Wychwood Festival has today announced a plethora of artists to perform this June for the festival's 14th edition. American blues maestro Pokey LaFarge, ex-Slits rocker Hollie Cook, Mercury Prize nominated Field Music, Pip Blom, Easy Life, Speakman Sound, Queen Zee and more
One of the summer's best-loved family festivals has a brand new look and feel and a programme that is set to surprise, delight and entertain festival-goers this summer. Artists already announced include undisputed kings of flamenco, salsa and pop infusion The Gipsy Kings, indie powerhouse Baxter Dury, 90's Britpop stalwarts Shed Seven, The Go! Team, The Beat ft. Ranking Roger, Nina Nesbitt, Feeder, and many more.
Joining the line up for 2018 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 Blom and Speakman Sound.
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 comments, "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.
Grab a cocktail, take a loved one by the hand and explore the wonderful world of Wychwood.
Published on 01 March 2018 by Ben Robinson
