THOUGH a yellow weather warning was forecast for day three of the Wickham Festival, crowds were blown away by the incredible music on display, rather than the high winds.
It’s typical that at the height of the English summer torrential downpours should see festival goers running for cover to the nearest shelter across a sea of mud.
But nothing could dampen people’s spirits as the festival proved there’s no better place to sample the best of what folk music has to offer.
An array artists took to the main stages on Saturday, with the likes of chart-topping Scottish singer Barbara Dickson and sea shanty specialists Fisherman’s Friends.
Grammy-nominated Blues artist Eric Bibb, headlined Saturday night in the Big Top stage, replacing The Proclaimers who had to sadly withdraw due to illness just two days before.
Welsh band NoGood Boyo had spectators bopping alone to a selection of well-known tunes as musical festivities began early Saturday afternoon, closing their set with a brilliantly mind-boggling take on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.’
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At the same time, Irish artist Alan Burke was providing soothing tunes on Main Stage 1 accompanied by his guitar.
At one point during his set, the heavens opened and Burke playfully remarked: “I’m looking around seeing all these people walking in thinking jeez I must be popular, but it’s pissing down outside!”
Barbara Dickson followed Burke on stage to a packed audience to play songs such as ‘I Know Him So Well’ and ‘Tell Me It’s Not True.’
The trio of Lady Maisery came later, with their brilliant selection of contemporary folk songs, as another huge downpour saw spectators flood to the shelter of the Big Top, with the band signing merchandise for enthusiastic fans after their gig.
Bringing the day to a close, Fisherman’s Friends had crowds singing along to their popular sea shanty tunes for the best part of 90 minutes.
Eric Bibb replaced The Proclaimers as Saturday’s headliner on Main Stage 1 with his cream turquoise jacket and cream fedora hat.
Away from the main stage, on Main Stage 2 The Trouble Notes provided arguably the loudest crowd reaction of the day with their blend of traditional folk, gritty punk rock, and tribal dance music.
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