Melksham will host the first-ever Wiltshire Throwback Festival this weekend, with a packed line-up of original artists from the 70s, 80s, 90s and 00s set to perform at Oakfield Stadium over two days.
The brand-new event, also known as WTF25, is expected to attract thousands of people to the town and will feature performances from major names across four decades of music and TV.
This Friday, 20th June is a celebration of the 70s and 80s, with performances from disco legends Boney M., featuring original lead singer Liz Mitchell; ska favourites Bad Manners, currently on their 50th anniversary tour; and support from Doctor and the Medics and TV icon Timmy Mallett.
Saturday 21st June shifts into full 90s and 00s mode, with a lively line-up including boybands 911 and Blazin’ Squad, DJ sets from Artful Dodger, DJ Luck & MC Neat, and a high-energy show from Dick & Dom.
The weekend will build to a huge finale on the Saturday night with headline performances by Tinchy Stryder, Fuse ODG and So Solid Crew.
“Wiltshire Throwback Festival has been designed with one goal in mind: to bring real nostalgia to life, right here in the heart of Wiltshire,” said festival organiser Nico Menghini. “This is a chance for attendees to see the artists and TV personalities they grew up with, live in their own county.”
The event marks the debut of Wiltshire Throwback Festival, and organisers say they hope it will become a regular fixture in Melksham’s events calendar.
Nico added, “We believe WTF25 will do great things for Melksham, not just by creating memories, but by giving back. We’re committed to supporting local clubs and helping fund future community projects. Our ambition is to grow WTF into an annual highlight for the region — something people can look forward to every year.”
The festival is expected to welcome around 3,000 people each day, and organisers have worked closely with Wiltshire Police to ensure a smooth experience for residents and visitors. In response to concerns over parking, all parking is free, with marshals on nearby estates guiding traffic. Anyone who pre-paid for parking will receive a full refund.
“Parking will be on the football pitches, while the main arena will be located on the rugby pitches,” said Nico. “There will be plenty of space for everyone.”
The festival site will also feature a wide range of food vendors — from mac and cheese and Greek gyros to fish and chips and vegetarian options — as well as exclusive WTF25 lager and upgraded VIP facilities including ‘posh loo’ trailers.
When the festival was first proposed, concerns were raised by Wiltshire Police and Wiltshire Council Highways Team over concerns around security, noise management and traffic control. However, the festival organisers then amended the plans and a premises licence has been granted.
The organisers are seeking planning permission for the land at Melksham Rugby and Football Club to hold regular temporary music events and festivals. The application is currently open for public consultation until 20th June – the same day the festival begins.
Both Melksham Town Council and Melksham Without Parish Council recent discussed the application and councillors raised concerns that the festival is set to take place before planning permission has been granted. However, Wiltshire Council has confirmed it expects the event to go ahead as scheduled with the planning application considering whether the site can be used for events on a long-term or permanent basis.
Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for strategic planning, development management and housing, Cllr Adrian Foster, said, “The planning system does not control the impacts of short-term events of this nature but instead regulates the longer-term use of land. Short term impacts are controlled through licensing arrangements.
“The Wiltshire Throwback Festival itself will not be unregulated as a Time Limited Premises Licence was granted to the festival on 28th May. The festival organisers have been reminded of the need to have relevant regulatory planning approvals in place.”
For more information and tickets, visit www.wtflive.co.uk
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