RECORD crowds flocked to a village near Winchester last weekend to see musical legends.

Around 20,000 revellers attended the Wickham Festival from August 1 to August 4, enjoying sets from Dexys, the Waterboys, 10cc and Rolf Harris.

More than 100 people were turned away on the door on Saturday and Sunday as festival capacity was reached.

Festival organiser Peter Chegwyn said: “The festival has been a spectacular success. I have been doing this in one guise or another for over 20 years and this is easily the best both in terms of sales and feedback from the audience and the acts themselves.

“We have had record crowds which brings a lot of business to the village. The weather was good, the music was superb and the only disappointment was that we had to turn some people away because we were at full capacity.”

He added: “As always, we are very grateful to Wickham Parish Council, Winchester City Council, the local residents and traders, the emergency services and the dozens of helpers who have really gone the extra mile for us.”

It included an emotional appearance by Wilko Johnson, former guitarist for Dr Feelgood and The Blockheads, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last December and given six months to live, but has been touring ever since.

Mr Chegwyn added: “There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Wilko got a remarkable reception which summed up the mood of this event with such a fantastic feelgood factor.”

Next year’s festival is set to run from August 14 to August 17.