Wickham Festival 2024: Music extravaganza returns with Levellers starring - when, where, tickets, headliners

The popular summer music extravaganza is returning this week but in a new location. Organisers have moved the event, starting on Thursday and ending on Sunday, to a different site.

Stages are being transferred to a new field only a few hundred yards away from the old location, a move which was approved by Winchester City Council. Organiser Peter Chegwyn, leader of Gosport Borough Council, said the 28-acre area contains enough flat and well-drained grassland to make things easier for pedestrians and their vehicles.

He added: “There will be no more long walks from campsites to the arena and no more slippery slopes to negotiate, and hopefully no more mud. Our new arena field is so much better in every way. There’s enough space on our new field for our new arena plus campervan & motorhome camping; accessible camping; camping with electric hook-ups; dog-friendly camping; and Festival glamping.”

What musicians will be playing?

Cllr Chegwyn added that walking distances between the campsites and the arena has been reduced, with tented camping being in the same place on Westlands Farm. Some well-known artists and bands have been booked to headline the show on different days.

The Men They Couldn’t Hang will be headlining the Big Top Main Stage on Thursday (August 1), followed by Suzi Quatro (August 2), The Levellers (August 3) and Curtis Stigers (August 4). Other acts include Tony Christie, Seth Lakeman, Ferocious Dog and many more.

Wickham Festival has been running for 27 years, a task which is becoming harder due to rising overheads and other factors. Cllr Chegwyn said: ““We are battling on but Wickham is not immune from the problems facing all independent festivals. Our costs have risen by over 40 per cent since Covid.

“We are proud of our independence, proud of the fact we’re not a ‘corporate’ festival, proud that we’re not dependent on the support of big business sponsors. We run Wickham on a ‘not-for-profit’ basis where every penny is spent on giving fans the best festival experience possible.” Cllr Chegwyn said if Wickham is to survive past this summer, people need to support the event by purchasing tickets.

The two main stage Big Tops are returning, alongside other smaller venues, late-night comedy, dance displays, music workshops, crafts fayre, real ale festival and more.

Ticket prices

A four-day ticket bundle is currently on sale at £220, with under-16s getting the deal for half price and under-10s paying just £10. Prices for day tickets start at £60. A weekend camping pass costs £35 and parking at the venue is free. More information can be found on the Wickham Festival website.