares to sell. I thought maybe the Festival’s own merchandise could have been larger and perhaps put in the tent with the artists CDs etc. Maybe stickers, reusable Wickham Beer glasses and such like next time?
Thank you to all for a fabulous time. Next years’ festival will be Thursday 30th July to Sunday August 2nd 2026. Earlybirds get in now!
Jean Camp
Festival website: www.wickhamfestival.co.uk
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