Wychwood Festival

Wychwood Festival 2014 Review

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The festival season is now well and truly under way and for me, Cheltenham’s Wychwood Festival – now in it’s 10th year – would be my first taste of what this year has to offer.

This child friendly festival, self proclaimed to be ‘a truly wonderful thing’ certainly did not disappoint. It had everything I love to see at these type of events – the weird and wonderful hit me from the word go; stepping out of the car to be greeted by a group of cub scouts, complementing their neckerchiefs with pink cowboy hats. I followed the smell of barbecued burgers into the main site and the little pangs of excitement I get around this time of year had begun.

The ‘big top’ tent seemed to be where Wychwood had scheduled the more underground acts of this years festival. The first act I saw in this tent were an electronic outfit from Manchester called ‘No Ceremony’. A 3 piece band I would love to experience again. From ambient guitar washes to four-to-the-floor AKAI sampler breaks in an instant, they were a great band to ease yourself into this festival and to show the crowds that the ‘big top’ tent was the place to be. I later went on to watch the amazing Bipolar Sunshine on the same stage. A band who would be at Parklife festival next weekend, to give me a second helping of after summer tune after summer tune.

The big top was also the venue for my stand out highlight of this entire festival – Wolf Alice. They were mesmerising from start to finish – with lead singer Ellie Rowsell’s unique vocals haunting you to the bone one minute, before hitting you right between the eyes the next.

The first headline band of the weekend was The Stranglers. They took to the stage, each member dressed entirely in black and I had all sorts of comments running through my head – things like them being ‘shadows of what they used to be’ and all that rubbish, but they soon blew all of my ignorant negativity out of the water. Smashing out hits like ‘Golden Brown’ and ‘Peaches’ it was great to see them genuinely still loving every minute of doing so, even after being together all of these years.

Some of the big names on Saturday’s bill I found a little disappointing. It may have just been in comparison to the mind blowing Newton Faulkner and his unexplainable rhythmic guitar magic but Reef, a band who I listened to a lot in my teenage years (and genuinely really like) just didn’t seem comfortable amongst the somewhat tamer bands on this years bill. I’m sure in a different setting, seeing them blasting out ‘place your hands’ and ‘naked’ would have had me bouncing around like I was 16 again, but not here surrounded by a crowd predominantly sporting headline band ‘Levellers’ t-shirts. When they finally took to the stage, the ex-glastonbury-main-stagers worked through their back catalogue with songs such as ‘One Way’ with their signature folk/punk rock influenced stylings.

The final headline band on Sunday was Bob Geldof’s own Boomtown Rats. They took to the stage with an energy from way before their current years, with Geldof commanding the crowd like it was second nature to him. They sounded fantastic, belting out ‘I don’t like mondays’ right in the middle of their 16 song set list, which came to a head with their self titled ‘Boomtown Rats’ to bring this fun-filled family festival to an end.

It was slightly strange filtering out on the Sunday night, amongst crowds of tired toddlers and drunk mums but I had really enjoyed my weekend at this quirky little festival in Cheltenham. Now to wash down those wellies ready for Festival number 2 next weekend ;)

Review by Sam Ansell

 

Photos by Melanie Chitty

 

Wychwood Festival announce BBC Stage lineup

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Wychwood today reveals that the dedicated BBC Stage will be returning to Cheltenham Racecourse once again with a hand picked selection of acclaimed newcomers and ones to watch from the surrounding regions. As the number one source of new music in the UK, over the years the BBC have discovered some of the biggest acts in music today, from Jake Bugg to Florence and the Machine. Aiming to follow in their footsteps hotly tipped Coventry band Pretty Rascals will play alongside a variety of acts across the weekend including singer songwriter Stylusboy, experimental synth 4-pieceBunsen Honey and Emma McGann, a favourite of Kylie Minogue. Both hailing from Coventry, indie/folk act The Fallows and electronic/hip hop duo Duplex are set to excite the crowds over the weekend with their high energy performances, while the addition of Tori Amos inspired Nina Bakerand punk/rock act Jet Pack will make the BBC Stage one of the main highlights of the weekend.

In addition to these amazing acts London promoters Smashing Blouse today announce 6-piece indie/pop act Haus, Manchester's No Ceremony, 5-piece Macclesfield band, Racing Glaciers, who will all be performing on the curated stage alongside King Charles, Bipolar Sunshine and Wolf Alice. Whilst the main arena welcomes singer songwriter Bela Takes Chase with her acclaimed four-piece band, producer and songwriter James Michael, plus Oxford's 20 piece Cuban Big Band Ran Kan Kan with their sizzling array of horns, flutes, guitars and string. 

Dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged children through literature and education, the Booktrust Children's Reading Fund will welcome the popular CBeebies presenter and children's author Cerrie Burnell for a special reading. Booktrust is a national charity that changes lives through reading and whose vision is a society where nobody misses out on the life changing benefits of reading. Booktrust will take their Rhymetime and Story sessions to the festival, incorporating song, rhyme, rhythm and movement to help children develop a love of books and of hearing stories.

Wychwood is also proud to support and partner with  World Vision, the world's largest children's charity bringing real hope to millions of children in the world's hardest places. Their dedicated 'Hope House' will allow festival-goers to take part in ‘Calabash’ and be transported to Sierra Leone and hear remarkable and inspirational stories of children living from these areas. Wychwood festival also partners with Toybox for the first year, a charity on a mission to end the injustice of street children, one of the world's most vulnerable groups. Presenting a marquee packed with fun activities for the whole family, creative muscles will be flexed and pop up piano played out with a tree of life, story telling, workshops and entertainment. 

Anyone who has been to Wychwood before will know that the festival offers an unrivalled selection of activities for children, and this year is no exception. As former National Street Theatre champions and regulars of Jools Hollands' yearly Hootenanny celebration, Electric Cabaret will bring their always exciting, and often surreal mime performance to the Cheltenham Racecourse. Utilising anything that they can get their hands on, Stomp-inspired SoundSketch create high energy and exhilarating pieces of music using brooms, kitchen sinks and dustbin lids, with their own imaginations being the only limitation. While young and old alike can learn the basics of Bhangra dancing, become a 'bubbleologist' with SamSam the Bubbleman and join the Brazilian/tribal inspired 'Glamba' drumming band, Wychwood really offers something truly memorable for the entire family. 
 
Festival revelers are invited to visit the healing and sculpture areas to relax with a soothing hot stone massage or reflexology session. Superspa DJ will also return to Wychwood this year, allowing festival-goers the chance to catch their favourite acts from the comfort of their own hot tub located directly opposite the main stage. It really is the best seat in the house.

More acts announced for Wychwood Festival

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Wychwood Festival announces even more music acts for their very special 10th Anniversary event this May. World Vision UK Artist Ambassador and Downton Abbey actress Elizabeth McGovern will be performing with her band Sadie & The Hotheads on this year’s Main Stage, following the release of the band's highly anticipated third album ‘Still Waiting’. In addition to her on-screen success, Elizabeth McGovern’s ‘Sadie’ along with the ‘Hotheads’ have received acclaim in their own right for their charming personality and often-heartfelt lyrics that define the band’s idiosyncratic music. 

Elizabeth McGovern commented, 

"I am really looking forward to returning to Wychwood Festival with my band as well as continuing to support World Vision UK – we played last year and had such a blast!"

As one of Wychwood's two major partners of conscience for 2014, World Vision is a remarkable organisation the festival is proud to have and continue to work with over the last five years. Transforming the lives of millions of children throughout the world over 150 children have been sponsored by the generous Wychwood festival-goers, helping create sustainable change that has high impact. Sam Shrouder, Festival Organiser & Ambassador for World Vision comments, 

"We are thrilled to be working with World Vision for this year's Wychwood Festival, an organisation that transforms the lives of children who are deeply suffering in this world today. Celebrating ten year's this summer, we look forward to sharing a wonderful Wychwood with Sadie & The Hotheads, Paul Ewing and the incredible acts that will perform across the three day celebration and raise awareness for such fantastic organisations like World Vision and Toybox."

Keen to support local artists from Gloucestershire and the surrounding areas, Wychwood has confirmed a number of acts for some of their primetime Main Stage and Big Top slots. Amongst these are Uke Junkies, a duo from Cheltenham who use the ukulele, bass and voice to create a unique sound. Joining them are The Black Hats, hailing from musical city Oxford. Their debut  EPs including ‘Austerity for the Hoi Polloi’s’ plus their anticipated album set to drop this year, has made them a force to be reckoned with on the festival circuit. Meanwhile Robbie Boyd along with his band joins Saturday’s Big Top offering, with his alluring style of folk-pop and support from Radio 2 and artists such as The Kooks make him one not to be missed at this year’s Wychwood. Finally, other bands include KSH & The Going Goods and their alternative take on acoustic hip hop, Swindon newcomers A Way With Words, The Vinyls and Funky Jets.

Continuing the local theme will be the return of the hugely popular Pomme stage run by the University of Gloucestershire with the festival’s very own radio station, Wychwood 87.7FM. The Pomme Stage champions the best artists from across Gloucestershire and surrounding areas and presents very special, exclusive acoustic performances. This year sees bands such as alternative rockers All Ears Avow, Cornish trio Blue Horyzon, Beat Harlows, plus many more rock the Pomme Stage.

Finally, London promoters Smashing Blouse will be taking care of new music on the Big Top and have added 'Cut Your Teeth' singer Kyla la Grange and group Champs, made up of brothers Michael and David Champion from the Isle of White and who's melodic folk-pop has made them a hit in 2013. Also joining them is London duo and Bad Life artist Fe, plus soloist FTSE. 

These artists join previously announced headliners The Boomtown Rats, The Stranglers and The Levellers, plus The Real Thing, Craig Charles, Newton Faulkner, Reef and many more, making the 10thanniversary celebration the biggest and best yet. 

The Levellers to headline Wychwood Festival

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The Levellers, responsible for hits such as "What a Beautiful Day" and "One Way" are the third and final headline act for Wychwood Festival 2014.  The Brighton-based rock band have been a firm favourite of the festival over the years, with their acclaimed performances in 2007 and 2010 leaving a lasting impression on fans and organisers alike. Who better to help celebrate the fantastic 10thAnniversary celebrations than a band whose return is destined to get the crowds reliving some incredible memories from the last decade.

The Levellers comment, "We are really looking forward to coming back to Wychwood Festival this year for their 10th anniversary celebrations!"

A plethora of other acts have been announced for this year’s festival including the nation’s favourite children’s entertainer and BAFTA Award-winning, Justin Fletcher a.k.a. Mr Tumble, who has starred in favourites such as The Tweenies, Timmy Time and Sean the Sheep. Destined to draw in the thousands of families and eager fans for Saturday's midday slot, Fletcher's inspiring performance is one not to be missed.

Justin Fletcher comments, "Looking forward to bags of singing and dancing and having a party at Wychwood Festival this year!"

Also announced is London-born artist King Charles who’s 2012 debut album ‘Loveblood’ was a hit with both critics and fans alike. Wychwood Festival has long been known to have a soft spot for the ska genre and this year it comes in the form of Lee Thompson’s Ska Orchestra, a British band formed in 2011 by Madness saxophonist Lee Thompson. Their unique musicianship and covers of classic ska tracks make them a feel-good favourite for any festival.
 
Additional new acts on the bill include Afrobeat dance band Baraka, featuring a potent mix of dance rhythms, soaring melodies and funky grooves, sure to get the Wychwood crowd moving. Glastonbury band Reef will be bringing their classic tracks to the Wychwood stage with "Place Your Hands" and"Naked", plus vintage songstress Gabby Young and Other Animals. Wychwood favourite and World Vision Ambassador Paul Ewing will perform alongside the incredible UK Soul Ensemble whose members have collaborated with artists such as Whitney Houston and George Michael and and Swindon based band The Newquay Times all announced today.

Also known for it's entertaining comedic offering, Wychwood will not fail to disappoint this year with the appointment of Canadian comic Peter White on opening night duties. His coveted TV and stand-up career has made him a hit both sides of the Atlantic and it is certain he will be kicking off the comedy tent in true hilarity. He is joined by North Devon Stand Up Comedian Luke Honnoraty, who's skilled story-telling is sure to captivate any crowd, as well as cheeky Brummies Andy White and Freddie Farrell, controversial Geordie Gavin Webster, plus many more.

The Stranglers and more added to Wychwood Festival lineup

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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.

Wychwood Festivals 10th anniversary lineup additions

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Wychwood Festival is thrilled to announce the second wave of artists for the monumental celebration of 10 wonderful years of the family, rock, indie, folk and world music festival. Feel-good folk act Newton Faulkner will be performing on Saturday’s main stage along with Colombian musicians La Chiva Gantiva, who wowed crowds at last year's Womad festival, while the closing festivities, courtesy of Gentleman’s Dub Club, will leave all on a dub and ska high. Esteemed London-based promoters Smashing Blouse will be revisiting the Big Top after a phenomenal 2013 with a line-up that boasts some of the most exciting new and respected musicians to grace the UK music scene this year, including Bipolar Sunshine, Glitches and returner Lloyd Yates. Further additions to the line up include a flurry of top notch comedians plus literary pioneers who are confirmed to be a part of this year's esteemed Children's Literature Festival. 
 
Wychwood celebrates ten phenomenal years in 2014. This momentous milestone is being honoured with a second wave of outstanding artists, leading with singer and songwriter of chart hits ‘Dream Catch Me’ and ‘Gone in the Morning’, Newton Faulkner. Faulkner is the perfect addition to this year's programme bringing his classic sing-along anthems to the stage in what promises to be an unmissable Saturday performance. Newton comments, "I'm really excited to be playing at Wychwood Festival this summer, especially for the 10th Anniversary! They've had some great acts over the years so I'm really happy to be joining them".
 
Also added to the bill is Gentleman's Dub Club, an energetic nine-member ensemble who fuse the best in reggae, ska and dub to a create a completely unique sound of their own. La Chiva Gantiva will bring the sound of their roots to Wychwood with a Colombian flavour that will surely get crowds dancing, whilst festival circuit regular and dapper dresser Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer will delight fans with his own style of eloquent British rap.
 
The Big Top is once again being curated by Smashing Blouse who will be setting the bar high with pioneering up-and-coming acts alongside some of the most inspiring and respected musicians. This year is no exception with Brit-nominated Bipolar Sunshine heading the charge, dark electro-indie bandGlitches and returning with a no doubt heartfelt emotional performance, Lloyd Yates. Sam Garrett andPhoria also join in what is set to be another incredible three days of unmissable music.
  
Wychwood Festival is proud to host the dedicated Children’s Literature Festival in association with Waterstones, which will this year see  the return of Philip Ardagh and award winning author Tony de Saulles to enlighten and thrill all ages . Zimbabwe-born Korky Paul and illustrator of ‘Winnie the Witch’, plus author and songwriter Karen Langtree, will also be bringing to life the written word and many more to be announced soon. In addition, the comedy programme in association with eFestivals reveals its first batch of comics, providing late-night hilarity with radio presenter and one time The Big Breakfast presenter, Paul Tonkinson, must see interactive comic Wed Zaharruk and self described one-liner merchant Gary Delaney. 

Wychwood Festival announces Boomtown Rats, Craig Charles and more

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Wychwood Festival is delighted to confirm the first wave of stellar acts to kick off 2014’s celebrations in style! Boomtown Rats will headline Sunday night's festivities including the legendary Bob Geldof, as well as icon Craig Charles who will be returning to the Big Top after a fantastic performance this year. Soul superstars The Real Thing have also been confirmed as Friday night performers and will set the bar high for the rest of the weekend. Traditionally one of the first festivals of the summer, Wychwood's home lies on Cheltenham Racecourse beneath the idyllic Prestbury Hills and taked place over the weekend 30th May – 1st June 2014. This year promises to deliver the biggest program to date in celebration of ten phenomenal years. With word already spread Early Bird Tickets have sold out in record time, however the festival will be offering a very special 10% discount on full price tickets in 2013 to hail the imminent birthday and festive period. Discounted Standard Tickets are available from the Wychwood Festival website from 10AM today.
 
Not many festivals can boast a ten-year anniversary but Wychwood Festival is no ordinary occasion. As one of Britain’s first and most-loved family weekends, it has seen some of the biggest current and heritage acts grace the stage from this year’s The Human League, to songstress Duffy and Supergrass. Not to mention an enriched standalone Children’s Literature Festival, partnerships with the Roald Dahl Museum and the Book Trust, a late-night comedy schedule and fine beer and ale festival from the Wychwood Brewery, making Wychwood one of the most humble, friendly and fun events in the country.
 
To celebrate this landmark occasion Wychwood is committed to providing an unforgettable 2014.  Renowned Irish New Wave band Boomtown Rats will headline Sunday's main stage with Wychwood being their only 2014 UK festival appearance announced to-date. The band, complete with singer  Sir Bob Geldof, reformed this year playing together for the first time since 1986 to sell out crowds. With hits such as ‘I Don’t Like Monday’s’ the group’s classic collection will no doubt be a phenomenal headline performance for the Wychwood audience.
 
Boomtown Rats
 
Back by popular demand is funk and soul purveyor Craig Charles who smashed the Big Top at Wychwood Festival 2013, armed with his extensive record collection containing dancefloor classics. Charles comments, "Double happy to be returning to Wychwood festival to celebrate it's 10th Birthday with them – roll on the summer and lets blow the roof offfff!!" Northern soul masters The Real Thing also hailing from Liverpool will be performing on Friday night's main stage. The ‘You to Me are Everything’ singers have enjoyed a sustained career dating back to the 1970’s and their catchy melodies are the perfect festival soundtrack.
 
Lastly other artists added to the 2014 bill include modern folk-rock band Merry Hell who's high energy performances sprinkled with a dusting of punk attitude make them a favourite in this popular genre. Meanwhile four-piece band Polly and the Billets Doux will also be performing over the weekend bringing their distinct genre-defying sound to the hearts of Wychwood.

Soul II Soul to headline feel good Friday at Wychwood Festival

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Also added to the line-up today is the latest addition from London promoters' Smashing Blouse with Mausi, arguably one of the most hyped acts of this year. Lo'Jo are confirmed for Saturday's stellar programme bringing their dub reggae, African and Arabic influenced sounds, whilst Sunday welcomes the return of electro-dub pioneers Dreadzone to close the festival in monumental style. Plus Cambridge singer songwriter Sivu offers up his dreamy acoustics and electronic touches. Wychwood is proud to partner with phenomenal organisation, World Vision who will be bringing the incredible Paul Ewing to Saturday's Big Top, Britain's much-loved ska and reggae outfit The Dualers to Sunday's Mainstage and Downtown Abbey's Elizabeth McGovern's sensational, Sadie and the Hotheads. Taking place at Cheltenham Race Course from 31st May – 2nd June, weekend and day tickets are now on sale with Under 10s going for free. Full tickets details and much more information is available via the official Wychwood website.

 
Dreadzone
 
Wychwood Festival is thrilled to announce the launch of 'Feel Good Friday', extending the opening hours of Friday's unmissable entertainment offering a full day of programming with people able to pitch up from 10AM and see bands from Midday. To celebrate, Wychwood Festival welcomes Soul II Soul to headline Friday's stellar line-up bringing the ultimate party classics that will raise the metaphorical festival roof and have the entire crowds dancing throughout the night. Toploader will warm up the festival crowds with huge hits that span from Dancing In The Moonlight to Achilles Heel and promising a serious amount of feel good fun. Mausi are the final Friday act to be announced from the Smashing Blouse collective with material that has been tipped to top the charts this year. Transporting festival-goers into a summer paradise with the hugely successful single Solthat achieved fantastic support from BBC Radio 1 and over 200,000 video hits online, if there is a band to see this summer, Mausi is it.

Saturday's programme unveils Lo'Jo who are back after a four year hiatus with their joyful and poignant bar-room poetry and dub reggae, African influenced records. Wychwood's final day will close with the critically acclaimed and hugely popular Dreadzone whose pioneering electro-dub is the perfect way to bring to an end a phenomenal weekend of entertainment and long lasting memories. Cambridge singer songwriter Sivu is also confirmed for Sunday as part of Smashing Blouse's programme bringing his strange world and strange songs to a captivating audience. 

Wychwood Festival is honoured to announce this year's partnerships with World Vision, a relief, development and advocacy organisation dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision confirm Paul Ewing to perform on Saturday whose previous accolades include playing the same stadiums as Lady Gaga and working alongside musical legends such as Stevie Wonder. The Dualers are confirmed for Sunday's offering with their reputation of a great festival band firmly set in stone, bringing their ska and reggae sounds to a wanting Wychwood crowd. Sadie and the Hotheads make for the final World Vision act confirmed to date and is fronted by Downtown Abbey actress, Golden Globe and Oscar nominee Elizabeth McGovern who are known for their strong country music influence and surprising fusion of Spanish guitar and melodic piano chords. 

Wychwood Festival also unveils some of the most exciting local talent to emerge on to today's festival circuit who will perform on the very popular Pomme Stage. Friday sees acoustic-folk-blue artistJake Watson, Welcome To Marathon, Lady Jane & The Black Shadows, Nina Condron and the immensely popular live act Thrill Collins who Wychwood are proud to announce as their house band with their infectious sense of humour and captivating performances. Stressechoes are confirmed for Saturday alongside storyteller Andy Oliveri, Wallsall-born singer-songwriter Joe Summers, David Richards and Emily Lynn. Sunday's Pomme Stage includes Swift Manouver, alternative acoustic outfit KSH & The Going Goods, Cheltenham's Thomas Muddle and finallyLexx Keabe & Rich Howie.

 

Kate Nash and more announced for Wychwood Festival

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Non-music additions to the Wychwood programme include DocHouse, the London-based, year-round documentary festival which will be inviting festival-goers to delve into the world of documentary through a series of workshops and discussion in the totally brand new, exclusive to Wychwood, DocTent venue. Last but by no means least, celebrating its centenary year at Wychwood Festival is The British Ecology Society which will present a host of activities across the weekend to entertain and delight all ages in a world of discovery. Taking place at Cheltenham Race Course from 31st May – 2nd June, weekend and day tickets are now on sale with Under 10s going for free. Full tickets details and much more information is available via the official Wychwood website.

MUSIC
Kate Nash is set to return to the forefront of contemporary music in 2013 making her inaugural appearance on the Wychwood Festival line-up, confirmed to perform on Saturday's mainstage bill. Performing songs from her eagerly awaited third album, Girl Talk, due for release in early March, Kate will bring her revamped rock style to the stage as well as wowing audiences with chart toppers such as Foundations and Mouthwash. BBC 6Music and Radio 2 DJ Craig Charles joins Sunday's line-up playing a live version of his popular Funk & Soul radio show. Craig will be playing the best in funk and soul from old school roots through to current club sounds so expect a mixture of classic tracks and cool new releases.
 
You can expect a high-energy and eclectic performance on Sunday from seven-piece band Police Dog Hogan, who combine fiddle, banjo, mandolin, drums and guitars with knockout four-part harmonies in an exuberant fusing of country, pop, folk, and rocking urban bluegrass! The Sunday Times has described them as "wonderful" and the Telegraph named them one of its "favourite new bands". Making their festival debut on Saturday are Swindon band NewQuay Times who boast collective influences ranging from Throwing Muses to Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty. The band play alternative Americana-hinged, low slung, loose-limbed indie rockʼnʼroll music with singer and guitarist Sarah flitting between deep rocking croon and fiery falsetto. 
 
Emily and the Woods, a family of exceptional musical talent, with her father, brother and drummer Roy Dodds, who has played with Wychwood favourite Eddi Reader of Fairground Attraction. The latest Emily and The Woods EP, Eye to Eye, was released 2011 and featured Ted Dwane of Mumford & Sons and Marcus Hamblett of Sons of Noel and Adrian. Also added to the Saturday line-up are Bristol based trip hop bandSeasfire with their beautifully written melancholy songs full of love and loss and have been hotly tipped by BBC Introducing having played a session at Maida Vale for Steve Lamacq's BBC 6Music show.
 
These musicians join previously announced acts including The Human League, The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, The Beat, Caravan Palace, Eddie & The Hotrods, Sam Lee & Friends, Public Service Broadcasting, Moulettes, John Otway, The History Of Apple Pie, Cave Painting, Mt. Wolf, Dems and many more.  Wychwood Festival organisers would like to send their deepest sympathies to the family of Port Isaac's Fisherman's Friends tour manager Paul McMullen and heartfelt wishes to singer Trevor Grills in his hour of need.  Port Isaac's Fisherman's Friends were a fantastic part of last year's festival line-up and the recent news is an absolute tragedy.
 
CINEMA
DocTent is coming to Wychwood 2013 with a unique and never before seen space where festival-goers are invited to delve into the world of documentary film. This is the chance to watch, discuss and make compelling non-fictional films and discover the art of capturing reality. A packed program of the most intriguing, entertaining and surprising docs will run throughout the weekend, interspaced with workshops and discussions with the filmmakers themselves. In addition, DocTent will give visitors the chance to play a part in filming and editing the extraordinary WychDoc Project. A truly collaborative effort, this will be a documentary filmed and edited entirely by festival-goers and free to view during and after the weekend. A truly unique festival experience, DocTent will be pulling out all the stops to tickle people's curiosities, widen realities and awaken creativity this summer. Promising stories from across the globe and across the festival, this is not one to be missed. DocTent runs in partnership with DocHouse, London’s only year round documentary film festival.
 
SCIENCE
The British Ecological Society will be celebrating its 100th birthday at this year's Wychwood Festival by bringing a team of enthusiastic young ecologists and students to the festival for the purpose of encouraging festival goers to delve into the world of Ecology as well as answering burning questions from their base on the 'Sex and Bugs and Rock 'n Roll' stall.  The team will also be providing a host of immersive activities  across the weekend as part of Wychwood's comprehensive workshop programme.
 
Wychwood Festival boasts an eclectic programme that includes indie, folk, rock and world music with some of the most talented emerging artists on the UK’s music scene at the moment appearing alongside industry veterans and cult classics across an exceptional weekend of entertainment. This year’s ninth successive year will see revelers flock to the stunning Gloucestershire countryside to experience an utterly delightful atmosphere enjoyed by all who choose to place it in their summer calendar. Much more than just a music festival, Wychwood prides itself on its breadth of onsite activities and with today's announcement further solidifies its position as the UK's leading family festival providing a unique experience for family members of all ages.  Weekend and day tickets are on sale now from the festival website.
 
TICKET INFORMATION:
Weekend Festival Tickets
Weekend Adult: £120 | Weekend Disabled 2 for 1: £115 | Weekend Youth/Concession: £55 | Weekend 5-9 Year Old: £15 | Under 10: FREE
 
Day Festival Tickets
Friday Adult: £37 | Friday Youth/Concession: £24 | Friday 10 -15 Year Old: £20 | Under 10: FREE
Saturday Adult: £53 | Saturday Youth/Concession: £40 | Saturday 10 -15 Year Old: £20 | Under 10: FREE
Sunday Adult: £43 | Sunday Youth/Concession: £30 | Sunday 10 -15 Year Old: £20 | Under 10: FREE
 
Booking Fees
Credit/Debit Card (per paid ticket): £2 | Cheque/PO: FREE | Postage & Recorded Delivery: £3
 
Camping Passes (Day)
Adult Day: £10 | Adult Day in Live in Vehicle: £15 | Youth/Concession Day: £5 | Under 16 Day: FREE
 
Camping Passes (Weekend)
Adult Weekend: £20 | Adult Weekend in Campervan/Caravan/Live in Vehicle: £35 | Weekend Youth/Concession Weekend: £16 | Under 16 Weekend: FREE

 

The Human League set to headline Wychwood Festival 2013

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In addition to this, the festival is thrilled to welcome a wealth of musical talent from the likes of Mercury Prize nominee Sam Lee, audio visual wizards Public Service Broadcasting and legendary ska, pop and reggae band The Beat, who will return to Wychwood for the second time having last appeared on the mainstage back in 2009. Wychwood Festival will also be inviting esteemed London promoters SMASHING BLOUSE to programme the Big Top’s evening line-up with a veritable who's who of the most up and coming bands from the past year. The promoters will be celebrating their first anniversary in February at an exclusive event at Bar Music Hall in Hoxton, London. Taking place at Cheltenham Race Course from 31st May – 2nd June, Wychwood Festival organisers are pleased to announce that day tickets are now on sale and that the age limit for children attending for free has been raised from under five year's old to under ten in these time's of austerity.  Full tickets details and much more information is available via the official Wychwood website.

The Human League boast nine studio albums, four EPs and thirty singles selling over 20 million records across the last 30 years. A phenomenal back catalogue with big electro pop hits Don’t You Want Me, Mirror Man and Love Action, they are the ultimate Saturday headline act guaranteed to rouse the festival field into a musical frenzy. Caravan Palace join Saturday’s Mainstage line-up with their French electro swing and Gypsy Jazz whilst the English Indie folk band, Moulettes, who formed in 2002 in Glastonbury with their five strong ensemble that includes Ted Dwane of Mumford and Sons, bringing a charismatic, idiosyncratic brand of modern folk music set to enthrall audiences. The final act announced for Saturday’s Mainstage is 70s band Eddie & The Hot Rods for a real taste of good time rock-n-roll.

Human League

Saturday’s Big Top will welcome London electronic duo Public Service Broadcasting for the first time who will be showcasing their exciting, audio visual instrumental experience currently enjoying the seal of approval of BBC 6Music. Taking samples from old public information files, archive footage and propaganda material, their attempts to "teach the lessons of the past through the music of the future" are proving to be entertaining, fascinating and a must-see this summer. Returning to Wychwood Festival, John Otway will perform in the Big Top with his surreal sense of humour and a self-deprecating underdog persona that has earned him a sizeable cult following.

 
Festival organisers are thrilled to welcome The Beat back to the festival to perform on the Friday mainstage with their fusion of ska, pop, soul, reggae and punk rock. Bringing infectious and powerful tracks to the stage, including Mirror in the Bathroom, Hand’s Off She’s Mine and Tears of a Clown they have become a firm festival favourite. 2012 Mercury Prize nominee Sam Lee also joins Friday’s mainstage line-up with his naturally gifted homegrown talent earning him the widely accepted title of pioneer within the folk world.
 
Sunday’s line-up welcomes The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain that has been described as funny, virtuosic, twanging, awesome, foot-stomping obituary of rock-n-roll – an astonishing revelation of the rich palette and have a huge international following. Formed in 1985, the formidable Ukulele Orchestra has gone on to sell out the Sydney Opera House, The Royal Albert Hall on more than one occasion and collaborations have included Madness, David Arnold, The British Film Institute, The Ministry of Sound, Yusef Islam (Cat Stevens) and the Kaiser Chiefs. Their performance is one not to be missed.
 
SMASHING BLOUSE SESSIONS
 
For the first time in the festival’s history, Wychwood Festival organisers will invite esteemed London promoters SMASHING BLOUSE to programme the Big Top’s evening programme across the weekend. Run by Jesse Woods, Alex Mitchell and Sam Cunningham and drawing on a lifetime surrounded by musical influencers such as Jesse’s father Ronnie Wood and partner Fearne Cotton, they have hosted hugely successful music events across the capital. Over the past twelve months they have been collectively responsible for showcasing an enviable list of new talent that includes the most exciting music to emerge onto the scene in recent years.
 
Friday sees vintage synchs and distant disco vibes from indefinable Bristol mob The Other Sidewho are already en-route to injecting British dance music with a distinctly different shade of nostalgic floor fuel. Polarsets will also perform their tropical indie sound with euphoric dance beats and an undercurrent of energetic indie.
 
Saturday sees Brighton five-piece Cave Painting with their wealth of music that glows with beauty and vision, East London’s unsentimental nostalgia guitar band History of Apple Pie with their hard hitting anthems, four piece Mt. Wolf who are gathering huge attention from all quarters with their ‘Dreamfolk’ described sound of cinematic folk and electronica that has been likened to Sigur Rós (Clash).Last but by no means least in the first batch of bookings for Saturday's Smashing Blouse Big Top billing is Dems, the talented trio that are making waves with their captivating collection of tracks.
 
Lloyd Yates will perform on Sunday’s Smashing Blouse Sessions with his unique, consistent and emotional sound and beautifully crafted live performance. A perfect Sunday addition to the Wychwood Festival line-up.
 
Wychwood Festival boasts an eclectic programme that includes indie, folk, rock and world music with some of the most talented emerging artists on the UK’s music scene at the moment appearing alongside industry veterans and cult classics across an exceptional weekend of entertainment. This year’s ninth successive year will see revellers flock to the stunning Gloucestershire countryside to experience an utterly delightful atmosphere enjoyed by all who choose to place it in their summer calendar. Today Wychwood announces new acts to ensure festival lovers make Wychwood their number one stop this summer. Day tickets now on sale.
 
TICKET INFORMATION:
Day Festival Tickets
Friday Adult: £37
Friday Youth/Concession: £24
Friday 10 -15 Year Old: £20
Under 10: FREE 
 
Saturday Adult: £53
Saturday Youth/Concession: £40
Saturday 10 -15 Year Old: £20
Under 10: FREE
 
Sunday Adult: £43
Sunday Youth/Concession: £30
Sunday 10 -15 Year Old: £20
Under 10: FREE 
 
Booking Fees
Credit/Debit Card (per paid ticket): £2             
Cheque/PO: FREE         
Postage & Recorded Delivery: £3              

Camping Passes (Day)
Adult Day: £10
Adult Day in Live in Vehicle: £15
Youth/Concession Day: £5
 Under 16 Day: FREE

Please Note: Customers should indicate if they intend to bring under 10s as they will need to be issued with a wristband.