The 2026 Festival Performers

Headline Acts

The Winchfield Festival’s headline acts bring a kind of magic — nights built around big songs, shared moments and unforgettable live performances. These events are designed to be joyful, inclusive and full of energy, drawing audiences together to sing along, dance and celebrate great music in a relaxed festival setting.

From iconic artists reimagined to full-scale party nights, this part of the programme delivers the feel-good heart of the festival — vibrant, welcoming and made to be enjoyed together.

Friday 19th June

Le Freak CHIC & Nile Rodgers Tribute

Get ready for a night of pure disco gold as Le Freak bring the timeless sound of CHIC and Nile Rodgers to the Winchfield Festival stage.

From Le Freak and Good Times to the era-defining hits written and produced for artists like Diana Ross, Sister Sledge and David Bowie, this is a high-energy celebration of funk, disco and dancefloor classics. Tight musicianship, infectious grooves and wall-to-wall feel-good tunes make this a guaranteed party from the first beat to the last.

Expect big choruses, nonstop dancing and a headline set designed to get everyone on their feet.

Le Freak will be supported by Fleet Rock Orchestra. Read more below. 

Saturday 20th June

Rule The World – Take That Tribute

Relive the biggest moments of one of Britain’s most iconic pop bands as Rule the World bring the music of Take That to the Winchfield Festival stage.

From early chart-toppers to stadium-filling anthems, expect a hit-packed set featuring favourites like Back for Good, Never Forget and Rule the World. With slick harmonies, polished choreography and infectious energy, this is a feel-good celebration of a band that defined a generation.

Sing-along choruses, hands-in-the-air moments and a buzzing festival atmosphere — a perfect night for fans old and new.

The Rule The World will follow the Winchfield Community Fete event. Read more below.

Rule The World will be supported by J4F. Read more below. 

Friday 26th June

Jimmy Love as Elton Unleashed - Elton John Tribute

Experience the timeless songs and unforgettable showmanship of Jimmy Love as Elton Unleashed comes to the Winchfield Festival stage.

From soaring ballads like Your Song to full-throttle crowd favourites including I’m Still Standing, Crocodile Rock and Rocket Man, this is a joyous celebration of one of music’s greatest performers. With dazzling costumes, note-perfect vocals and plenty of theatrical flair, Jimmy Love captures the spirit, energy and emotion of Elton’s leg

Jimmy’s tribute act to Sir Elton John won him the lead role in the touring production of “The Rocketman” which debuted in London’s West End in 2024.

Elton Unleashed will be supported by Blackstone Jones. Read more below. 

Saturday 27th June

This is Queen – Queen Tribute

Prepare for a night of arena-filling anthems as This Is Queen bring the electrifying music of Queen to the Winchfield Festival stage.

From Bohemian Rhapsody and Don’t Stop Me Now to We Will Rock You and Somebody to Love, this is a hit-packed celebration of one of the greatest bands of all time. With powerful vocals, soaring guitar lines and a commanding stage presence, the band captures the drama, energy and sheer spectacle of a Queen live show.

Expect big sing-alongs, hands-in-the-air moments and an unforgettable festival atmosphere!

This is Queen will be supported by Katy Hurt. Read more below. 

Sunday 28th June

The All New Blues and Soul Revue – Blues Brothers Tribute

Get ready for sharp suits, dark shades and a whole lot of soul as The All New Blues & Soul Revue bring the legendary Blues Brothers sound back to the Winchfield Festival – returning by popular demand!

Delivering a high-energy mix of blues, soul and rhythm & blues classics, this show is packed with foot-stomping grooves, powerhouse vocals and infectious fun. Expect hits made famous by Jake and Elwood alongside timeless soul anthems that keep the dancefloor moving and the crowd smiling.

Big horns, big personalities and a party atmosphere from start to finish — this is feel-good live music at its very best, and a perfect centrepiece for a summer festival day.

The All New Blue and Soul Revue will follow the  Mow & Motor: Car Music & Local Talent event. Read more below. 

Classical & Other Musical Genres

Classical music sits at the heart of the Winchfield Festival and has shaped its identity since the very beginning. What started as a single concert has grown into a rich and varied programme, but the commitment to exceptional classical performance has never changed.

This programme continues that tradition, presenting outstanding musicians and carefully curated concerts that celebrate musical excellence, thoughtful programming and the enduring power of live performance.

Sunday 21st June

The Only Night of the Winchfield Proms - Docklands Sinfonia

Experience all the colour, pageantry and celebration of a Last Night of the Proms–style concert as Docklands Sinfonia bring orchestral favourites to the Winchfield Festival.

This uplifting, family-friendly evening blends much-loved classical works with rousing, patriotic and popular classics, performed with energy, warmth and a strong sense of occasion. Expect stirring melodies, joyful moments and plenty of opportunities to join in as the atmosphere builds towards a thrilling finale.

A perfect way to come together as a community — this promises to be one of the most memorable nights of the festival. 

Tuesday 23th June

Ben & Tom Waters - Saxophone & Piano

A beautifully balanced partnership between generations, Ben and Tom Waters bring together expressive saxophone and elegant piano in an intimate, engaging performance.

Tom is a rising star in the world of rhythm & blues, jazz, funk, blues & Latin music. Tom has travelled the world playing his saxophone alongside his father, renowned UK pianist Ben Waters.

A thoughtful and atmospheric addition to the programme, offering contrast, craftsmanship and genuine musical connection.

Wednesday 24th June

Queentet

Discover the extraordinary sound world of brass quintet Queentet in a programme that is as engaging as it is original. Championing underrepresented voices in classical music, the ensemble shines a spotlight on female composers, alongside inventive new arrangements that bring familiar favourites to life in unexpected ways.

From the evocative beauty of Imogen Holst to a specially commissioned work by Polina Savicka, the programme blends contemporary creativity with well-loved classics. Expect bold reimaginings too – including music inspired by Igor Stravinsky’s Firebird, traditional madrigals, and even a touch of jazz and folk, featuring Joni Mitchell’s A Case of You.

Thursday 25th June

Bellot Ensemble

A vibrant period instrument ensemble, Bellot Ensemble is known for its energetic performances and fresh take on 17th-century music. The group has recently been selected for the prestigious New Generation Baroque Ensemble scheme led by BBC Radio 3, the Royal College of Music and the National Centre for Early Music.

Their programme, Grounds for Exchange, explores the musical dialogue between Italy and England, built around the captivating idea of the ground bass. Featuring composers including Claudio Monteverdi and Henry Purcell, the music blends expressive Italian style with the rich character of English Baroque.

Accessible and engaging, the ensemble introduces the music throughout, bringing it vividly to life. Expect a varied and characterful performance, with the distinctive sounds of instruments such as the theorbo and viola da gamba.

Supporting Acts

Alongside our headline performances, the festival proudly showcases a programme of supporting acts.
From local favourites to emerging talent, these performances add depth, variety and energy to each event — and reflect the festival’s commitment to nurturing music at every level.

Friday 19th June
Supporting Le Freak

Fleet Rock Orchestra

Based in Fleet and formed in 2022, Fleet Rock Orchestra consists of three singers and a collection of over 20 musicians featuring Acoustic, Electric, and Bass Guitars, Drums, Saxophones, Clarinets, Flutes, Cello, Violin, Trumpets, and Keyboard.  This allows for an eclectic rock orchestral ‘big band’ sound.

Saturday 20th June
Supporting Rule the World

J4F

Based in Basingstoke and playing Just for Fun, J4F brings iconic songs to life, and delivers crowd-pleasing performances packed with energy and musicianship.

Expect familiar favourites, big choruses and a great atmosphere from the first note to the last.

Friday 26th June
Supporting Elton Unleashed

Blackstone Jones

Blackstone Jones are a 4 plece groove rock (all originals) band hailing from Hampshire . Originally formed in 2014, they released an EP in 2016 & played regularly around the South, including support slots for touring bands.

Saturday 27th June
Supporting This is Queen

Katy Hurt

Born in London and raised in the US, Katy Hurt was drawn to the sounds of Country, Americana and Classic Rock from a young age, inspired by artists such as Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt, The Eagles, and Patsy Cline. 

Katy Hurt’s work ethic and authenticity are apparent in each of her songs and are evidenced by her rigorous touring schedule and accolades. In 2018 she opened for Liam Gallagher at the Pilton Party and 2019 saw Katy and her band perform over 150 shows across two sold out headline tours, as well as international dates in Canada, the US and the Caribbean where she performed alongside Sonia Leigh on the Melissa Etheridge cruise and opened for the Bellamy Brothers at their first UK show in over a decade. 

Fringe Events

Alongside the music programme, the festival also hosts a number of fringe events that bring the wider community into the heart of the celebration. From the traditional charm of the Winchfield Village Fete and the relaxed atmosphere of the Mow & Motor car show, to a magical Alice in Wonderland–inspired children’s drama, these events offer something for all ages and add a wonderful sense of fun and discovery to the festival week

Saturday 20th June
Ahead of J4F & Rule The World

The Winchfield Community Fete

A highlight of the festival week, the Winchfield Fete combines classic village charm with live music and entertainment.

In addition to the fete, expect two live bands – The Midnight Pilots & WBB alongside a Battle of the Bands, it’s a chance to discover local talent and enjoy a great day out for all ages.

Saturday 27th June
Ahead of Katy Hurt & This is Queen

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Step through the looking glass and into a world where nothing is quite as it seems… 

Join Alice as she tumbles down the rabbit hole and encounters a whirlwind of curious characters—the grinning Cheshire Cat, the frantic White Rabbit, the eccentric Mad Hatter, and the fearsome Queen of Hearts. This timeless tale of imagination, riddles, and wonder comes to life on stage in a dazzling production full of humour, music, and a touch of madness. 

Perfect for dreamers of all ages, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland invites you to lose yourself in the magic of one of literature’s most beloved journeys!

The performance of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland will be followed by a Mad Hatters Tea Party. This Winchfield Festival Fringe event is presented by the Friends of St Mary’s Winchfield. 
Sunday 28th June
Ahead of the All New Blues & Soul Revue

Mow & Motor: Cars, Music & Local Talent

Before our closing headline act, the festival revs up with Mow & Motor — a relaxed, feel-good car show celebrating great vehicles, good company and live music in the heart of the village.

Running alongside the car show is Hampshire’s Got Talent, with the lineup to be announced. 

The day then builds to an exciting conclusion with the Battle of the Bands Final, where the standout acts from earlier in the week go head-to-head. It’s a celebration of local talent, live music and community spirit — and the perfect lead-in to the festival’s final night.

Whilst entry to the Mow & Motor car show is free, tickets are required to for The All New Blues and Soul Revue.