A PODCAST host, bringing together folk music and walking, has set off on a 180-mile charity trek from Wickham Festival.

Former controller of BBC Radio 1 and Radio 4 presenter, Matthew Bannister, is embarking on a two-week walk to raise money for the charity Help Musicians.

Mr Bannister launched his podcast Folk on Foot in 2018, inviting artists to walk and talk with him in the landscape that inspired their music.

The broadcaster took centre stage on the opening night of Wickham Festival, joining Show of Hands’ headline set to tell the audience about the walk starting from the site the following morning.

A group of festival goers joined the podcast host as he began his 180-mile trek on Friday, August 4 from Wickham to FolkEast Festival in Suffolk.

Hampshire Chronicle: Matthew Bannister and supporters at the start at Wickham FestivalMatthew Bannister and supporters at the start at Wickham Festival (Image: Adele Bouchard)

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Mr Bannister said: “I’m feeling very excited and slightly apprehensive. I’ve never walked 180 miles before so it’s a big challenge.

“We hear a lot about multi-millionaire musicians but most musicians in this country are freelance and are working hard to scrape a living in very difficult circumstances.

“I’ve always loved music ever since I was a kid and it seems to me as vital as food or water or air that we have music in our lives so anything I can do to give back I do.

“I’ve been to the festival before and it’s got a great atmosphere. It was wonderful last night because I to promote the walk and the audience was incredibly welcoming. They donated an amazing £455.55 by putting money in our buckets. It’s a lovely place to start, sets us off with a wonderful mood in a great atmosphere.”

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Hampshire Chronicle: Matthew and StephenMatthew and Stephen (Image: Adele Bouchard)

The ex-BBC executive, from West Sussex, was joined by his long-term friend Stephen Navin who planned the route to include pub stops along the way where different folk artists will perform.

Mr Navin said: “Matthew started Folk on Foot with the wonderful idea to record artists in their homes. During the pandemic listeners raised nearly £330,000, with half going to Help Musicians. Lockdown is behind us but the problems haven’t gone away and Matthew loves walking so it seemed a great idea.

“We’ve put a lot of work into book hotels and finding musicians. Our first stop will be the Thomas Lord in West Meon."

Matthew will finish his challenge on Friday, August 18 and be danced over the finishing line by a female group of Morris dancers, Boss Morris, who performed at this year’s Brit Awards.

For more information or to donate go to folkonfoot.com/bigwalk.