A long weekend of excellent music was on offer at Wokingham Festival, opened on day one by host Andy Jones from Radio Berkshire.
Festival director Dean Nelson was everywhere to make sure things ran smoothly from handing out wristbands at the gates and putting up signage around the site to being interviewed for television.
Kicking off proceedings on the Trademark Windows Stage on Saturday was Michael Burnes-Peake, a 20 year old singer/songwriter returning to the festival for the first time since his debut in 2021 with original pop tunes while keeping an acoustic vibe, followed by Wallingford group Band of Hope with songs about love, loss, hope, skinheads and power stations.
Bringing high energy to their performance was Bad Neighbours with tribute band Very Beautiful South next followed by Makeshifts, The BJ Bevy and The Skangsters. Headlining on Saturday night was Funkin’ Souled Out with a large crowd up singing and dancing. This Berkshire-based eight-piece line-up cover band played all the classic funk, soul and disco tracks from the 70s, from Chic, Sister Sledge and Earth Wind & Fire to James Brown, Aretha Franklin and Curtis Mayfield.
The Wokingham Music Club Stage had an equally eclectic line-up with Adomania, Elucidate, Cities in Dust,and one Eyed Man. The Ariston and Caitlin McEvoy were next, followed by Purple Grace and Rila’s Edge, ending as always with a Silent Disco.
And then it was time to do it all again the next day.
Andy Rowe, bass player with The Room and voice-over artist, was host for Sunday’s proceedings. Audiences could listen to his dulcet tones introducing the acts and keeping them informed of what was going on!
Things kicked off with Reading-based Rocket Kings on the Trademark Windows stage. Jagged Little Alanis was next in tribute to Alanis Morrisette, followed by Louis and the Shakes and ASP. The New Highs performed Northern Soul and Britpop anthems from classic bands such as The Who, Small Faces and The Kinks, before moving on through the 1980’s and 90’s taking on The Jam, Paul Weller, The Style Council and touching on Blur, Oasis, Ocean Colour Scene, and The Verve.
Vintage Sound Collective was on stage next with their funk and soul, followed by David Bowie tribute act Moonage, with headliners Tankus the Henge closing another fantastic day of tunes.
On the Wokingham Music Club stage were Saxcelerate, Alpha Line, Like Ribbons and Tara Deane. Hello! Indigo was next, with Who Ate All The Crayons, Solar Culture and Spacehopper concluding the entertainment.
Alongside the bands there was Orchid, an organisation fighting male cancer and Bracknell Kickboxing Club was on hand giving demonstrations.
Festival Outlet was there for all your festival sartorial needs while Winnersh & Binfield Rotary Club offered family games including a tombola, pick a lolly, tin can alley and ball roll. More Arts provided free craft activities for children and CLASP, Wokingham Word’s nominated charity for 2023 had cakes and cookies, raffles, games, and child-friendly treats.
Kaz’s Craft Cabin was selling handmade silver and paracord bracelets, brooches and rings, incense dishes, tealight holders and coaster sets while Clutterbuckets had a selection of collectable vinyl and CD titles. Finally, Wokingham Festival and Artist Merchandise had festival T-shirts, plus merchandise from the artists playing at the festival.
Festivalgoers enjoyed eating their way around all the international street vendors to keep hunger at bay. With plenty of food and drink options to choose from, there was something for everyone from tea, coffee and donuts to wood-fired pizzas, burgers, Peruvian street food, Persian wraps, hotdogs and ice-cream.
And for the little ones Circus Scene was on hand to provide juggling workshops, there was storytime from Mandy Jigsaw and face-painting available.
And with it being Bank Holiday Monday there was another day to go with host Darren Redick from Planet Rock. Today’s line-up included Myopia, Camel tribute Skylines, Marisa and the Moths, Kyros and Leoni Jane Kennedy.
There was also a shorter line-up on Monday on the Wokingham Music Club Stage with Phantom Booth, One Last Day, Lilac and James Hollingsworth once again bringing something for all musical tastes while Azure closed this part of the proceedings.
And wrapping things up for another festival was Caravan, the legendary progressive rock band formed in Canterbury in 1968 that gained a following for their unique blend of jazz, rock, and psychedelic influences.
It’s hard to imagine what better way to spend a Bank Holiday weekend. The weather was kind, there was great music, great food and drink – and great company. See you all again next year!
