Wychwood Festival 2025 Preview

 

Returning to the picturesque grounds of Cheltenham Racecourse from 30th May to 1st June, Wychwood Festival 2025 is set to deliver another standout weekend of music, comedy, arts, and family-friendly fun. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and eclectic programming, the festival continues to grow in scale and ambition—offering something for every generation.

Headlining Saturday night are the legendary James, Manchester’s indie-rock icons whose powerful live shows and timeless hits like “Sit Down”, “Laid”, and “Come Home” have won them a devoted global fanbase. Their latest album Yummy recently debuted at Number 1 on the Official UK Albums Chart, proving the band’s enduring creativity and relevance. Their headline set promises to be an unforgettable moment, blending beloved classics with new anthems.

Joining them on the main stage are fellow northern powerhouses Shed Seven, who will headline Friday night after a milestone year in which they achieved two UK Number 1 albums—an accolade shared with greats like Queen and Taylor Swift. Expect an energising set packed with hits like “Going for Gold” and standout new material from Liquid Gold.

Doves will bring Wychwood 2025 to a majestic close on Sunday night. After three years away, the Manchester trio return with a renewed energy and a hotly anticipated new album, Constellations For The Lonely. Known for their soaring, emotive sound and atmospheric anthems like “There Goes the Fear” and “Pounding”, Doves’ performance promises to be a stirring finale that captures the spirit of the festival.

Wychwood 2025 Line up poster

The weekend’s line-up continues with a wide-ranging selection of live acts. Public Service Broadcasting blend post-rock with historical storytelling, while The Zutons—of “Valerie” fame—bring raw, infectious energy. Rising stars The Lottery Winners, afro-futurist collective Ibibio Sound Machine, pop comeback king Daniel Bedingfield, and singalong favourites Scouting For Girls will also light up the weekend.

From the soulful desert blues of Songhoy Blues to the harmonious hooks of The Magic Numbers, the brass-fuelled energy of Gentleman’s Dub Club, and the offbeat wit of Welsh legends Goldie Lookin Chain, the line-up is as vibrant as it is diverse. TikTok sea-shanty stars Fisherman’s Friends, the high-octane Home Counties, and the sharp charm of The Bug Club round out the musical feast.

Away from the main stages, Howlin’ Pete’s returns with a fun-filled line-up including The Smyths, Barrioke, Beatles Dub Club, The Ogretones, and DJ Carlton, ensuring non-stop entertainment deep into the evening.

Families will find no shortage of activities. Fitness guru Joe Wicks leads a live P.E. session, and the Wychwood Comedy Club presents six hours of laughs daily with top acts like Bridget Christie, Lost Voice Guy, and Steve Royle among many more.

The Children’s Literature Festival also returns with storytelling sessions from celebrated authors like Lucy Rowland, David Litchfield, and Tracey Corderoy, sparking young imaginations throughout the weekend.

Wychwood Festival Village Green line up

With its stellar music, heart warming atmosphere, and multi-generational appeal, Wychwood 2025 promises to be an unmissable celebration for all.

A limited number of tickets are still available for Wychwood Festival from the festival website