Under a flawless sky at Cheltenham Racecourse, Wychwood Festival 2025 delivered 22 glorious degrees of summer magic. From face painting and belly dancing to a buzzing global food village (though I wisely sidestepped the pricey cod and chips served from that iconic big red London bus), the festival proved once again that it’s a genuine family affair with a little something for everyone.
Friday
The festival’s opening night set a vibrant tone despite a few early missteps. The day began with Sophie and the Sticks; while they had the charm of a local pub band, they were missing that elusive spark needed for a breakout performance. However, the soundscape quickly diversified. The Roving Crows brought a refreshing folky vibe—with a standout fiddle performance that ignited the crowd's growing enthusiasm.
The atmosphere shifted dramatically as Daniel Bedingfield took the stage. Known for his unpredictable interaction with the audience, he literally dived into the crowd, generating a burst of adrenaline—and a few extra steps for the security team—while even sneaking in a nod to Natasha’s tunes. The evening then escalated with the unmistakable energy of Scouting for Girls, paving the way for the Lottery Winners. Their charismatic frontman had everyone in stitches and dancing along, proving that sometimes, unexpected tracks can transform the mood. The night reached its crescendo with Shed Seven; they delivered a set that was loud, tight, and full of energy—reminding us that despite years gone by, they hadn’t lost an ounce of their signature edge.
Saturday
Saturday opened with a hiccup: Lack of Afro had to pull out unexpectedly, leaving a noticeable void. Yet, anticipation was quickly replaced by exhilaration when Songhoy Blues took the stage. Hailing from Mali, their performance was downright electrifying. The frontman’s Hendrix-level guitar skills and innate ability to read the room created a set that was both soulful and invigorating.
Shortly after, Ibibio Sound Machine commanded attention, led by the dynamic Eno Williams. With her dual roots in Nigeria and the UK, she unleashed a storm of infectious rhythms and blistering guitar work that underscored the evening’s pulsating energy. The night then morphed into a multifaceted audio-visual treat courtesy of Public Service Broadcasting. Their cinematic rock fused seamlessly with archival visuals, turning the performance into an immersive experience.
But it was James who truly stole the spotlight. Manchester’s finest delivered a performance that blended runway swagger with heartfelt connection. Tim Booth’s magnetic presence ensured that fans were not just passive listeners—the entire crowd was swept up in an unforgettable evening filled with sing-alongs, smiling faces, and musical moments that lingered long after the final chord.
Sunday
The festival’s final day embraced a wonderfully eclectic mix, starting with humour and high spirits. Bar Steward Sons of Val Doonican kicked things off with their signature parody songs, complete with an impromptu bout of crowd surfing that had everyone laughing and bonding over the shared irreverence of live performance.
The energy was quickly amped up by Skinny Lister, whose raucous folk-punk set set the tone for the rest of the day. Following them, Fisherman’s Friends reigned supreme as the kings of sea shanties. Their rendition of “What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor?” echoed across the fields, ensuring the infectious spirit of maritime melodies was unmistakably present.
The day took on a more introspective, indie-pop twist when Lucy Spraggan graced the stage. With heartfelt lyrics delivered through supple acoustic strings and an intimate performance style, Lucy not only charmed the audience but also found time for selfies and autographs—a reminder of the genuine connection between artist and fan.
As the afternoon melted into evening, The Zutons stormed the stage. Their set, headlined by a vibrant rendition of “Valerie,” had virtually the entire crowd singing in unison, reinforcing that live music is as much about shared moments as it is about individual brilliance. The weekend’s grand finale came courtesy of Doves, whose high-octane closing set brought the noise and energy home in one final, rocking statement.
Wychwood Festival 2025 was a sun-soaked celebration of music, art, and communal joy. Each day presented its own unique flavour—from unexpected splashes of humour and spontaneous crowd interactions to deeply moving musical journeys that left audiences with memories that will keep a smile on their faces until the 2026 event. Whether it was the fairy-tale backdrop, the soaring fiddle solos, or landing on that next newfound favourite tune, this festival proved once again why Wychwood remains a can't-miss event on the live music calendar. Keep rocking, and here's to another inspiring year ahead!
