Title image of child in mud: Graham Hiley
Body images: Striking Faces
While many events across the south were forced to cancel by Storm Antoni last weekend, the popular four-day festival overcame a succession of set-backs.
Several days of torrential rain left the fields waterlogged at a time when the site and stage were being set up causing the ground to churn up.
More rain made access to parking and campsites difficult with many vehicles being towed in and out– and then headline band the Proclaimers pulled out at short notice through illness.
Despite all that – and an alarming weekend weather forecast – the festival was not only completed but proved hugely enjoyable for the fans who braved the conditions.
Organiser Peter Chegwyn said: “It genuinely was a triumph over adversity not just to get the event on but also to make it such a success.
“Sadly, many other events cancelled but we kept the show on the road and those who attended had a wonderful time.
“The conditions were tough but we had worse in 2021 when we lost the main stage so we knew we could battle through in order to give people a good time.
“We had some absolutely fantastic live music with so many highlights from the party atmosphere provided by the Saw Doctors to the divine guitar playing of legends such as Robert Fripp and Eric Bibb while Toyah and Midge Ure closed the event with blistering shows.
“Everyone really enjoyed themselves. All the stages were under cover so once people were on site, they were able to stay dry and enjoy some great artists.
“People who go to festivals are used to a bit of mud and generally most were really supportive and grateful that we were able to get the event on at all.
“And they were really appreciative of all the work done by our tireless stewards and volunteers as well as the site crew to keep the show on the road. And we are grateful too for the support of people in the village.
“It never occurred to us to cancel though obviously we kept a close eye on the weather as safety is our number one priority. The wind was a worry at one stage with one of the worst storms predicted to batter the UK.
“We battled through it and were lucky to dodge the worst of it. There were a few downpours but fans and artists and crew just got on with it with traditional British bulldog spirit.
“As a token of thanks for their loyalty we are offering season tickets for next year with a £100 discount on a weekend ticket if booked online before midnight on August 13.”
The event will run from August 1-4, 2024 and the planning will start almost as soon as the site has been dismantled. Tickets can be booked at www.wickhamfestival.co.uk.
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