South West Sound Live 2008 (May 9th) //

Our good friends and loyal supporters at South West Sound Radio have set a date for their South West Sound Live competition.  June 1st will see the creme de la creme of Galloway talent performing in the fantastic new DG One complex. The top acts will of course get that coveted Wickerman slot. The 16th of May is the deadline for applications and you can hear the entries on the South West Sound podcast. For more information tune in to www.myspace.com/southwestsoundlive

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Cash For Kids (May 9th) //

The cash for kids appeal has raised millions of pounds for under-privileged kids in order to give them treats at Christmas which they would otherwise miss out on. Supported by the South West Sound team who put huge amounts of time and energy into raising cash, i'm sure you'll agree this is a very worthwhile cause.

For those who purchase their tickets from South West Sound in Dumfries it is worthwhile to note that the booking fee will go straight to the Cash For Kids appeal.

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Mohican World Record (May 7th) //

In another festival first The Wickerman will attempt to gather the most number of mohicans in the one place at the one time. Old school punks, Beckham fans, Mr T copycats and those who indulge in their festival mohawk haircuts should congregate in front of The Wickerman at 12 noon on Saturday the 26th July.   Prizes will be awarded by Jim Gellatly of XFM Scotland who himself sports a dapper crest and said "I'm delighted to be involved. Wickerman was my Festival highlight last year, precisely for off the wall ideas like this!". Categories will include most jaunty, most debonair, most majestic and of course a special prize for kids.

Negotiations are currently underway with the Guinness Book of Records to attend the event.  Please note no "American style" fake gelled mohawks will be tolerated.  Please spread the word amongst other "Mowie" wearers to attempt the nonsensical world record.

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Bank Holiday Bonanza (May 5th) //

An audio-visual overload awaits those adventurers who travel through the psychedelic world of the Eden Zone. Strange soundscapes and neon terrain subdue the dancers to form a gelatinous mass with a collective consciousness. The Eden Zone is Scotland's biggest Psy Trance adventure, and has just announced its sonic guides from the Votan Stage and the Vishnu Lounge to lead you through this galaxy of light and movement.  This is coupled with the announcement that Louis Osborne will headline their Bhuta Tent come Saturday night, if the name seems familiar and you are not yet acquainted with his tremendous talent as a DJ then it's probably because there is a history of music in Mr Osborne's family!

If that is not enough, Underground Heroes will make their Wickerman debut in the Capitol Scooter Tent and Dr Huxtable has announced the first of his guests who will be joining him in the Axis Sound System Reggae Tent.

The full list of what's what and who's who is available by clicking here.

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Secrets of Solus (May 1st) //

As Wickerman and the glorious Scottish summer draw ever closer Chay Woodman "new music guru and promoter of the highly publicised Solus tent" has announced his full line-up.

	From those media darlings "Attic Lights" through to the serial killer inspired "De Salvo", the Solus tent offers a pan scotia view of all things good from Northern climes.
		Courtesy of Sarah Roberts

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Capitol's Big Weekender (May 1st) //

The Draymin, Root System and Orphan Boy are the first of the Capitol acts to be announced to play the legendary Scooter Tent. Expect more energy, mayhem, nostalgia and in the case of Orphan Boy a dose of youthful inspiration.  The full line up as confirmed to date can be found on the Line Up page and keep bouncing back for more announcements.

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Ticket Outlets (Apr 28th) //

Yes we do have our amazing new eticket system up and running for all those who like to internet shop, however, we also understand that there are a number of you, who although acquainted with the ways of the world wide web like to visit a shop, meet the man or

indeed woman behind the counter, enter into some lively discourse, make a purchase and actually leave the shop, ticket in hand.

If indeed you would classify yourself as one of these people then you are in luck as we have ticket outlets in the towns and cities listed below just waiting on you to step over the door and make a very fair exchange, your hard earned cash for what we like to describe as the essential 2008 festival ticket! Aberdeen, Castle Douglas, Dumfries, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Glenrothes, Inverness, Kirkcudbright, Leeds, Manchester and Newton Stewart.

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Wickerman Well Trucked (Apr 28th) //

A huge thanks to all of the people who voted for Wickerman at the Indy Awards. Your vote ensured that we were the only Scottish festival to reach the top four finalists. However, on the night we were trumped by the brilliantly named Truck Festival, so well done to them and well done to ourselves for flying the Northern flag all the way to London. Your continued support ensures the Wickerman always has a place at the Captain's Table.

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KT and Mark E on the Mainstage (Apr 25th) //

In true Wickerman style we have secured another duo of diverse acts to appear on the billing.
	St Andrew's multi-award winning singer/songwriter KT Tunstall will headline the Summerisle stage on the Saturday night.  A one time member of the very credible "Fence Collective", KT will entertain us with her unique pop, rock and acoustic set.
Adding more mayhem to the Friday line-up is John Peel's favourite band of all time, we are of course referring to Mark E Smith's The Fall. A prodigious amount of albums and line-up changes ensured that The Fall has never stagnated. Expect some chaos and idiosyncratic behaviour.

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Cosy Camper (Apr 24th) //

		Wickerman are pleased to announce the Cosy Camper store as our affiliated camping goods provider. The Cosy Camper has been a fixture of Wickerman from the early days so they understand our camping needs and provide a wide range of camping goods and accessories in bright and funky colours to accommodate these.   This year they have teamed up with the organisers here to ensure that the festival goer has better service and so a more enjoyable festival experience through their order online and collect at the festival service.

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Around The Site (Apr 23rd) //

 

Burgers, Bands and Beer used to be the form for any self respecting festival, however, times have changed and the modern audience expects so much more. If you want to keep up to date with all the non musical wickery shenanigans planned for 2008 then check out our ‘Around the Site’ page - Secret Golf, Mountain Bike Thrills and Spills, Chainsaw Juggling, Circus Magic and G Stringed Entertainers will all feature over the next few weeks.

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Wicker Picker Crew Applications Now Available (Apr 17th) //

 

Fancy being part of the Wicker Picker Crew at this year's festival, simply click here to download the information and application form.

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Wickernuman (Apr 2nd) //

 

Cited as the "Godfather of electronic music" and influencing several generations of musical acts Gary Numan is the latest iconic figure to take a headline slot at the Wickerman Festival. Appearing on Friday night his emotive electronica will add to the already eclectic brew of acts scheduled for the 25th July.

For more information on one of the most visionary acts in the UK music scene check out www.myspace.com/garynuman

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Calling all Traders & Caterers (Apr 2nd) //

If you would like to take a trade or catering pitch at the Wickerman this year, please send an email to helen@thewickermanfestival.co.uk requesting either a trade or catering pack.  Space is limited so if you are interested please act now to avoid disappointment.

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Indy Awards - A Thank You (Apr 2nd) //

Voting has now closed for the Indy Awards so a big thank you to everyone who voted, our fingers are crossed and we will keep you posted of any news as and when we hear.

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Rowan & Solus Reveal (Mar 24th) //

Some more bands from the house of Rowan and the Solus emporium to whet your auditory canal, in the shape of Kings of Macumba, Lou Hickey, Stars Of Track & Field, Frub, Caragh Nugent, The Loud And Proud Rock Orchestra, Hippo, Chris Da Funk, Tauntra, The Bootleg Lilos, Big Vern And The Shootas, Rodan, and Rubens.

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Axis Reggae Tent Returns (Mar 18th) //

The Axis Reggae Tent returns for 2008. This marquee features the Axis Sound System, the hand built Reggae sound system that has been promoting reggae music in its authentic environment for nearly 20 years now. With a strong emphasis on vintage Reggae styles such as Ska, 70s and 80s Roots and revival, Rock Steady, Boss Sounds and Dub.  There will also be a splash of Funk, Soul, R+B, Latin and a few surprises.

The full line up of guest DJs will be announced soon, but you can be sure you will be in the capable hands of Dr. Huxtable (Axis founder) and COJO, from the Bush Rocker Family Hifi. This year features the 'Gallery of the Greats', lots of decor depicting some of the great Reggae pioneers. Don’t forget the Axis CD and record stall, the one stop place for all your vintage Reggae music needs.

For more info about Axis Sound System, photos from last year’s Wickerman and up and coming dates, check out the website.  www.axissound.co.uk

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Nominated for an Indy Award //

In recognition of the many unsigned artists that play over the Wickerman weekend we have been nominated for an Indy award.  Virtual festivals have teamed up with the Indy Music Awards to present an award to one festival which has demonstrated continued support to un-signed and independent music.

Four nominated acts will go forward from each short-listed festival and in our case this will be:

The Xcerts

Frightened Rabbit

The Kazoo Funk Orchestra

Alfonzo

The public can vote via www.indyawards.co.uk

Voting closes on the 31st March.

In addition an Indy Best Festival Award will go to the festival which has shown most commitment to the un-signed and independent music scene.  Cast your vote now to give our nominees the recognition they deserve (We are listed under T for THE Wickerman Festival).

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Wickerman In The Movies - Part Two (Mar 7th) //

As promised several weeks ago in our Wickerman In The Movies News Item (shown below), the movie trailer for 'The Good, the Bad and the Wickerman is now online. Click on the following link for 13 minutes of viewing pleasure www.synchronicityfilms.co.uk.  Please give us your thoughts and feedback on the forum.

Wickerman In The Movies //

Synchronicity Films Ltd, a Scottish based TV and Film company headed by the award-winning team of Justin Molotnikov and Claire Mundell, embarked on an ambitious rock/doc/mockumentary at the 2007 Wickerman Festival.

Like a surrealist chef adding a clash of ingredients to the world's finest stew. The Wickerman has another punnet of acts for your eager consumption. X-Press2, Annie Nightingale, Dodgy, Sonny Wharton, Meat Katie, Dylan Rhymes, Elite Force, The Rogue Element, Dean Friedman and Digitalis.  Once mixed these acts offer up a stew of electronica (psychedelic in some cases), house, pioneering breaks, beats, breakbeat, summer feel good britpop, and for good measure some stateside folk rock.  Stay tuned for more breaking news including a possible Friday mainstage topslot. See line up page for links, etc.

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Capitol's Big Weekender at The Wickerman (Mar 2nd) //

The Wickerman is very happy to announce the involvment of Capitol for 2008.  Already known to many in the Glasgow cafe, bar and live music scene the Sauchiehall Street venue has carved a solid reputation for the quality of its handpicked acts. Recognised by the List magazine as "Glasgow's top venue", Capitol will up sticks for the Wicker weekend and provide both a bar and quality entertainment in the legendary Scooter Tent.  Many of the bands destined to play in the Scooter Tent will be appearing at Capitol during April, May and June. For more information on the shiny new Capitol Scooter Tent either check back with us or visit Capitol on www.myspace.com/capitolglasgow.

For lovers of the old skool you may also want to get yourself along to Capitol on the 16th and 30th March for the Glasgow gig collective old skool punk specials part 1 and 2.

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