A longstanding Wickham staple, Johnny Kalsi and The Dhol Foundation headlined the main stage on Friday night, delivering a wall of traditional dhol drums and thumping bhangra beats that made sitting still completely impossible. Even those glued to their loungers all day were up dancing. They returned on Saturday for a frenetic DJ set complete with audience bhangra lessons—by the end, no one knew their left from their right, but anything goes at Wickham! Photos taken by Ian White
GuilFest 2026 delivered a friendly, well-organised family festival packed with nostalgic acts, singalong moments and a warm community atmosphere. From Sophie Ellis-Bextor and The Proclaimers to Haircut 100, Kula Shaker and Heather Small, the weekend had plenty to enjoy — though limited vegetarian food, sound delays and a lack of shade held it back from being even better.
The Anti-Mainstream Summer Kick-off
"Forget the corporate logos and the £9 pints of lukewarm cider. If you’re looking for where the actual subculture is hiding this June, point your compass toward AnExperience Festival. Hidden in the woods of Grange Farm, this isn’t just another weekend in a field—it’s a bass-heavy, 48-hour experiment in community. With four sound systems literally carved into the treeline and a 'no-VIP' policy, it’s the ultimate antidote to the over-polished festival circuit. Whether you’re there for the Jungle at the Ruffage stage or a sunset swim in the lake, AnExperience is less about being seen and more about getting lost."
I’ve never been a “festival camper.” Usually, I’m the one opting for a day ticket, a designated driver, or—if the...
Written for Wessex Student Magazine. For more interesting articles on student health, visit https://www.wessexstudent.co.uk/category/health/ Human behaviour is a complex tapestry...
Boomtown Festival 2026 is back, and this year it's promising something bigger, bolder and more immersive than ever before. Returning to Matterley Estate near Winchester from 12–16 August 2026, Boomtown's brand-new Chapter Five: Radical Redesign is set to transform one of the UK's most beloved festivals into an entirely new experience.
This was my first time attending An Experience Festival, and what stood out most was its cosy and intimate atmosphere....
Music festivals are magical. They’re where strangers become friends, artists become legends, and memories are made under open skies. But...
For a definitive guide on attending a music festival, click here Music festivals have long served as vital expressions of...
By the Wessex Student Team As the dust settles on the Matterley Estate for another year, it’s time to look...









