The Wickham Festival is moving home – but only a few hundred yards.
The popular long-running event is switching to a different site for this year’s event from August 1 to 4 headlined by Suzi Quatro, Curtis Stigers and the Levellers.
Winchester City Council have just approved the transfer to a new field which organisers hope will help them beat the mud.
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The new arena, on the other side of Winchester Road, is flatter and has much better drainage to improve access and the experience for festival-goers.
Organiser Peter Chegwyn said: “We now have 28 acres of flat and well-drained grassland for our arena with much better pedestrian and vehicle access than ever before.
“There will be no more long walks from campsites to the arena and no more slippery slopes to negotiate. And hopefully no more mud. Our new arena field is so much better in every way.
“There's enough space on our new field for our new arena plus campervan and motorhome camping; accessible camping; camping with electric hook-ups; dog-friendly camping; and festival glamping.
“Walking distances between campsites and arena are greatly reduced and are across flat ground. While tented camping will remain just across the road on the beautiful grassed fields at Westlands Farm we'll have a new pedestrian route to also reduce walking distances between tented camping and the arena.
“And of course we will be keeping our two Big Tops so fans will be able to stay dry as they watch a range of fantastic artists. Aside from our main headliners we also have Tony Christie, Seth Lakeman, Ferocious Dog and our ever-popular old friends the Men They Couldn’t Hang plus many more.”
Organisers are hoping their efforts to improve access will encourage festival-goers to buy in advance to help safeguard the future of the event, which has been running for 27 years on a not for profit basis.
Audiences can expect smaller venues, late night comedy, storytelling; dance displays, music workshops, a traditional crafts fayre; real ales festival and the usual wide range of attractions for children.
Tickets are currently on sale at wickhamfestival.co.uk
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