first acts confirmed for Wychwood Festival 2008

The first acts have been announced for the fourth Wychwood Festival, which is set to take place from Friday 30th May to Sunday 1st June 2008 at Cheltenham Racecourse.

Musically, Wychwood is very pleased to announce the first artist signing for 2008 is Kate Rusby. Winner of no less than 4 BBC Folk Awards and Mercury Nominee, sometimes known as The Barnsley Nightingale, and recently cited by The Times as being, "the finest female folk singer to hit the scene in two decades". Kate’s new album, Awkward Annie, released just a week ago, went straight into the album charts at number 32, and those at Wychwood 2008 will be able to enjoy songs from this album and her extensive catalogue.

In 2008 with continuing sponsorship from eFestivals, Wychwood will increase the comedy elements of the festival, and they are delighted that stalwart Comedy Store Player, Andy Smart, will be Wychwood’s comedy curator for 2008. Andy’s comic career began in 1983 when he met Angelo Abela and formed the Vicious Boys, who then went on to win the Time Out Street Entertainer of the Year. Since then Andy has performed in numerous live, as well having many films and television appearances. Andy has played with The Comedy Store Players for more than 15 years, and has performed at 29 consecutive Edinburgh Festivals, as well as compering the comedy tent at Glastonbury since 1985. Andy says, "You can't beat laughing outdoors, well, in a tent. There is something very special about comedy at a festival. I am really looking forward to booking some of my favourite comics, some you might know, some you might not. But I guarantee some long, loud, laughter in the sun! (Unless it rains!)."

Andy's first comedy confirmation for 2008 is Phill Jupitus, who will be performing an improvised show with Andy and others on the Friday and Saturday evenings of the festival. As most will know, Phil is a regular on TV and radio panel shows, including BBC Radio 4's I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue, BBC Two’s QI and is team captain on Never Mind The Buzzcocks. As well as numerous DJ and comedy appearances, Phill also presented the breakfast show BBC 6Music for 5 years. Expect more top and up and coming comedy talent to be announced over the coming months.

2008 will see the return of a favourite from the 2006 event, The Silent Disco! Clubbers are eared with a set of wireless headphones whilst two DJs play different sets simultaneously on different channels which the headphone wearers can swop between. Without a set of headphones you see a marquee full of people dancing in silence, with headphones you are part of a unique experience. Festival Director Graeme Merifield says "we are delighted to welcome the Silent Disco back to Wychwood; they were a huge success in 2006. They will be playing in our improved Big top on all three nights until 3am and we will be inviting some star DJs for guest sets across the weekend.".

Changes to the site layout at the festival will see the Big Top move further down the site to make more room in the main stage arena. Graeme says "we make adjustments to the site every year inline with the increase in audience numbers and in response to feedback. We aim keep the site compact and accessible but keep our customers comfortable and increase sound quality".

As to the rest of the line up festival-goers should expect the same eclectic mix of music that they have experienced in previous years. Described by The Independent as "like a bijou Glastonbury", as well as 100+ workshops for all ages, solar powered cinema, comedy and fine food and drink, Wychwood is fast becoming one of the most popular family festivals.

A small allocation of 'Early Bird' tickets are on sale, priced at £85 for an adult weekend ticket and £65 for a concession weekend ticket (there is also a new 2 for 1 Disabled ticket rate). Children aged 11 and under and camping remain free. These special prices are only available until the end of September. To buy, click here or telephone the festival office on 01993 772580.

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