RECORD numbers of fans are expected to flock to this year’s Wickham Festival.

With headliners including the Proclaimers, 10CC, Wilko Johnson and Billy Bragg, ticket sales have risen sharply ahead of the August 6-9 event.

The capacity of the picturesque site has been extended to 7,000 following the success of last year’s sell-out show by James Blunt.

And the signs are that the final two days of this year’s event will attract a full house.

Organiser Peter Chegwyn said: “We have always had a capacity of 5,000 until last year, when we were granted an extension to cater for the unprecedented demand.

“The site coped comfortably with the extra numbers, so we have stuck at that limit this year and I am delighted to say the final two days look like they might sell out completely.

“We are up on numbers overall year on year, partly down to the good weather and largely because we have a very strong line-up over all four days.

“At the moment I would say we are expecting between 20,000 and 25,000 visitors over the weekend including a potential sell-out on the Saturday and Sunday.

“Our ‘glamping’ has already sold out but we have plenty of camping places still available at just £25 for the whole weekend. It means people can enjoy the music and have a few drinks and enjoy the top quality catering in a relaxed atmosphere.”

Fans will be coming from as far as the USA, Canada and Australia for this annual event with such a special and informal event which allows children to roam freely and safely, enjoying their own entertainment.

They can watch a range of family films at the Groovy Movie solar-powered cinema or enjoy other a wide range of family entertainment like cartoon cinema, storytelling, puppet theatre and make ‘n’ take a crafts tent.

In addition there is a digital funfair, playbus, laser arena, bouncy castles and children’s entertainers – and all are free once people are in the festival arena.

Chegwyn added: “With live music on three stages plus a host of other family entertainment for all ages and a wide range of craft and food stalls, there is something for everyone.

“But probably our greatest selling point and the thing which brings people back year after year, is the unique atmosphere and family feel.”

This year’s musical line-up also includes Andy Fairweather-Low, Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel, Seth Lakeman, The South (formerly the Beautiful South) and the Tom Robinson Band making a rare festival appearance.

Tickets for the Wickham Festival are available at www.ticketsouth.co.uk.

Day tickets start at just £35 with under-16s being half-price a