Wick Street Festival: Thousands enjoy three-day 'friendly' East Sussex event

Wick Street Festival, in Berwick, opened its gates to festivalgoers last Thursday (August 29), welcoming nearly 2,000 people over three days.

The independent festival was launched for the first time in 2023 and prides itself on being ‘friendly’ and ‘laid-back’.

Several local and international artists performed to crowds during the long weekend – including Heaven 17; Toploader; Dutty Moonshine Big Band; The Veltmans, and the Cuban Brothers.

Organiser Charles Vine said: “The music blended major international bands like Heaven 17 and Toploader with festival favourites, Dutty Moonshine Big Band, a 14-piece powerhouse of rap, brass and deadly bass.

“The inglorious Cuban Brothers set combined peerless wit, sauciness with acrobatics and a huge conga line.

“The Veltmans were so strong it hurt with an energetic and melodic set with a post-punk vibe that did their hometown Eastbourne proud. So did our battle of the bands winners Stan-H and friends, with a performance that crackled and popped with energy and harmonies.”

There was also plenty of entertainment for children with arts and crafts stall, in addition to two dog shows, hosted by charity People’s Animal Welfare Society and judged by Mike Rack of Dutty Moonshine Big Band and Miguel Mantovani of the Cuban Brothers.

Mr Vine added: “Wick Street Festival will return in the future, building its core principles of fostering the friendliest vibe, the tastiest food and drink at reasonable prices and the best quality stage production and camping facilities possible.”

For more information about Wick Street Festival, visit: www.wickstfestivals.co.uk.