Following the news Sophie Ellis-Bextor had stepped up from her evening slot to headline Friday on the Sam Shrouder Main Stage, festival organisers have revealed her replacement…
*Drum Roll Please*
The legendary Barrioke has been promoted from the Howlin’ Pete’s tent, bringing the ultimate karaoke party to the main stage as part of his farewell tour.
The festival announced the decision in a social media post this afternoon (Wednesday 27 May), just a day before the festival kicks off.
“Barrioke is officially moving up to the Sam Shrouder Main Stage this Friday!
“With Sophie Ellis-Bextor stepping up for a sequin-studded headline performance we’re also bringing you the ultimate warm-up act.“As part of Shaun’s farewell tour, we felt it’s only right that he gets the massive Main Stage moment he deserves, one last time.”
Addressing the Wychwood fanbase, the organisers continued:
“We thank you for your patience whilst we make this shuffle at such short notice. Updated stage times will be with you soon.
“Now, warm up those vocal cords and get your dancing shoes ready…Oh and don’t forget the suncream.”
Since Craig David announced he was walking away, social media had been awash with calls for the ever-popular Barrioke to be moved to the main stage.
The brainchild of Shaun Williamson (aka Barry from EastEnders), Barrioke has been a festival highlight in recent years with the tent regularly overflowing with punters looking to join in the non-stop good time vibes.
The premise is simple, but effective. It’s karaoke with Barry from EastEnders. Williamson welcomes fans up on stage to sing a song of their choosing, joins them in duets and hypes up the crowd to give them the adulation the moment so deserves.
Usually rocking a spangly gameshow host style blazer, Williamson is a natural entertainer and is fully in his element MCing, singing and doing stand up all at the same time. He announced that 2026 would be farewell tour for the Barrioke juggernaut – so it’s bound to be a big one!
To those naysayers who say Barrioke isn’t a main stage act, the fervour he creates would say otherwise – and the organisers of Wychwood have clearly decided “They’re gonna do it anywayyyyy…”.