The Stranglers headline second day of Wickham Festival with golden hits set

The Stranglers on stage at the Wickham Festival
Picture Ian Hargreaves (161091-14) — The Stranglers on stage at the Wickham Festival Picture Ian Hargreaves (161091-14)

THE sun shone and the hits kept coming at the second day of the Wickham Festival.

And last night’s headliners The Stranglers played a memorable set.

Many of the band’s biggest tunes from their 42-year career got an airing on the All Time Grates stage, including Golden Brown, (Get A) Grip (On Yourself) and Peaches.

The crowd were warmed up by original The Jam bassist Bruce Foxton’s From The Jam tribute act.

Canadian folk quartet Le Vent du Nord headlined the Wildlife Stage, while local rock hotshots Kodiak Jack topped the bill in the Quay West Cave.

Tamsin Holmar, from Wickham, was impressed.

She said: ‘I don’t think you’d get this atmosphere or this vibe from any other festival.’

Dave and Paula Scudder, also from Wickham, added: ‘It’s always been fabulous.

From left, Nick Coombes, Steve Guermonerez, and Dean Hibbered from Waterlooville (161091-7)

‘The layout is much better than it has been the last few years and it’s just that much friendlier.’

Nine-year-old Amelia Barrow, from Swanmore, was visiting with her family.

She said: ‘It’s fun because there’s a lot of things to do.

‘We watched From the Jam and they were good.’

Slim Chance, the band formed by the late Ronnie Lane, performed last night.

Multi-instrumentalist Charlie Hart said: ‘We  got some good support out there and some of our  songs are good to sing along with.

‘It’s a chilled out festival with a good energy.’

Festival organiser Peter Chegwyn believes that the growth of the event has put the ‘small village with big ideas’ on the map.

He said: ‘Last year was a record and we’re topping it this year. We’re selling even more tickets to people coming from around Britain and Europe.

‘We’ve sold to Australia and America, and they can’t come much further than that!’

‘It is so safe and family-friendly and the artists love that you are up close.’

It was not just live music that kept people entertained.

The sun shone throughout the day as families enjoyed bubble show, craft workshops and facepainting.

Wickham Festival continues throughout the weekend, with today’s line-up including Chas & Dave, The Trevor Horn Band and The SAS Band featuring a guest appearance from Queen drummer Roger Taylor.

Folk rock legends  Lindisfarne will close the festival tomorrow, alongside Hayseed Dixie, Steeleye Span and The Red Hot Chilli Pipers.