By Graham Hiley.
What a smooth ending to the Wickham Festival courtesy of two masters of their art.
Curtis Stigers and Tony Christie shared headline billing in the Big Top and showed just why they have been at the top of their profession for so many decades.
First up was Curtis Stigers. One of the biggest names in music, his unique blend of jazz, Blues and pop might have made him an unusual act for Wickham – but what a genius choice!
His set was slick and silky smooth while the saxophone was sensational. The music was sublime, perfect for the chilled crowd who loved his patter and humour.
The highlight when he grew frustrated at the sound of Rura on the other main stage and jokingly yelled at them to stop. By complete chance they did – instantly.
Of course, it may not have been a fluke. Such is his charisma and stage presence that it felt natural to obey. It was a real masterclass in showmanship, sax and singing.
He was followed by Tony Christie (pictured top) whose decades in the music business and vast catalogue of catchy songs made him the perfect choice to bring down the curtain.
The finale was something else. Of course it began with the big crowd-pleaser Amarillo which had everyone joining for a joyful rendition of the beloved anthem.
Then came a complete change in tone. After almost 90 minutes of banter and jokes he ended by talking movingly about his dementia diagnosis three years ago and how it is currently being controlled by drugs.
He spoke about the single he recorded for Music for Dementia (musicfordementia.org.uk/) with superstar Sting who, by chance, happened to have just left the festival site – at least according to the singer showing he had lost none of his humour.
It brought the house down as he then finished with that number, Thank You For Being a Friend. Such was the polish of that song – and the whole show – nobody would have guessed at his condition. Still a star in every sense.
Christie’s condition is a reminder to all that health and life are to be treasured.
So, having annoyed Curtis Stigers, Rura produced a great set of Celtic songs which were alternately raucous and harmonic… spoiled only by the sound of Stigers’ saxophone!
They were followed by the excellent Manran – the two bands giving a more traditional folk finale in the Little Top.
Other highlights included Katherine Priddy preceding Stigers who watched her perform and then told his crowd how exquisite her voice is and he pledged to buy her music while urging fans to do the same.
Sadly the bill lost Tara MacLean and Fine Lines due to Covid but the Alistair Goodwin Band deputised capably at short notice.
Early Bird tickets are now on sale for next year and there has already been a big take-up from fans eager to save £100 on a weekend ticket.
Organiser Peter Chegwyn said: “Although they don’t know the bill, they know the Festival will still have its unique atmosphere and a fantastic selection of artists so it makes sense to book now.”
The Festival runs from July 31 to Aug 3, 2025 and tickets can be bought at wickhamfestival.co.uk/tickets.
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