EYES might be on Rivermead this weekend for Reading Festival, but neighbouring Wokingham has its own, more intimate affair.
Taking place from Saturday through to bank holiday Monday at Cantley Park, it features a mixture of local, regional, national and international musicians and bands.
Organiser Stan Hetherington says the programme has something for everyone.
“There’s country, folk, prog rock, indie bands, big bands, cover bands and more – it’s a great programme offering variety that means there will be something to suit all musical tastes,” he says.
And he’s not wrong. There are two music stages, the main one is sponsored by TradeMark Windows and features something from 11am through to the evening every day.
Local acts include Selina and the Howlin Dogs, Bottle Kids, Spriggan Mist and Third Lung.
There’s Police tribute band The Sting Operation and, on Sunday, a performance by legendary band Focus.
The Wokingham Music Club stage features an ecletic mix of musicians who regularly appear in our gig guide or RaW Sounds Today playlist, including Deva St John, Indigo Child, Katie Ellwood, and the Blue Sky Big Band.
There is more to Wokingham Festival than just music.
It is big on food and drink as well, offering everything from ice creams to gourmet grub.
“We’ve got a good mixture,” Stan promises. “There are stalls that specialise in vegan food, others that do street food, some international flavours including a Peruvian specialist, and ice creams, drinks and hotdogs.
“There’s a mixture of old favourites and some new faces. They’re all detailed on the Wokingham Festival website.”
And there will be a real ale bar run by the team behind Twyford Beer Festival. Profits from this will go to its chosen charity of Orchid, which works to tackle male cancers.
Organiser Ian Wisdom promises: “There will be more than 50 different real ales, 20 ciders, as well as Pimm’s, gin and soft drinks.”
He has a contactless payments system in place, making it easy for people to buy a round without fumbling for change.
Children will be able to enjoy some activities courtesy of Circus Scene and MoreArts Wokingham. This includes face painting.
The Ollie Young Foundation will benefit from a Rodeo Bull attraction – people can make donations and then see how long they can stay on for.
And there will be some retail stalls selling everything from vinyl records, gifts, candles and sweets.
Members of Arts4Wokingham will have space to talk about their plan to create a sculpture, The Arc, outside the new Carnival Hub development. The artwork is by artist Nicola Anthony, and there will be a chance for people to find out more about the project.
Stan says that a lot of people are expected over the three days of the festival, with numbers ahead of their pre-covid levels.
“So many people have booked tickets already, and with the weather forecast looking good, we’re expecting more to book in,” he says.
“And people can get a discount if they book online – they can save £3 on entry prices, and it also helps us.
“But,” he warns, “If we’re full, we’re full, and we can’t let in people without tickets.”
And given the forecast, the music, food and beer on offer, there is every chance that the festival could be in a similar place this year.
For more details, or to book, log on to: https://www.wokinghamfestival.co.uk/
