Wychwood Festival truly is a festival for the whole family from small children and babies (yes there was a pre-bookable nappy loan online), to Gran’s and Grandad’s who pimped their mobility scooters as horses.

There were a number of additions to this year’s festival, including London Promoter's Smashing Blouse who curated the events in The Big Topwith some of the UK’s best emerging talent. Along with the real ale festival run by the Wychwood Brewery with a special WhiteWych festival ale.

Friday evening saw The Beat get the evening underway with their infectious genre of ska on the main stage, their set included ‘Tears of A Clown’ and ‘Mirror in the Bathroom’, which went down a storm. Followed by Toploader whose summery vibes suited the festivals chilled and friendly atmosphere.

Over in the BBC Hobgoblin Tent it was full to bursting as local favourites Thrill Collins, a three piece skiffle cover band (who made three appearances over the weekend) putting their own unique style to classic pop songs from the past 30 years. Their set included ‘Tarantella’ (Pendulum), ‘Only Fools & Horses’ theme tune and ‘Time of My Life’ from dirty Dancing complete with ‘The Lift’ as prompted.

Back in The Big Top The Other Tribe delivered a great set filled with their relentless energy, the highlight being their summer anthem ’Skirts’. Make sure you check them out as they are appearing at festivals throughout the summer.

To close the first day on the main stage was Soul ll Soul who are celebrating their 25^th anniversary. Their set was professionally choreographed with singers, musicians and dancing to perfection. Giving you a feeling of Déjà vu taking you back to 1989 with their classic hits ’Keep On Moving’ & ‘Back To Life’ still feeling as fresh as ever.  

For some lucky festival goers there was a hot tub and bean bag chill out area at the back of the main arena area where you could take in the acts sipping on a G&T, cocktail or a selection of fine wines, it doesn’t get much better than that.  

On day two we decided to check out the variety of food stalls. Although a selection of oven baked pizzas and Goan fish curries were available we would have liked to have seen a few more local producers with a few less carb options. That said, the fish finger sandwich went down a treat.  

As the festival is held on a race course the facilities were perfect for people attending with disabilities. You could also go the whole weekend without having to visit a portable loo, as the racecourse toilet facilities were open to all: a big tick from us.  

On the music front Skinny Lister got the day off to a foot tapping start, with their infectious folk. In the big top John Otway was doing what he does best, a great set with music, entertainment and gadgets. The set started with his two hit singles ‘Really Free’ & ‘Beware of the Flowers Cause I'm Sure They're Going to Get You Yeah’, followed by many anecdotes and a cover of The Bachman Turner Overdrive classic ’You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet’ complete with several summersaults.  

Eddie & The Hotrods pumped out some Old School Rock on the main stage, kicking off rather ironically with 'Teenage Depression', in a set which included all their hits of the 70’s including a rousing rendition of 'Wooly Bully'.  

In The Big Top Public Service Broadcasting performed an audio visual experience merging digital and analogue music with footage from black and white propaganda films from the UK, French and US archives. Their set was one of the highlights of the day.  

On The Main Stage Caravan Palace’s lead singer Zoé Colotis was having difficulties with her microphone, but the quality of the bands musicianship and her stage presence meant that the set of electro jazz delivered was of the highest standard and had everyone dancing in the balmy spring weather.  

The Human League closed the day, their set prompting a party atmosphere with everyone singing along. The band did not disappoint and with new material still being released, long may they continue to entertain.  

Day three arrived all too quickly. In the Big Top Gaz Brookfield’s folk rock provided the ideal tonic for those sore heads, his heart felt semi autobiographical songs resonated with the ever growing crowd.  

At 2:00 Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show, took the Big Top by storm. The tent was filled with a cross section of ages with everyone (including the security & bar staff) dancing non-stop for the duration of the two hour set. It was an upbeat shot of adrenaline from one of the hardest working men in entertainment. Craig Charles is intending to put on his own festival later this year in Bristol, alongside many other festival appearances.  

Closing the proceedings was the legend that is Bill Bailey. His set was a combination of comedy and musical skill his set including a reggae version of Downtown Abbey along with some Dub Step. The surrounding crowd were doubled up laughing throughout.  

Aside from the music and comedy there was so much going on over the weekend including the healing gardens, children’s literature festival, paint balling, clay workshops, and Roald Dahl museum amongst many more.  

After nine years, it feels like Wychwood have got the perfect balance (though additional beer needed next year as it did tend to run out by night!).   

Wychwood proved that a festival can cater for all ages and suit all tastes without compromise. For a reasonably priced ticket we suggest you check it out next year and make their 10th birthday a special one. 

Review and photos: L & M Game