Wickham Festival bosses are grappling with a difficult dilemma – how to improve on near-perfection!
The recent four-day event in the picturesque setting near Fareham has been widely hailed as the best yet with four days of unbroken sunshine and fabulous music.
But organiser Peter Chegwyn is still looking to make it even better next year though he admitted that is becoming increasingly tricky.
He said: “The festival was a huge success, a real triumph for us. Everything went really smoothly, helped by the fantastic weather.
“Of course nothing is ever perfect, but this was pretty close! But we are always looking to improve even further and there are one or two tweaks we will make following feedback this year although there is nothing major we will change.
“This was our third year at the new site and it suits us so much better. It is more spacious and gives us a better layout. And if it does rain, we know it will hold up well and not turn into a mud bath.
“It is now a very smooth operation and it is very much a case of ‘Steady as she goes’. We have got a winning formula and there is no need to mess with it.
“That is why we get so many people booking a year in advance before a single artist has been announced – quite apart from the savings they can make by booking now!
“They might not know the line-up but they know it will be top quality and most importantly the unique atmosphere will remain the same. It really is one of the most chilled, safest and family friendly festivals around and that is what brings people back year after year.
“That is also the reason I do it. We don’t make any money from it but I just love walking round the site and seeing all the happy, smiling faces. That makes all the hassle and stress worthwhile.
“It is also a way for us to give an opportunity to up-and-coming musicians who otherwise might not get a platform.”
This year the Saw Doctors, the Proclaimers, Curtis Stigers and many more entertained up to 7,000 people over the four days. Next year’s festival runs from July 29 to August 1 and those booking before August 10 can save up to £100 on an adult weekend season ticket.
Children aged 10-16 get in half-price with under 10’s paying just £10 for a weekend season ticket. All children’s entertainment is free once on site as is parking. Full details wickhamfestival.co.uk
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