Wickham Festival
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Wickham Festival is a beloved four-day summer music and arts celebration held in the tranquil countryside of Hampshire near the historic village of Wickham. From 30 July to 2 August 2026, the festival promises a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere under the summer sky. Set in rolling fields and meadows, the festival site offers stunning rural scenery — picture sunlit expanses of grass and the charming Georgian market square of Wickham just a short stroll away. Festival-goers spread out picnic blankets or dance barefoot on the soft grass as live music fills the air. While the backdrop is truly magical, it’s the relaxed, communal vibe that makes Wickham Festival special. People of all ages gather here to enjoy great music in a safe, friendly setting that feels both laid-back and vibrant with excitement.
Music takes center stage at Wickham Festival, with live performances on four stages throughout each day. The lineup is wonderfully diverse: one moment you might be listening to an atmospheric folk song, the next you’re dancing to an energetic rock or pop band under colorful stage lights. A large marquee hosts crowd-pleasing headliners, while smaller tents and stages showcase more intimate performances by local talents and rising stars. There’s something for every taste, from mellow ballads and blues grooves to raucous country ceilidh sets and pulsing world rhythms. And when you need a break from the music, the festival offers plenty of other attractions. Street performers and comedy acts pop up around the grounds, dance troupes entertain in the sunshine, and creative workshops invite you to try new things. Evenings might find you dancing in a silent disco under the stars or enjoying a whimsical puppet show in the famous Magic Teapot tent. With entertainment at every turn, each visit to Wickham Festival is a whirlwind of joyous discovery.
The food and drink offerings are as memorable as the music itself. Casually dotted among the stages you’ll find stalls serving delicious local specialties – from wood-fired pizza and gourmet veggie creations to classic festival burgers and fish-and-chips. Don’t miss the beer and cider tent, pouring award-winning Hampshire ales and ciders on tap. There’s also an on-site farm shop selling fresh produce and essentials, plus the historic Wickham village just a short walk away. In Wickham Square, cozy pubs and cafes often see festival-goers grabbing breakfast, a cream tea, or an evening meal to fuel up. The combination of local producers, quality food trucks, and village eateries means you’ll never go hungry at Wickham Festival.
When it’s time to rest, Wickham Festival has your comfort in mind. Spacious camping fields lie adjacent to the concert arena, providing ample room for tents, caravans, and campervans. The festival provides clean toilets and hot showers, and even a late-night free shuttle to the village for essentials. If you prefer a bit more comfort, many people rent glamping tents or pods on site (bookable in advance). Off-site, charming lodging is nearby: Wickham’s own Old House Hotel and The Roebuck Inn both offer cozy rooms just a short walk from the festival grounds. A handful of B&Bs in the surrounding countryside are also available, and the town of Fareham (just 2 miles south) has several hotels and guesthouses. Wherever you stay – under canvas or under a roof – you’ll fall asleep to birdsong and wake up eager for another day of fun.
Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned festival veteran, Wickham feels like coming home to a big outdoor party. Its friendly crowds and genuine local charm mean you’ll quickly feel at home. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer weekend – dancing under open skies to great music, sharing laughs and sunsets with friends, and soaking up the beauty of the English countryside. Pack your tent and your dancing shoes, and make memories with us at Wickham Festival 2026. We can’t wait to welcome you under the sunny Hampshire sky!
By Road: Wickham is easy to reach by car. The festival site lies just off the A334 Winchester Road north of Fareham, about 2 miles from junction 10 on the M27 and within 10 miles of the M3 and A3. Drivers from London or the Midlands can take the M3/M27 route, while those coming from the west may use the A34/M3. For a more scenic alternative, consider taking the A32 from Alton south through the beautiful Meon Valley. On summer weekends roads can be busy, so allow extra travel time. As you approach Wickham village, follow the yellow festival direction signs to the designated parking fields. Plenty of free parking is available right next to the site for all visitors, making it simple to drive in and unload.
By Train/Bus: The nearest train station is Fareham (on the Portsmouth–Southampton line). From Fareham, Stagecoach bus route 69 runs regularly through Wickham to Winchester (check current timetables, especially on weekends). A taxi from Fareham to Wickham takes about 10 minutes and is usually affordable. Winchester station, about 20 miles away, also has buses (route 69) to Wickham. Once in Wickham village, look for the free festival shuttle bus (typically running between the village square and the site during event days) or call a local taxi to carry you the final mile.
By Air: The closest major airport is Southampton (Eastleigh), roughly 10 miles north. From there you can take a taxi directly to Wickham (about a 15-minute drive), or catch the airport bus/train to reach nearby Fareham and then continue by local bus or taxi. London’s airports (Heathrow, Gatwick) are farther away (around 70–90 miles). If flying into London, plan to take trains or coaches down to Southampton or Portsmouth, then travel onward toward Fareham/Wickham by train or road. Travel times vary greatly, so check routes carefully in advance. Also note that public transport options are very limited late at night, so if you arrive in the evening it’s wise to arrange a taxi for the last leg.
Accommodation: On-site camping is popular and easy. The festival provides spacious fields for tents, caravans and motorhomes right next to the arena, complete with toilets and showers. Glamping bell tents and pods (with beds and basic furnishings) are available to book for a more comfortable experience. If you prefer indoors, charming lodging options are just minutes away. Wickham’s Old House Hotel and The Roebuck Inn both offer cosy rooms within walking distance of the site, and a handful of nearby B&Bs also welcome festival guests. A short drive to the town of Fareham (about 2 miles) opens up a range of hotels and guesthouses. For even more options, consider Portsmouth or Winchester, each 30–40 minutes away by car. In all cases it’s best to book early: sites like Airbnb or Booking.com can help you find cottages, flats or hotel rooms in the area before they all fill up.
| Name | Star | Distance | Prices From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lysses House Hotel | 1.8 ml | £67.50 | Book | |
| The Roundabout Hotel | 1.8 ml | £59.00 | Book | |
| B B Wickham | 1.8 ml | £70.00 | Book | |
| TravelRest - Fareham | 2.5 ml | £59.00 | Book | |
| De Vere Venues New Place | 3.1 ml | £44.10 | Book | |
| Cadgwith House Portsmouth | 3.7 ml | £165.00 | Book | |
| Leeward House Guest House | 5.7 ml | £53.00 | Book | |
| Travelodge Portsmouth | 5.7 ml | £50.00 | Book | |
| Acorn Lodge | 6.0 ml | £25.00 | Book | |
| The Royal Maritime Club | 6.1 ml | £78.00 | Book | |
| Macdonald Botley Park Hotel & Spa | 6.4 ml | £52.00 | Book | |
| The Innlodge | 6.7 ml | £50.00 | Book | |
| Portsmouth Inns | 6.7 ml | £30.00 | Book | |
| Botleigh Grange Hotel & Spa | 6.8 ml | £50.00 | Book | |
| The White Lodge | 7.0 ml | £52.19 | Book |
Wickham, Fareham, PO17
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