Happy 18th birthday Wychwood Festival. Yes, it’s party time in the sunshine for up to 10,000 music fans and their families on Cheltenham racecourse across the three days of 31st of May and the first and second days of June.
Almost a sell out with maybe 5% of tickets left by Saturday mid-morning after a sparkling first day, when Sister Sledge headlined with all the hits such as “Lost In Music”, “He’s The Greatest Dancer” and “We Are Family”. Kathy Sledge, who was the youngest and founder member of the famous sibling group, and co really were superb.
Playing a blinder was Corinne Bailey Rae, who of course, won a huge response to her 2006 hit “Put Your Records On”, and her newer stuff went down well too from her current album “Black Rainbows,” her fourth album which was released in September 2023.
Headliners Sister Sledge has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, London’s Royal Albert Hall and Glastonbury’s iconic Pyramid Stage.
They have also performed for the Clintons at the White House, and even before the Pope Francis during the 2015 World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.
Over the years, the family-group has amassed a string of Gold and Platinum hits, generating total sales of more than 20 million records worldwide.
They have earned hundreds of awards and commendations, including three Grammy nominations.
Their worldwide anthem “We Are Family” was entered in to the prestigious Library of Congress in 2017.
The biggest surprise of the day was how actor Shaun Williamson, aka hapless Barry in “Eastenders” and very funny in Ricky Gervais’ “Extras”, absolutely packed the Howlin’ Pete’s tent for his fabulously fun Barrioke.
Probably the biggest reaction [and loudest!] for any act on day one. The crowd loved it and so did Barry, I mean Shaun, based on the broad grin on his face for the entire set. I want him doing this at my funeral wake…but not just yet!!!
Also caught in the act on Friday and in fine form were The Hoosiers, The Feeling, Dutch band Pip Blom, Big Country and Stornoway who formed in 2005 in Oxford.
Lots more going aside from the music; such as top end comedy, literature, workshops and loads for the kids on site. Safe, friendly and one of the jewels in the crown of chilled, family-orientated UK festivals in the UK.
Headliners for Saturday are Texas and on Sunday it is the turn of Ocean Colour Scene. Other top music stars on the lineup across the weekend includes Seasick Steve, Peter Hook, Lightning Seeds, Dexys, Stereo MCs, comedian Marcus Brigstocke and much more.
- STOP PRESS: Irwin Sparkes from The Hoosiers will be joining iconic 60’s band The Zombies on stage at The Barbican, London on June 7th for a show celebrating 60 years since The Zombies first tape recording – along with Paul Weller and Sarah Brown (Simple Minds).
Texas fronted by Sharleen Spiteri have released 10 studio albums and shifted more than 40 million units. Last year they smashed it on the Pyramid sage at Glastonbury.
West Midlands’ faves Ocean Colour Scene will deliver some of their 17 Top 40 hits in their set, and tracks from their three top five chart albums. Lead guitarist Steve Craddock is a fantastic player who also plays for Paul Weller live and on his records – and with soul legend PP Arnold. Listen out for the timeless classic OCS hit, “The River Boat Song”.
Seasick Steve returns to the UK with his stripped down blues, playing his trademark cigar box instruments. He is in his 35th year of making music and has sold more than eight million records.
Wychwood’s second stage ‘The Garden’, has an array of the best new talent and old favourites from across the country, including Yorkshire’s post-punk six-piece Deadletter, Dutch indie band Pip Blom, Welsh psych-rock band CVC and Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard.
Last year at Wychwood saw headline performances from Travis, Sam Ryder and The Happy Mondays. This festival has deservedly won several awards and been praised by many of the mainstream press and broadcasters.
They have booked some huge names across the last 18 years and this year’s lineup is no exception. Held at a perfect spot on Cheltenham racecourse; and 32 hours of great music across three days…it’s no 100-1 outsider that Wychwood 2024 will be a big winner this weekend – you can bet on it!
- Look out for our coverage of day # two and day # three coming soon…..with more super pix from the lens of Liam Battersby…
Any remaining tickets still available can be bought here: https://wychwoodfestival.com
Photos: Liam Battersby
Words: Steve Best
