The 12th annual Wychwood Festival came to a stellar close this weekend as Bill Bailey brought his infectious comedy performance to thousands of sun-soaked festival-goers. Unforgettable headline performances across the weekend came courtesy of Celtic rockers, The Waterboys, and the legendary 10cc. Alongside were further highlights including Ms Dynamite, Stereo MCs, The Correspondents, Honne, and Slow Club. On top of the music, thousands of families descended on Cheltenham Racecourse to see stand-up comedy, craft workshops, a literature Festival and culminating to be Wychwood’s biggest family programme ever. All against the stunning backdrop of the beautiful Cotswold countryside, the exhilarating weekend even saw Wychwood’s first ever wedding!
Already looking ahead to next year, the festival is offering tickets for 2017 to 2016 ticket-holders from only £102.
Wychwood continued to wow crowds as it does every year for its 12th edition, welcoming all ages to celebrate one of the hottest weekends of the year in style. Music fans were treated with a myriad of genres by artists all over the world. Stereo MCs, The Correspondents and From The Jam ensured that crowds were dancing in front of the main stage, while rising talents took over the Big Top to showcase their talents including Honne, Black Honey, Hunter & The Bear and Slow Club. Headliners, The Waterboys, and 10cc, gave a fitting close to Friday and Saturday, while Bill Bailey was met with roars of laughter, bringing Sunday to a close. Further musical highlights included Wychwood Festival’s favourite, Craig Charles in the Big Top, and Ms Dynamite summed up the Wychwood vibes perfectly as she invited children in the crowd to join her on stage for a raucous performance of Gold Dust.
Beyond on the live music, those looking to carry on the party into the early hours were tickled pink in the comedy stage, thing full advantage of Wychwood Festival’s famous silent disco. Early risers took respite with morning yoga sessions down on The Green, which hosted the festival’s most comprehensive family programme to date. All ages were welcomed to take part in a well-curated workshops including circus skills, comedy for kids, dance classes, craft making and much more. The return of the Children’s Literature Festival in partnership with Waterstones saw renowned children’s authors deliver inspiring readings for kids including Philip Ardagh, Michelle Roberts and Abi Elphinstone.
Overjoyed with this year’s Wychwood Festival, founder Graeme Merifield said: “What a wonderful weekend! We’ve had outstanding music including our headliners The Waterboys, 10cc and Bill Bailey, hilarious comedy, fantastic weather and brilliant turn out. We worked hard to put together a really strong programme for all the family and its been such a joy to see so many getting involved across the weekend. We hope everyone who joined us had an unforgettable weekend and we look forward to see you all again next year, here’s to 2017!”
Festpop Staff Writer Laura Capito