Artists already announced include the undisputed kings of flamenco, salsa and pop infusion The Gyspy Kings, indie powerhouse Baxter Dury, 90s Britpop stalwarts Shed Seven, The Go! Team, The Beat Ft. Rnaking Roger, Nina Nesbitt, Feed, and many more.
Joining the line-up will be Americana mastermind Pokey LaFarge. Looking like he stepped straight out of the Roaring Twenties, Pokey’s contagious blend of hot swing, early jazz and ragtime blues promies to be a festival highlight. Storming the stage will also be punk-reggae queen Hollie Cook. Daughter of a Sex Pistol, Hollie’s unique form of ‘tropical pop’ mixes her passion for female rocksteady sounds with her love of golden-age girl groups.
Also performing will be Mercury-nominated Northern rockers Field Music, pink pop punk powerhouse Queen Zee, big indie name for 2018 Sea Girls, jazz, funk and punk mish-mashers Easy Life, Pip Blomand Speakman Sound.
[caption id=“attachment_35766” align=“aligncenter” width=“757”]
Hollie Cook, Field Music and Pokey LaFarge to perform at Wychwood Festival 2018[/caption]
Wychwood have partnered with Continental Drifts to programme the Hobgoblin Stage, welcoming a host of alternative acts for those looking to discover something new. Immigrant Swing will delight crowds with their uniquely riotous blend of Gypsy Swing, Blues, Hip-hop, and World Music, as well as Kings Gambit, whose mix of traditional folk with Irish jigs and techno music, delivered with punk attitude, is unlike any folk band festival-goers are likely to have heard before. Also performing will be funk and hip-hop eight piece Selby and the Dharma Blitz, French rockers The Buns, North Yorkshire’s only contemporary New Orleans inspired brass New York Brass Band as well as Wychwood’s long-standing house band, the high energy and much-loved Thrill Collins. Bristol’s 6-piece jazz band with soul and R&B flavours Feelgood Experiment and Electro-funk collective and 8-piece live band Grinny Grandad as well as Immigrant Swing, Captain Accident, Forest of Fools and more will take the the stage.
Chris Tofu from Continental Drifts commented: “We’re thrilled to be vibing up the area for the weekend, at such a cool festival, expect jumping brass, deep folk and a great big festival party.”
Wychwood’s legendary workshops programme returns for the festival’s 14th annual edition with an abundance of participation, games and marvellous mayhem for everyone to get stuck into. Head to The Village Hall to wind your hips and hula with instruction from record-breaking hoopers or learn how to shim sham and shimmy with swing dance lessons. The Hullabaloo hosts music workshops where festival-goers can learn to pen their own lyrics, sing in the Wychwood Choir or how to beatbox and rhyme.
The brand new Spinning Top is Wychwood’s dedicated circus school. The Workshop bustles with a chance to mould your own clay creations, cross-stitch and willow weave or learn the basics of Robotics alongside an array of other eclectic projects. The talks and debates programme has grown this year with the addition of Speakers Corner, a venue to hear first-hand tales from adventurers, author talks, poetry performance and more. Or stop by The Wheelbarrow, the outdoor street theatre stage filled with magic, mirth and madness.
Wychwood’s wellbeing offering includes a dedicated Healers Tent with a host of relaxing masseurs and therapists on hand to treat all ages. Yoga classes take place daily designed for both adults and children. Festival-goers can browse the bustling Market Square for handmade homewares, precious trinkets and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. For those looking to be beautified, visit the glitter stations and hair braid bar or pick up the latest styles from the very best independent and cutting-edge fashion traders.
Wychwood’s Comedy Stage in association with eFestivals returns with a myriad of comic geniuses including award winning comic and TV Presenter Matt Richardson, hilarious and engaging topical and observational material from Patrick Monahan and comedy gold from the mighty Andrew Bird. As well as Inel Tomlinson, Johnny Cochrane, Jon Wagstaffe, Ela Baldhinio compared by Jim Smallman, Amy Howerska and Howard Read.
There will be a host of sizzling street food on offer at this year’s festival, with a generous offering of options for carnivores and herbivores alike. Dedicated tea and artisan coffee traders are also on hand to provide hot steaming cups to savour whilst soaking up all Wychwood has to offer. Other drinkable delights are found at Wychwood’s village pub, The Duck & Barrel where revellers can raise a real ale, cider, mixer or refreshing soft-drink amongst Wychwood friends.
Festival-goers can spread the cost of their tickets by purchasing through Wychwood’s new payment plan, where ticket buyers can pay the first instalment and the remainder of the cost is spread over the months up until May ahead of the festival gates opening.
Info - www.wychwoodfestival.com.
