Heritage favourites The Stranglers have been announced for Wychwood 2014, joining The Boomtown Rats as the second headliner for the 10th Anniversary of the Gloucestershire Festival with one more yet to come. To kick off festivities on Friday evening, The Stranglers will no doubt delight audiences with their epic back catalogue of 23 top 40 UK singles, including acclaimed hits 'Golden Brown' and 'Peaches'. The British rock band first formed back in 1974 and will be celebrating 40 years in the music industry with a very special performance at Wychwood – a double reason to celebrate!
JJ Burnel, bass guitarist of the band commented, "As we are celebrating two Anniversaries, it's gonna be a hell of a party!"
In addition to The Stranglers, 10cc's co-founder Graham Gouldman will be bringing his fantasticHeart Full of Songs acoustic set to the festival. The 60 minute set will feature classics such as 'I'm Not in Love' and 'Dreadlock Holiday' with fellow 10cc bandmates, along with other Gouldman-composed hits including 'Bus Stop' and 'Look Through Any Window', written for The Hollies. Topped off with new material from his acclaimed new album along with a few surprises, the performance is one not to be missed at Wychwood.
A Wychwood Festival line-up would not be complete without an energetic Ska band to liven up a Saturday afternoon in the Prestbury Hills. This year it is the turn of popular 80's group Bad Manners, led by frontman Buster Bloodvessel and who's hits include 'My Girl Lollypop' and 'Lip Up Fatty'. Other new mainstage acts announced today include Cheltenham locals and Wychwood regulars, Thrill Collins, plus the unique sounds of Gaslight Troubadors who made an impact in 2013 with their debut album 'Clockwork Curiosities'.
The Big Top will once again play host to the UK's freshest and emerging talent courtesy of London promoters Smashing Blouse. Wolf Alice will close the weekend as Sunday night headliners; fresh from supporting The 1975 on their sell-out tour the band are already making waves in 2014 with hits such as 'Fluffy' and 'Blush'.
Other additions to this stage include London-based trio Benin City named after a Nigerian city the band are already boast a loyal following from the likes of BBC 6's Huey Morgan. More exciting new names added to the Big Top include groups Racing Glaciers and Pixel Fix.
With an innovative and pioneering programme to delight those that lust over indie, folk, rock and world music, an enviable extra-curricular timetable, plus an undeniably friendly atmosphere in a stunning location, Wychwood is incomparable to other family festivals – and the 10th anniversary celebration will be the biggest and best yet. As one of Britain’s most treasured events, Wychwood has seen a wealth of emerging and classic talents grace its stage over the last ten heroic years from the likes of Duffy, James, Happy Mondays and The Human League. All completed by an enlightening programme including the Children’s Literature Festival, chuckling comedy, a plethora of workshops and a Beer & Ale festival in association with Wychwood Brewery; making Wychwood a fantastic addition to any family’s calendar.