Review: Saturday at the Wickham Festival - The Proclaimers

It’s nearly 30 years since the twins hit the big-time with hits like Letter From America and I Would Walk 500 Miles but they really do stand the test of time rather well.

Their succession of fine songs always surprises, always throws up one or two you’d forgotten as you’d not heard it since you last saw them live.

And they are perfect for a festival like Wickham – a laid-back family affair where you can pile down to the front of the stage or hang back just outside the open big top among those who have been sat in their picnic chairs all day.

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen The Proclaimers but they’re not an act I can ever imagine becoming tired of, and judging by the size of the Saturday-night crowd at Wickham, doubtless made bigger by the fine weekend weather, I’m not alone.

It was quite a low-key entrance by Craig, Charlie and the rest of the band but they were soon in their stride and Letter From America had the crowd singing along early in a set which contained pretty much all the hits you’d want to hear - including, of course, that anthem, 500 Miles.

Other Saturday highlights at Wickham included Seth Lakeman, Eliza Carthy and Kathryn Tickell preceding The Proclaimers on the main stage, something of a triple treat for folk fans.

Sunday is the final day and features, among others, 10cc, Steve Harley and Tom Robinson. Get along if you can.

STEVE BONE