Wychwood Festival announces Boomtown Rats, Craig Charles and more

Wychwood Festival is delighted to confirm the first wave of stellar acts to kick off 2014’s celebrations in style! Boomtown Rats will headline Sunday night's festivities including the legendary Bob Geldof, as well as icon Craig Charles who will be returning to the Big Top after a fantastic performance this year. Soul superstars The Real Thing have also been confirmed as Friday night performers and will set the bar high for the rest of the weekend. Traditionally one of the first festivals of the summer, Wychwood's home lies on Cheltenham Racecourse beneath the idyllic Prestbury Hills and taked place over the weekend 30th May – 1st June 2014. This year promises to deliver the biggest program to date in celebration of ten phenomenal years. With word already spread Early Bird Tickets have sold out in record time, however the festival will be offering a very special 10% discount on full price tickets in 2013 to hail the imminent birthday and festive period. Discounted Standard Tickets are available from the Wychwood Festival website from 10AM today.
 
Not many festivals can boast a ten-year anniversary but Wychwood Festival is no ordinary occasion. As one of Britain’s first and most-loved family weekends, it has seen some of the biggest current and heritage acts grace the stage from this year’s The Human League, to songstress Duffy and Supergrass. Not to mention an enriched standalone Children’s Literature Festival, partnerships with the Roald Dahl Museum and the Book Trust, a late-night comedy schedule and fine beer and ale festival from the Wychwood Brewery, making Wychwood one of the most humble, friendly and fun events in the country.
 
To celebrate this landmark occasion Wychwood is committed to providing an unforgettable 2014.  Renowned Irish New Wave band Boomtown Rats will headline Sunday's main stage with Wychwood being their only 2014 UK festival appearance announced to-date. The band, complete with singer  Sir Bob Geldof, reformed this year playing together for the first time since 1986 to sell out crowds. With hits such as ‘I Don’t Like Monday’s’ the group’s classic collection will no doubt be a phenomenal headline performance for the Wychwood audience.
 
Boomtown Rats
 
Back by popular demand is funk and soul purveyor Craig Charles who smashed the Big Top at Wychwood Festival 2013, armed with his extensive record collection containing dancefloor classics. Charles comments, "Double happy to be returning to Wychwood festival to celebrate it's 10th Birthday with them – roll on the summer and lets blow the roof offfff!!" Northern soul masters The Real Thing also hailing from Liverpool will be performing on Friday night's main stage. The ‘You to Me are Everything’ singers have enjoyed a sustained career dating back to the 1970’s and their catchy melodies are the perfect festival soundtrack.
 
Lastly other artists added to the 2014 bill include modern folk-rock band Merry Hell who's high energy performances sprinkled with a dusting of punk attitude make them a favourite in this popular genre. Meanwhile four-piece band Polly and the Billets Doux will also be performing over the weekend bringing their distinct genre-defying sound to the hearts of Wychwood.

The Cheeky Girls, The Popes and more added to Watchet Festival

The Cheeky Girls are one of the most recognisable girl duos in pop, and will be bringing their catalogue of cheeky hits to the main stage on Saturday. They will be followed by Bristol’s finest 8-headed ska, hiphop, dub monster, Babyhead, one of the Westcountry’s most popular live bands. 

The Popes are a tour-de-force of the London-Irish folk rock scene. Formerly the band for Shane McGowan, they have a reputation as one of the most energetic live bands in the business and are the perfect act to close the festival main stage on Sunday night.

Multimillion-selling British Soul legends The Real Thing are as the final headliner to be revealed. The three original singers, joined by a 5-piece band, will turn Friday night into Party night, performing their Number One hit singles including "You To Me Are Everything", "Can't Get By Without You", and “Feel The Force” alongside a medley of other Seventies classics.

The recently announced acts join a Watchet LIVE Festival line up that already includes The Blockheads, Mad Dog McreaThe Wurzels; N.U.M.B; Miles Hunt & Erica Nockalls (from The Wonder Stuff); Tom Hingley & The Lovers, Dan DonnellyFerocious Dogand over 50 others. 

Watchet LIVE Festival is a not-for-profit family-friendly festival with amazing views of the stunning West Somerset coastline and beyond. Three live stages, including Glastonbury’s famous Croissant Neuf solar powered venue will host over than 50 live acts, bringing a wide range of high-calibre musical acts not normally found performing in West Somerset, at a very affordable price. 

In addition to the main stages, the festival features, an Open Mic venue, the new-for-2012 Griffin Tent, the infamous Something Else Tea Tent, a Silent DiscoMusic and Arts workshops, Mr Mommett’s late night adult Punch & Judy Show, and a large Festival Market. There are also all the usual festival amenities you would expect: a large campsite with a reserved families-only zone; secure on site car parking; an extensive Food Court, Real Ale and Cider Bar and a hugely expanded children’s area, Yankee Jack’s.

With a host of internationally renowned artists performing, a friendly 'small festival' vibe, stunning views across the West Somerset coastline, and a full range of tickets and camping options, Watchet LIVE Festival is the perfect place to spend the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Weekend Tickets with camping are £60 (Adults), £35 (Youths 13-17), Under 12’s are free. A Family Weekend Ticket for 2 Adults & 2 Youths is just £125. 

Weekend Tickets without camping are priced at just £45 (Adults), £25 (Youths 13-17), Under 12’s are free. A Family Ticket for 2 Adults & 2 Youths is £110. Day Tickets also available (£17.50/£12.50). Car parking is £5.
Tickets are available from www.watchetfestival.co.uk