TIM HUGHES looks forward to the first, and one of the nicest, big al fresco music events of the summer –  lovely Wychwood Festival

GRAEME Merrifield is a happy man. After a year of careful planning, the fruits of his labour are about to pay off – in the shape of the first big music festival of the summer.

It may feel like spring, with the weather still up to its old tricks, but for lovers of al fresco music, the start of Wychwood Festival this weekend heralds the opening of the ‘festie’ season The three-day event takes place at a site site better known for champion thoroughbreds than festival horseplay – Cheltenham Racecourse. But it its nerve centre is a small office in Witney Market Square, which festival director Graeme shares with his deputy Stefan Edwards.

“It’s exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time,” he says, while putting the finishing touches to this year’s event – which starts tomorrow.

“This is the culmination of a whole year’s work from this attic in Witney,” he adds. “We’ve made a lot of changes this year, but everything is in place and looks good.”

At least 9,000 people are expected on site on each day of the festival, which returns to its traditional home beneath the scenic Prestbury Hills (camping takes place on manicured turf in the centre of the hallowed racecourse, itself). And Graeme is reporting brisk business, with ticket sales up 25 per cent – a remarkable achievement in a crowded sector which has already seen many lesser festivals cancelled or collapse under financial strain.

So what is Wychwood’s secret? “We offer a very packed weekend of entertainment for families,” says Graeme. “You don’t have to do anything, but you can do everything, and you are guaranteed to have a good time. Tickets are also great value, and are free to under-10s.

“Wychwood is a coming together of people from all walks of life who, for the course of the festival, create a mini world. Unless you’ve spent a day here, it’s hard to describe. And, of course, you get to see loads of great bands.”

The line-up is nothing if not diverse, featuring 80s electro pioneers The Human League alongside musical comedian Bill Bailey, UK ska band The Beat, and Jazzie B’s smooth dance act Soul II Soul.

Acts are designed to appeal to as many people as possible and range from singer-songwriters Kate Nash and Lucy Rose to the madcap John Otway, folk band Moulettes, pub-rockers Eddie & The Hotrods, dub-folk outfit Dreadzone, ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’ stars Toploader, Mercury prize nominee Sam Lee, comedian-turned-DJ Craig Charles, 1920s-style French electro-swing band Caravan Palace, sample-loving experimental duo Public Service Broadcasting, and the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain.

Wychwood also prides itself on its reputation as a showcase for new talent, which includes a wealth of Oxfordshire bands. They include the Arabic-flavoured Brickwork Lizards, the melodic My Grey Horse, psychedelic-blues act Vienna Ditto, indie-folksters Empty White Circles, Dallas Don’t, Sier Pin Sky, duo Sweet William, Grundle Bay and avant-garde art-pop act The Goggenheim – most of whom will be gracing a stage curated by BBC Introducing on Saturday.

Each night ends with the now traditional silent disco – in which party-goers can strut their stuff while listening to a DJ through their headphones. Not only is it fun, it’s the perfect way for the festival to get on with its neighbours, not all of whom seem to appreciate late night DJ sets.

So what is Graeme particularly looking forward to? “Well, all the Oxfordshire bands, but also Soul II Soul, Bill Bayley, and Craig Charles who will be playing soul and funk on Sunday afternoon.”

Wychwood is about far more than just music, however. A true family festival, the programme is packed with arts and crafts workshops and sessions where adventurous souls of all ages can learn everything from drawing, printing and clay modelling to poetry, singing, jewellery making and playing the ukulele.

Witney’s Wychwood Brewery is hosting a Hobgoblin’s Beer Festival, while, for festival-goers who have over-indulged, there are wholesome, and calorie-burning, sessions in zumba, pilates and yoga, as well as soca, mento, bokwa, street, break and belly-dancing.

Then there is a cinema, hot tubs and, for the kids, a bouncy slide, paint balling, Angry Birds coconut shy, go-karts and zorbing. Young bookworms, meanwhile, will be invited to take part in the Wychwood Children’s Literary Festival, at which readers can meet authors and listen to stories, as well as trying their hand at writing their own. There will be more storytelling and crafts in the Roald Dahl Museum tent where oompa loompas will treat young visitors to tall tales.

And, for those who love a laugh, there is a packed bill of comedians, including the award-winning Rob Deering and top Jewish comic Sol Bernsetin, who claims to have who helped the careers of Elvis Presley, The Beatles and Marcel Marceau (“and never even got a thank you”).

“There’s a lot going on,” says Graeme, who will have 500 people on site over the weekend, helping the festival run smoothly. “I’m just lucky to have people around me who are so well organised. Now we are ready for the weekend!”

  • Wychwood festival runs from Friday to Sunday at Cheltenham Racecourse.
  • Weekend tickets are £120 for adults. A range of day and concessionary tickets are available, and it is free for under-10s.
  • Go to wychwoodfestival.com or call 01993 772580.