Wickham Festival – Wickham, England 2026

Overview

Wickham Festival 2026 returns to the idyllic Hampshire village of Wickham for a four-day celebration of live music, comedy, and family-friendly arts from July 30 to August 2. Established in 2006 as a boutique escape rooted in folk and traditional sounds, the event has evolved into a relaxed haven blending indie, roots, rock, and world music across four stages, drawing over 15,000 attendees for its sponsor-light vibe and community spirit. Voted Best UK Festival (under 15,000 capacity) at the 2015 Live UK Music Business Awards and a perennial Culture Guide winner, Wickham emphasizes safety, diversity, and local charm in a stunning rural setting.

Set in Wickham Village Square—a historic Georgian gem near the South Downs—the festival fosters an inclusive atmosphere with late-night comedy, children’s entertainers, craft stalls, and real ale bars, all while supporting independent ethos through trader markets and volunteer energy. As one of the UK’s safest and most chilled events, it’s a perfect summer ritual for families, folk purists, and casual fans seeking unpretentious joy amid Hampshire’s rolling hills.

Event Highlights

• Main Performances: Diverse lineup across four stages, historically featuring folk-rock stalwarts like Richard Thompson, Bellowhead, and Steve Earle alongside debuts from Newton Faulkner and Lucy Spraggan; 2026 acts TBA, promising a mix of established favorites and fresh international discoveries in indie, roots, and world genres.
• Special Features: Late-night comedy tents for evening laughs, Yesteryear stage for acoustic nostalgia, and daily family zones with children’s entertainers and interactive crafts.
• Unique Attractions: Historic Wickham walks and Big Sing community choirs; trader villages with local ales, ciders, and artisanal stalls; eco-friendly initiatives like reduced plastic and community givebacks.

About This Event

• Annual four-day music and arts festival since 2006, held in Wickham Village Square, Hampshire, evolving from Eastleigh roots with a focus on folk, indie, and family entertainment.
• Organized by the Wickham Festival team, a member of the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), with partners like Hobgoblin Southampton and Biscoes Solicitors.
• All-ages family-friendly event, suitable for young children with dedicated zones; attracts 15,000+ emphasizing safety and relaxation.
• Features four stages for live music/comedy, trader markets, real ale/cider bars, and children’s activities; no large sponsors to maintain independent feel.
• Committed to accessibility and community, with disabled facilities and proceeds supporting local causes; rated top family boutique by The Guardian.
• Legacy of introducing UK audiences to global acts like Carlos Núñez and The Spooky Men’s Chorale, while nurturing homegrown talent.

Why Attend

Wickham Festival 2026 is a sunlit snapshot of summer’s sweetest side, where Hampshire’s verdant charm cradles eclectic tunes and laughter-filled lanes, turning a village square into a shared heartbeat of folk harmonies and family escapades. Amid the hum of indie sets and comedy quips, it’s a breath of fresh air for those weary of mega-fest crowds, offering the rare delight of discovering a brass band busker one moment and swaying to roots revivalists the next—all in a safe, sponsor-free bubble that feels like a village fete on steroids.

What elevates Wickham is its unyielding heart: a commitment to families (with kid zones and easy parking) and accessibility that ensures everyone joins the jig, while trader stalls and local ales weave in community threads. Whether you’re a parent plotting picnic spots or a music maven chasing hidden gems, this boutique bliss reignites that festival fire, leaving you with sun-freckled cheeks, a playlist of new loves, and a quiet urge to make it an annual Wickham ritual.

Date & Duration

• Dates: July 30 – August 2, 2026
• Duration: 4 days

Venue / Location

• City: Wickham, England
• Main Venue: Wickham Village Square, a historic Georgian market square in the heart of Wickham, Hampshire, with open fields for stages and camping.
• Notable Areas: Four main stages for music/comedy; trader village for crafts/food; family zones with children’s entertainers; nearby Wickham Village for history walks and Big Sing events.
• Google Maps Address: Winchester Road, Wickham, Hampshire PO17 5PP, United Kingdom

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold: Online via wickhamfestival.co.uk (e-tickets); early bird discounts available until tiers sell out; day tickets on-site only (subject to availability).
• Admission Type: Paid.
• Ticket Pricing Range: $150 USD (minimum) – $250 USD (maximum).
• Special Seating/VIP Options: Under-10s charged a small fee (to deter scalpers); family bundles available; accessible parking and viewing areas (pre-book via email).

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Contact Information

• Email: eastfest@talk21.com (general inquiries); grahamlewishiley1959@hotmail.com (media/sponsorship).
• Phone: Not specified; use email or Twitter for quick queries.
• Website: https://wickhamfestival.co.uk (See Official Site).
• Social Media: @festivalwickham (X/Twitter).
• Key Staff: Not specified; contact Wickham Festival team via email.
• Press/Volunteers: Email grahamlewishiley1959@hotmail.com (press); trader/volunteer info via eastfest@talk21.com (TBD).
• Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. English support available.

Getting There

• Nearest Airport: Southampton (SOU), 15 miles away.
• Public Transport: Trains to Fareham (3 miles, then taxi/bus £10); no late-night service—plan taxis for returns.
• Parking: Free on-site next to festival (24-hour security); taxi rank at McCarthy’s Fruit & Veg on A334.
• Other: Drive M27 J10 (2 miles north); scenic A32 from Alton through Meon Valley (1 hour from London).

Accommodation Options

• Hotels: Nearby Wickham Lodge (village center, 0.5 miles).
• Airbnb: Georgian cottages in Wickham for immersive stays.
• Camping: On-site pitches available (£50–£100 add-on, bring your own tent/caravan).
• Booking Tip: Book via wickhamfestival.co.uk bundles—August fills fast; village B&Bs for overflow.

Reviews

• Pure family joy with tunes that linger—stages alive, village vibes unbeatable!
• Relaxed rural magic: comedy cracks and craft hauls, kids’ entertainers a win.
• Indie roots in Hampshire heaven—small-scale charm, massive heart.