The Waterboys and The Charlatans set to headline at the Wychwood Festival
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Your support makes all the difference.Wychwood, partnered with The Independent, have announced the headliners for this year's festival. Mike Scott's folk-rock band The Waterboys, who formed in 1983, will perform on the Saturday, joining Britpop band headliners The Charlatans, and Ian Anderson, the flute-playing frontman of Jethro Tull.
Idlewild's literary frontman Roddy Woomble, Cornershop, The Wurzels, The Specials' Neville Staple, and Robyn Hitchcock also feature on the festival's typically folk and world-music-leaning bill. As a tribute to the band that inspired him, Hitchcock and his Imaginary Band will revisit the late Captain Beefheart's legendary album Clear Spot. Festival favourites 3 Daft Monkeys will make their return.
While many festivals have suffered difficulties in recent years, Wychwood, now in its seventh year, is one that seems to be enjoying an opposite trend. Last year, on one of the year's sunniest weekends, 30 per cent more festival-goers attended than in the previous year.
The festival's dedicated following might have something to do with its family-friendly vibe, seen in its yearly nominations for Best Family Festival at the UK Festival Awards. This is the third year for the festival's children's literature festival. which sees authors Cathy Hopkins, Judith Kerr and Ian Whybrow on the bill, as well as tales from the Roald Dahl Museum.
Festival director Graeme Merrifield says: "It's really important to us that Wychwood has a homely, family-friendly atmosphere. As well as the music, we have over 100 workshops during the weekend and a visit from Justin Fletcher, so there are lots of great activities for kids at the festival."
Wychwood Festival, Cheltenham Racecourse (01993 772 580; www.wychwoodfestival.com) 3 to 5 June
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