Wychwood, Cheltenham’s most loved family festival reveal their second wave of incredible names for 2024. Growing in size and reputation year on year for great music programming, hilarious comedians, 100’s of workshops, children’s entertainment, it’s a feast of activities to entertain all ages across the weekend!
“Wychwood has something for everyone” – METRO
“It’s easy to see why Wychwood has notched up consecutive nominations for the best family music festival around” – The i
“Perfect family-friendly festival” – Daily Mirror
Sister Sledge will headline Friday Night. Hailing from Philadelphia, sisters Debbie, Joni, Kathy and Kim became household names and a symbol of unity with their 1979 world-wide hit and iconic album ‘We are Family’. The multi-lead vocal group are responsible for some of the biggest dance anthems of all time. Lost in Music, He’s the Greatest Dancer and Thinking of You are universally cherished songs that bring people together in love, life and soulful groove.
The Coral will join Texas on Saturday. Emerging during the early 2000’s, their eponymously titled 2002 debut album was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize and listed in the top 5 albums of the year by NME. Their second album, Magic and Medicine produced four UK Top 20 singles, including the festival anthem Pass It On. The band recently released to much critical acclaim, two albums of 60s-soaked psych-folk Sea Of Mirrors and Holy Joe’s Coral Island Medicine Show.
Festival favourite Seth Lakeman will be joining the bands on the main stage on Sunday. Celebrating 20 years since the release of Kitty Jay, the album that marked Seth’s pioneering musical journey, bringing folk music to a new, younger audience, paving the way for the brilliant array of folk artists populating the mainstream music space today.
CBBC’s Hacker T Dog & Katie Thistleton will kick Sunday proceedings off on the Main Stage with a chance for meet and greets after the show. The multiple BAFTA award nominated Hacker T Dog is now the longest serving CBBC presenter EVER, having been at the channel for more than 14 years. Now teamed up with BBC Radio 1 host, and former CBBC co-presenter Katie Thistleton, for his first ever DJ show! Fans can expect the biggest party anthems and the greatest children’s television themes of all time, as him and Katie take to the decks
Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae completes the Friday main stage music line up. The festival’s new music offering on the revamped Garden Stage for 2024 extends to Lime Garden on Friday night along with local artists Devon and Jo Hill. Melin Meylin & Brogeal join the Sunday line up. Award winning stand up comedian and writer Shazia Mirza, well-known for her appearances on BBC’s Have I Got News For You joins the Friday night late-night comedy line up.
Already announced – Texas, will headline Saturday 1st June. Led by front woman Sharleen Spiteri they have produced ten studio albums selling over 40 millions records worldwide and last year released The Very Best Of 1989 – 2023 ahead of their triumphant Glastonbury Pyramid Stage 2023 performance.
Hugely popular, enduring indie favourites, Ocean Colour Scene will headline Sunday 3rd June. They lit up the Britpop party in the mid-90’s chalking up three Top 5 albums and seventeen Top 40 singles including the immortal ‘The River Boat Song’.
Other acts across the weekend include; Seasick Steve, Lightning Seeds, The Bootleg Beatles, Stornoway, Peter Hook & The Light, Kevin Rowland’s Dexy’s (formerly Dexy’s Midnight Runners) The Feeling, multi-platinum selling pop band The Hoosiers, Sunderland Punk quartet The Futureheads, Scottish powerhouse Callum Beattie, fan favourites Thrill Collins, comedian Marcus Brigstocke and Mr Motivator who will be back for the ultimate main stage Saturday morning workout .
2024 sees the second year return of the much loved Howlin’ Pete’s venue which houses some of the biggest parties and activities across the weekend. Including the return of the ever popular Barrioke feat Shaun Williamson, NOASIS, Junior Jungle, Hip Hop Karaoke and The Daniel Wakeford Experience.
Wychwood will present more than 100 activities and workshops for families of all ages across the weekend Now on a new and improved site at Cheltenham Racecourse, Early Bird, Tier 1 and Tier 2 tickets have already sold out. Tier 4 tickets start at just £159.50 + bf for Adults and £79.50 for children aged 10 – 15. Children under 10 go free.
“The best festival for families.” THE INDEPENDENT
Tickets for Wychwood Festival 31st May – 2nd June 2024 are available here Day and Weekend tickets available from: https://wychwoodfestival.com
The Isle of Wight opened its gates to the crowds on Thursday afternoon, the skies had opened up and people were arriving for the pre-festival evening on The Big Top stage, ‘The sex pissed dolls', 'The Alarm', 'Starsailor' and the headliners 'Razorlight', were waiting to perform. The rain surrounded the crowd but nothing but good music and a pint or two couldn't cure.
When arriving at the festival, security was on high alert, this didn’t alarm people attending the Isle of Wight. They just made people aware that there would be more of a wait than normal whilst checks were being made. Most punters did not mind or complain due to the current events happening around the United Kingdom, most talked and got ready to enjoy the festival waiting on the other side of the gates, some made it known they didn’t appreciate the wait, but they didn't ruin a good vibe between the crowds waiting for the four-day festival to begin.
This year I decided I wanted to rent a tent rather than build one, yes this does sound lazy but actually totally worth it. Not only was there heavy rain when I arrived but it was cold and damp, building a tent in that would have been a nightmare. (Sorry to all those who had to do this.) But I was not one of them, This year I rented a tent from the company 'Pink Moon Camping', (http://www.pinkmooncamping.co.uk) Things didn’t go as smoothly as one would have hoped, When arriving the two Tipi tent that my friend and I rented was flooded inside and not looking appealing to sleep in. We had to go and get assistance whilst waiting in the pouring rain for the manager to help us. She helped us as quickly as possible and in turn upgraded our tent to a much more sturdy four person tipi. This tent was dry and a lot bigger than we were expecting, and at no extra cost was perfect for the four nights we were attending the festival. The facilities were limited but decent enough for a quick shower or toilet break, they could have done with a few more toilets and showers for a number of people hiring the tents, as the wait could be long. but the staff themselves were helpful and polite at all times and they did keep the facilities as clean as possible.
After venturing out in the rain on a few occasions 'Razorlight' performed hits such as ‘America’, ‘Golden Touch’ and ’Before I fall to pieces’ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIj97HUUT0E&feature=youtu.be) They provided good entertainment that got the crowd riled up on what felt like a cold winters night, it was hard to believe it was the first weekend of June, with the weather conditions as they were. The forecast for the weekend at first looked peek, but after the torrential rain on Thursday the skies turned blue, clouds came out and some high winds blasted their way around. To say this wasn’t wellies season would have been a lie.
Friday 9th June 2017
After the down poor on Thursday, I was surprised to see the tent was still standing, but the blue skies were peeking through. Today looked like a good day, thousands upon thousands of people were arriving to celebrate the best of the music industry within the United Kingdom.
The big top stage supported acts such as 'Paradisa', 'Lucy Spraggan', 'Ward Thomas', 'The Pretenders' and 'Alison Moyet'. 'Alison Moyet' performed a 55-minute electronic set, bringing all her hits to the stage, she performed songs such as ‘all cried out’, ‘Only you’ and ‘don’t go’. She gave a sensual and elegant performance on The Big Top Stage.
On the other side of the festival on the Main stage people were gathering for the likes of 'David Guetta', 'Run DMC', 'Kaiser Chiefs', 'Rag ’n’ Bone Man', 'Nothing But Thieves' and the 'Sex Pissed dolls'.
'Sex Pissed Dolls' opened the stage with famous covers such as 'Teenage kicks', 'Common people' and 'Serial Killer', they provided and energetic and engaging performance, getting the crowd ready for the line up of the evening and what a line up it was. 'Rag ’n’ Bone man' performed for 45 minutes covering his first ever Isle of Wight festival. Performing to thousands of fans, he provided songs from his debut album belting out hit after hit such as Skins, Humans, Fire and ending with the Bitter end. He opened up the road for 'Kaiser Chiefs' bringing back classics such as 'We predict a riot', 'Ruby' and 'Na Na Na'. These songs got the crowd up and dancing like it was 2007. They were engaging and on point and provided great entertainment.
The Headliners for this evening where the legendary Hip Hop kings of New York 'Run DMC' and the sensational 'DJ David Guetta'. 'Run DMC' took us back to the 80’s with hits such as 'It’s like that', 'My Adidas' and 'Runs House'. He provided stories of legendary 'DJ J' and his sons whom in turn have followed in their fathers' footsteps, we paid respect to late J and enjoyed singing along with 'Walk this way' at the end of the night. Due to technical issues throughout the first night. We had to wait a little longer for 'David Guetta', he was definitely worth waiting for, he isn’t known as one of the Best DJs around the world for no reason. He provided a light show that connected to his music and got everyone raving, to hits such as 'Play hard', 'Titanium', 'shot me down' and the outstanding beat of 'Bad'. There was no way you could sit still through this legendary set that ended a fantastic night with fireworks.
Photo courtesy of Isle of Wight Festival by Callum Baker
Saturday 10th June 2017
Day three started with a bacon bap, some sunny spells and a shower, once fresh and ready to go we checked out what was on the agenda for today. The Big Top tent provided artists such as 'The Germain Sisters', 'Bang Bang Romeo', 'Melanie C', 'Zara Larson' and 'Example and DJ Wire'.
Over on the Main Stage, 'My Baby', 'The Slow Readers Club', 'Tom Chaplin', 'Jack Savoretti', 'Texas', 'The Kooks', 'Catfish and the Bottlemen' and 'Arcade Fire' were performing throughout the day.
'Tom Chaplin' lead singer from Keane, provided songs from his debut album The Wave, he played songs such as 'Quicksand', 'hardened heart' and 'hold on to our love', he sang a classic from Keane 'Somewhere only we go' and the audience joined in, his voice and performance was sublime, no fault found he performed with such ease and confidence. A pleasure to watch.
As the day went on the sun made its appearance once and while, but the wind made the day feel like a winter's afternoon, For a day in June I was supporting four layers of clothing and a rainproof jacket. The kooks provided movement and great music before opening up the stage to the one and only 'Texas', This was their first time performing at the Isle of Wight Festival, Texas provided songs from their 25 years within the music industry such as 'I don’t want a lover', 'Black-eyed Boy', 'When we are together' and 'summer son', which in turn brought the sun out from behind the clouds. Creating a warmer environment for performers Arcade Fire Who headlined the festival on that Saturday evening.
Photo courtesy of Isle of Wight Festival by David Rutherford
In the mean time i ventured over to the tents, Exploring the 'The Electro Love 80’s Tent', Catching the Tribute band Gun’s and Roses who sounded and performed with as much energy as the originals, They were followed by the 'Mocky Horror Show', a group of actors performing classic songs from the Legendary Rocky Horror show. The show was entertaining and to the Tee. We ventured over to the Kiwi Camp for an Acousticokkee night, where individuals could sing their hearts out, The punters made the night brilliant the humour mixed with decent voices made a great end to a brilliant evening.
Sunday 11th June 2017
The last day of the festival, one more night in a tent and then a two-hour journey back to the good old South West. Today's agenda is looking strong and exciting.
The Big Top Tent is providing music from 'Judas', 'The Amazons', 'The Sherlocks', 'The Undertones', 'The Strypes' and 'Clean Bandit'.
But today for me it is all about the Main Stage, today on the agenda was no other than the legendary 'Rod Stewart', who shared the stage with 'Bastille', 'George Ezra', 'Imelda May', 'The Shires', 'The Vamps', 'Jack Maynard' and 'Scouting for Girls'.
'The Shires' brought the sound of the country to the isle of wight, bringing Nashville to the United Kingdom, Their unique sound and vibrant voices bring goosebumps to your soul. They performed songs from their latest album and their debut album, such as 'Beats to the Rhythm', 'State line', 'I just want to love you' and 'Daddy’s little girl'. When listening to them perform you can feel every word they are singing and no they mean every word they perform.
The Irish singer/ songwriter 'Imelda May' performed for the first time on the Main Stage at the Isle of Wight, she bought her unique and roar talent centre stage. bringing her own style and energy giving an honest and soul-bearing performance to the crowd, performing songs such as 'Black tears', 'Leave me lonely' and 'Human'. She generated the true essence to show the beauty in the words of the music.
This opened the ground for the young and talented 'George Ezra' his performance was giddy and fun and very innocent. Performing music that was created when figuring out what life is all about, he performed songs such as 'Barcelona', 'Blame it on me' and 'Budapest', which he closed his set with and everyone got involved and danced around. This opened the night for the Legend 'Rod Stewart'.
'Rod Stewart' Closed the festival with an hour and fifty minutes performing hits that ventured over the last 56 years within the British music industry. This was his first time that he had performed at the Isle of Wight Festival and what an honour it was. As an artist, he has had six consecutive number one album's within the UK and has sold over one hundred million records worldwide. He bought his sound and his husky voice to the Isle of Wight festival. As a performer, he sounded just as good today as he did 56 years ago. He hasn’t lost his vocals but yet adapted his performance.
He added layers to his sound and used beautiful musicians to capture the sound of his songs that he has created over the last few decades., His performance was strong and epic to watch he was outstanding and charismatic with the audience. His many clothing changes brought out his fun, loving and cheeky side whilst he performed songs such as 'Maggie May', 'I don't want to talk about it', 'Do Ya think I'm sexy' and ended the night on 'Sailing'. He was for me the highlight of the weekend and provided great entertainment. What a great way to end 2017. Now here’s to 2018 IOW festival…. Let's hope it’s as good as this one.
Representing the Best of British are the Kaiser Chiefs, Texas, The Shires, Example + DJ Wire, Jonas Blue, Nothing But Thieves, The Sherlocks, Ward Thomas, The Undertones, The Alarm and Elle Exxe. They join David Guetta, Run DMC, Arcade Fire and Rod Stewart who top the bill over the weekend as well as George Ezra, Bastille, Jack Savoretti and Rag’n’Bone Man performing across the weekend.
Fronted by the charismatic Ricky Wilson, the Kaiser Chiefs’ are best known for anthems such as ‘Oh My God’, ‘I Predict A Riot’, ‘Everyday I Love You Less And Less’, ‘Ruby’ and ‘Never Miss A Beat’. The band have recently released their sixth studio album ‘Stay Together’ which charted in the top five in the UK Official Albums Chart.
Texas will perform at the festival for the first time following their 25th anniversary last year, which included the release of ‘Texas 25’ reaching the top five of the UK charts. Since their formation in 1986 the Glaswegian band have scored thirteen UK top ten singles, three UK number one albums and seven UK top ten albums with sales of over 35 million records with hits such as ‘Say What You Want’ and ‘Black Eyed Boy’.
Country duo The Shires is comprised of singer-songwriters Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes. The band released their debut album ‘Brave’ in 2016, becoming the first UK country act to chart in the Top 10 of the Official UK Albums Chart. Their second album ‘My Universe’ released October of last year, became the fastest-selling UK country album in history selling 14,500 copies in the first week.
Example + DJ Wire, real name Elliot Gleave, is renowned for his monstrous DJ sets. With eight UK Top 10’s, two UK Number One’s ‘Changed The Way You Kissed Me’ and ‘Stay Awake’, Example’s huge electronic bangers have earned him millions of fans from across the globe. Example is currently working on his sixth studio album which will see him return to his unique EDM-rap cross over style.
London based electronic dance producer Jonas Blue released his first single ‘Fast Car’ in 2015, a reworking of Tracy Chapman’s 1988 hit. Adding tropical house beats to the bittersweet original, the single topped the charts in 17 different countries. In 2016 Blue released his follow up hit to his global smash, ‘Perfect Strangers’ featuring JP Cooper, the single charted at Number Two in the Official UK Singles Chart.
British Rock band The Sherlocks consist of two sets of brothers, Kieran and Brandon Crook and Andy and Josh Davidson. They were the first unsigned band since Arctic Monkeys to sell out their local venue the Sheffield Leadmill. The band have received great support from the likes of Steve Lamacq, Annie Mac & Huw Stephens and kick off their headline UK and Ireland tour next month.
Modern country duo Ward Thomas is comprised of 22 year old twin sisters Catherine and Lizzy Ward Thomas. The duo produce modern country music with a British twist and released their second album ‘Cartwheels’ which reached Number One in the Official UK Albums Chart, making them the first British country act to do so.
Formed in Northern Ireland in 1975, The Undertones became renowned for combining lyrical invention and musical flair with intelligent simplicity. Their anthemic ‘Teenage Kicks’, much loved by John Peel, was one of the most influential songs of the post-punk era. Reformed in 1999, festival goers will play their classics hits alongside new material.
Welsh alternative rock band The Alarm opened for acts such as U2 and Bob Dylan, before becoming a popular alternative rock band of the 1980s. The band have 17 Top 50 UK Singles, a host of successful albums and over five million sales worldwide. The band have recently announced dates for their UK tour in May.
Rising Scottish popstar Elle Exxe has been championed by BBC Introducing and Kiss FM, flown high in Music Week Charts and Amazing Radio charts. At the start of 2016 her single ‘Lost in L.A’ was synced to a worldwide advert for Google Music. Elle has recently played sold out shows across London and her native Scotland.
The Isle of Wight Festival takes place from 8th – 11th June at Seaclose Park, Newport. Due to popular demand, 2017 sees the return of Day Tickets in addition to Weekend Tickets.
For a VIP festival experience, exclusive glamping options are also on sale. Eve’s Tipis offer a luxury stay with a cocktail bar and hot breakfast options to kickstart your day. The much loved colourful Podpads will also be returning which include a power point to keep your phone charged throughout the weekend. Love Your Tent, Tangerine Fields and Pink Moon Camping also offer unique camping experiences for a weekend in style.
2017 will be the 16th Isle of Wight Festival since it was successfully relaunched in 2002 to become one of the most popular weekends of the summer, with a proud heritage of show-stopping headliners such as Foo Fighters, The Rolling Stones, The Killers, Paul McCartney, Coldplay, Blur and Fleetwood Mac.
Festival season is nearly here 2017 is starting off with a bang and the Isle of Wight Festival will be taking place on the weekend of the 8th – 11th June, this year will be celebrating 'The Best of the British'.
This year's headliners are some of the most creative, outstanding and some of the most influential performers to date. Rod Stewart and Arcade Fire will be joined by RUN DMC and David Guetta who will be performing some of the most outstanding anthems that they have created over the past few decades.
The Isle of Wight will be opening their gates for festival goers on Thursday 8th June, with the one and only Razorlight, They will be sharing the stage with artists such as Starsailor, The Alarm and The Sex Pissed Dolls. They will be creating the atmosphere for a weekend of antics and live music, for people from all around visiting one of the biggest festivals in the UK.
Joining the isle of wight headliners, artists such as: The Kaiser Chiefs who will be bringing there energetic and powerful performance to the stage with fellow artists, Example + DJ Wire, The second sons, The amazons, The Novatones, Judas, The Vamps, The Strypes, Clean bandit and Zara Larson who will be followed by the band Texas who is performing for the first time in over a year after celebrating 25 years in the industry, they will be sharing the stage with artists such as Alison Moyet, Rag 'n' bones Man, George Erza, The shires and Jack Savoretti. With the Pretenders providing us with a classic such as 'I will walk 500 miles and i will walk 500 more" getting the crowd to there feet to party the night away.
2017 will be the 16th Isle of Wight Festival since it was successfully relaunched in 2002 to become one of the most popular weekends of the summer, with a proud heritage of show-stopping headliners such as Foo Fighters, The Rolling Stones, The Killers, Paul McCartney, Coldplay, Blur and Fleetwood Mac and the legendary Queen starring Adam Lambert.
There will be crowds of people celebrating the best within the industry, that have created so many lasting memories within British History, they have performed to thousands upon thousands of fans within their careers and they will be playing to one of the largest audience within the UK. Celebrating the Isle of Wight festival, whilst creating the atmosphere, bringing the crowds of people together to sing along, dance and to create new and long lasting memories.
So Bring your sleeping bags, your tents and lets celebrate 2017 as it is meant to be celebrated, with good people, laughter and outstanding music, Here's to 2017 The Best and most influential Artists In the music industry.
See you there guys,
Isle of Wight Festival Information:
Basic information:
Weekend with / without Camping – £195 Day Ticket: Friday – £60 / Saturday and Sunday – £80 Student – £175 Teen – £145 Children Under 12: Free *Prices subject to a booking fee
Camping options:
Camp Kerala Mademoiselle provide Luxury Glamping backstage with room service and VIP transport. Eve's Tipis – Try something different and stay in a tipi! Enjoy cocktails or champagne from the bar, or some hot breakfast options to start your day right. Podpads – Bunk down in the colourful Podpads with solid wood or canvas options. Love Your Tent – Enjoy an ethical camping experience plus hot showers and a Poodle Parlour! Pink Moon Camping – Choose from a colourful collection of accommodation and enjoy your weekend with a unique camping experience Tangerine Fields – This is ever festival-goers dream for a hassle free camping experience. Just book your pitch and the rest is done for you!
To find out more information on Weekend Tickets, Day Tickets and camping check out www.isleofwightfestival.com
Iconic Scottish group Texas plus hot new acts Logic, AlunaGeorge, Laura Mvula, Deap Vally, Jagwar Ma, Ruen Brothers, MS MR,Brooke Candy and Josephine are set to perform T in the Park’s 20th year celebrations over 12th – 14th July, after festival organisers DF Concerts and founding partner Tennent’s Lager added yet more must see artists to the bill today.
Texas played T in the Park’s Balado debut back in 1997 – the same year their massive number 1 hit album White on Blonde catapulted them to global success. They returned to headline in 2001, and are set to play a huge homecoming show at the festival’s 20th year celebrations. After a 6 year hiatus, they release a brand new studio album entitled The Conversation on 20th May, and will showcase their long-awaited new material as well as treating fans to massive anthems such as I Don't Want a Lover, Say What You Want, Black Eyed Boy and Halo when they return to T in the Park in July.
Maryland rapper Logic’s recent rise through the industry has seen him snag a 2013 Freshman spot in hip-hop bible XXL Magazine, sign to Def Jam and work with No I.D. (the veteran producer and now A&R figure who helped mold the careers of Common and Kanye West). He makes his T in the Park debut this July.
AlunaGeorge are being tipped for big things this year, after they enjoyed huge success with their track Attracting Flies. They featured 2nd in the BBC’s Sound of 2013 list (after fellow Tin the Parkact Haim, who topped the list) and their hotly-anticipated debut album is due for release this summer.
Birmingham’s Laura Mvula is also one of this year’s hottest new stars. Her debut album Sing to The Moon shot into the top 10 in March and she gained critical acclaim with a coveted Brits Critics' Choice nomination. With her UK headline tour gaining rave reviews, her unique vocals and jazz-meets-soul style are set to go down a storm in Kinross this July.
Earlier this month, LA rockers Deap Vally opened for fellow T in the Park act Yeah Yeah Yeahs in Las Vegas and absolutely smashed their set at Coachella. Next stop is Kinross, when they bring their raw rock ‘n’ roll sound (created with only a guitar, drums and vocals) to the 20th year celebrations this summer.
Alternative-indie duo Jagwar Ma are Sydney’s answer to Madchester and as a result are causing a stir with their debut single, The Throw. With their 90’s inspired tracks Jagwar Ma are tipped to be huge in 2013.
Scunthorpe’s Ruen Brothers uploaded their track Aces to BBC Introducing on Radio Humberside in January and have been causing a stir ever since. The hotly tipped sibling duo are sure to get the crowd going with their 60s-esque rock ‘n’ roll.
New York’s MS MR went down a storm at SXSW slot in March, with an incredible set sure to follow at T in the Park’s 20th year this July. Their debut single Hurricane created a huge buzz in the blogosphere, with their first album Secondhand Rapture set to propel them to greater levels of stardom when it’s released in May. They’re most certainly ones to watch at T in the Park 2013.
US rap sensation Brooke Candy was first discovered after appearing in Grimes music video and was described by Vice Magazine as “the post-apocalyptic Lil’ Kim”; she has opened for the likes of Azealia Banks and put on an explosive performance at the NME Awards Show in February.
Josephine is a soulful chanteuse from Manchester, whose self-reflective debut album Portrait was voted in the top 50 albums of the year by Q Magazine, with the title hailing her “an extraordinary talent.” She’ll showcase her soulful vocal prowess when she makes her T in the Park debut this July.
