Village Events in Wickham

The calendar of community celebrations

Wickham has a strong tradition of community events, anchored by the annual Wickham Festival and complemented by a calendar of smaller events throughout the year.

The Wickham Festival is the village's flagship event, a folk and roots music festival held each summer on a site near the village. The festival has been running since the 1980s and has grown into one of the most successful events of its kind in the south of England, attracting several thousand visitors over the weekend. The festival features live music, food stalls, camping, and a family area. It brings significant numbers of visitors to the village and provides a boost to local businesses.

The Christmas fair on The Square is the other major annual event, transforming the village centre into a festive market with stalls, seasonal food and drink, and entertainment. The fair draws residents and visitors from across the Meon Valley and is one of the highlights of the winter calendar.

Community markets are held periodically on The Square, featuring local produce, crafts, and goods. The church holds its annual fete, harvest festival, and seasonal services. The bonfire night celebrations and the Remembrance Day ceremony at the war memorial are important community occasions.

The community centre hosts regular events, including quiz nights, film showings, talks, and social gatherings. The horticultural society organises flower and produce shows. The local history group holds talks and visits.

For families, the village events provide shared experiences that build a sense of belonging. For the wider community, they maintain the social bonds that make Wickham function as more than just a collection of houses. The events calendar is publicised through the parish council, community noticeboards, social media, and word of mouth.