Wychwood Festival 2009 - Cheltenham Racecourse

Monday 1st June 2009

This is a Crackerjack review of Wychwood Festival. Do you agree? Rate and review this event.

Crackerjack rating: 8 / 10.

Clear skies, blazing sunshine, a cool crowd, great mix of music and food on hand – there’s no better combination to kick off the UK’s festival season. And Wychwood, this weekend, was blessed with the lot.

Although the atmophere seemed  slightly more subdued than last year’s gathering, the organisers nevertheless put together a list of names on the musical circuit to rival some of the upcoming, bigger and monstrous events; Super Furry Animals, Little Boots, Dub Colossus, and the Saturdays night headliners, Supergrass.

Each year, Wychwood grows in its festival standing, but its strength to the crowd is that it remains a safe and enjoyable family event. It’s a weekend world distinctly undominated by beer tents, where you don’t face the prospect of being accosted by a lurching drunk on a mission to find their mates and/or tent, and where you can bop in front of the stage without the prospect of beerspray spoiling your evening and hairstyle.

Safe and secure yes, but but boring? Definitely not. Less crazy and manic than some other festivals, but the colourful Wychwood crowd still love to indulge – even encourage - that  passion for crazy summer wear if you so desire. A sequinned skull cap coupled with a Hawaiian shirt and fancy flip-flops. Why not ? All fashion faux pas are unashamedly flaunted, not least by Mum and Dad, who are persuaded to loosen up with a fluorescent pink wig, but need no cajoling into kicking off their shoes and shackles, and dancing away the evening.

Another year and another Wychwood weekend which spells out a clear message: The summer of love has officially begun!

Mandy Robotham

This is a Crackerjack review of Wychwood Festival. Do you agree? Rate and review this event.