SUMMER sunshine has sent sales soaring for the Wickham Festival.

The recent heatwave has sparked a surge in fans flocking to the Hampshirevillage to watch the likes of the Waterboys, 10cc, Rolf Harris, Dexys and the Peatbog Faeries this weekend.

And with cancer patient Wilko Johnson set to make his farewell appearance on the south coast on Sunday alongside his former band the Blockheads, it is sure to be an emotional occasion.

Delighted Organisers of the four-day event, which runs from Thursday to Sunday, are delighted with the demand and are hoping for a record attendance.

Organiser Peter Chegwyn said: “Last year we enjoyed our first ever sell-out night – and that was despite a rainy run-up to the event.

“This year the weather has been glorious, and with the sunshine set to continue we are hoping for our best crowd yet. The good weather and the strong bill have sparked a big demand for tickets.

“Sales are particularly good for Thursday, and now there has been a real surge for Sunday with legendary guitarist Wilko Johnson making an emotional appearance as part of his farewell tour.

“He was given six months to live back in December so he is already on borrowed time, and I amsure he will get a fantastic reception, especially if he joins the Blockheads on stage.”

Although the forecast remains good, organisers were delighted the weather broke this weekend.

Chegwyn explained: “We've been pleased to see a little rain to soften the ground as we were having to use pneumatic drills to put in tent pegs on Sunday morning.

Even if it does rain next weekend, we’ve actually got two big tops covering both our main stages.

“But the forecast is for sun and so we’ve even installed a huge TV screen for people who want to sit in the sunshine or tour the 60-plus craft and food stalls while still keeping an eye on what’s happening on the main stage.”

Fans are coming from as far away as Canada, South America and even Australia to watch an array of stars including the South (formerly the Beautiful South), Seth Lakeman and Show of Hands.

A solar-powered cinema will show an exclusive preview screening of the story of rock- ’n’roll’s most successful failure,John Otway, who has given his personal permission for Otway–The Movie tobeshown.

With street performers, children’s entertainers, dance displays, storytelling, a healing area and more, organisers say it will be a real family festival.