Wicorfest: Portchester pub to host charity music festival this weekend as tickets 'absolutely flying'
“It’s always something I’ve wanted to do,” one organiser said.
Final preparations are being made for a charity music festival in Portchester this weekend.
The first ever Wicorfest will be held at The Wicor Mill in White Hart Lane on Saturday, August 8, giving musicians from the surrounding area the chance to perform on stage in aid of good causes.
Organised by the musical trio of Meg Peters, Jon Brown and Gareth Boyes, all of whom are also involved with Express FM, the event is raising money for Rowans Hospice and Little Bags of Sunshine.
Meg said: “I love live music events, and we’ve worked on things like Icebreaker Festival in the past. It’s always something I’ve wanted to do, and the new pub landlords said they wanted to do hold an event, so it all just came together from that.
“Rowans is close to the landlords’ hearts, so supporting them with the event was just a no-brainer. A friend of ours, Ann Wise, sadly died quite recently too, and we wanted to do something in her memory.
“The stage is already up, and it’s looking amazing. I’m so grateful for the team we have, keeping me on track and going in the right direction.”
The music will be in full swing from 12pm until midnight, with the likes of Reggaematics, Texas Bill and Zodiac X all performing.
At £5 per ticket - which are still available to purchase behind the bar - are reportedly selling well, with plenty of space in the pub garden for punters and musicians alike.
Meg, who performs under the name Megsy, will be going on stage herself, the first time she has performed live.
“I wanted to combine as many different artists as possible,” she said. “Everyone we have approached about taking part in the event has said yes, which we’re so pleased about.
“There’s even a couple of girls from the pub who will be singing - they sound brilliant.
“I’ve never played live myself either - I’m very nervous but looking forward to it.”
Thanks to their involvement with Express FM, the radio station will also have a presence at the festival.
Jon added: “Meg was a vital part of the event promotion and management of the outside broadcasts for Express FM; we literally couldn’t have managed hem so well without her.”