Dele Sosismi is a prominent figure in the Global Afrobeat music scene, known for his dynamic contributions. His musical journey commenced when he became a part of Fela Kuti’s Egypt 80 band, taking up the keyboard from 1979 to 1986 and eventually becoming the music director from 1984 to 1986.
Fostering collaborations with an array of musicians, establishing himself as thriving artist, musicians with a versatile approach to the modern Afrobeat.
He has revolutionized the new sounds with his London life infused with the original roots of the Lagos Afrobeats rhythms with raw horns and energetic percussions intertwined with the soaring voices and melodies.
This party promises to uplift the spirits and harmonise the soul for a feel-good factor.
** NOTE EARLY START!!** Doors open 7pm for a 7.30pm start.
The 31st tour for this band of friends! We are delighted to welcome Feast of Fiddles‘s 2026 lineup back to WemsFest! Join us for an incredible evening of live music with Garry Blakeley, Hugh Crabtree, Mark Jolley, Dave Harding, Tom Leary, Dave Mattacks, Martin Vincent, Marion Fleetwood, Simon Swarbrick, and Phil Beer
Born in Nettlebed on Valentine’s Day 1994 as a one-off special concert, Feast of Fiddles has done 30 spring tours, nearly as many festivals, and has 7 CDs to its name. Not bad for a bunch of old folk-rockers!
This is a band of friends that puts on a show of huge dynamic range performed with passion, joy and a liberal dose of fun. Fiddlers Garry Blakeley (Band of Two), Marion Fleetwood (Trad Arr, Sandy Denny Project), Mark Jolley (Banter), Simon Swarbrick (Merry Hell), Tom Leary (Joe Brown), Phil Beer (Show of Hands) bring a large range of fiddle playing styles to the rock back-line – all held together by melodeon player and compere Hugh Crabtree, guitar player Martin Vincent, bass player Dave Harding, and legendary drummer Dave Mattacks. As this is the 30th anniversary of the band you can expect to see and hear past member special guests along the way. Keep an eye open for tour news on our website. This is a live music entertainment like no other on the circuit which is guaranteed to be enjoyed by even the most doubting of friends dragged along!
“Absolutely awesome!” – Sue Marchant, BBC East
“Britain’s fiddling supergroup” – Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2
“The best fiddle players of a generation” – Ian A Anderson
If you require special assistance or have mobility difficulties, please contact us in advance at adwemsfest@gmail.com or 07802 500 050 and we will do our very best to accommodate you so that you are comfortable.
Please don’t try to park on Church Path or the other small local roads – there is plenty of free car parking in local car parks, on Bridge Street and behind Tesco Express on North Street.
The East Pointers (support from Anouska Assisi)
We are delighted to welcome The East Pointers back to WemsFest in January 2026!
JUNO Award-winners The East Pointers are innovators within the ever-evolving genre of modern folk, crafting a joy-conjuring, dancefloor-shaking, roof-rattling fusion of folk, pop, and dance music. In the studio, six records have captured the furious energy of their live shows, adding to the legacy of East Coast folk while lighting a path for a new generation of music lovers.
Already internationally acknowledged as musical trailblazers, on their newest offering, Schoonertown, to be released January 23, 2026, The East Pointers have come home. Equal parts origin story and statement of craft, Schoonertown captures the moments that shaped their youth: nights out with the boys, the dizzy romance of first love, sprawling families and small towns, two weeks on in a bleak winter, kitchen parties and vinyl records and tape decks, every mistake, every late night, every long drive, beer and cigarettes and fights, laughing until you can’t breathe, ambition rising like a king tide, the piss and vinegar of youth, the sun emerging so bright over the horizon you have to shield your eyes–the devastation and exhilaration of all of it.
Since their debut album, Secret Victory, took home the 2017 JUNO Award for Traditional Album of the Year, The East Pointers have cemented their place as a defining voice in contemporary folk music. Their music, streamed millions of times over each month, has been featured on television, film, and broadcast, and their acoustic performances on social media have been shared by the likes of Ed Sheeran and Mumford & Sons. They regularly light up stages across Australia, Japan, the UK, Europe, Mexico, New Zealand, the USA, and Canada, and each fall they bring that energy back home to Prince Edward Island, where they host Goolaholla!, a festival celebrating music, community, and the spirit of the East Coast.
Acoustic pop singer-songwriterAnouska Assisiblends a broad range of musical influences into a distinctive and engaging sound. Her songs combine catchy hooks with thoughtful, relatable lyrics, creating music that truly connects with listeners. Inspired by pop icons such as Ed Sheeran and KT Tunstall, Anouska uses a loop station to build original music live on stage, performing across the UK. She transforms songs from a single guitar strum into a full production within minutes, using only her voice, guitar, and pedals.
In November 2025, Anouska released her much-anticipated second EP, You’re My Light. The EP captures the extraordinary, ever-changing emotions of being in love, with tracks featured on BBC Introducing. We can’t wait to hear these tracks live!
In 2026, WemsFest adds Room 12 to its quiver of venues. Formerly The Vestry, Room 12 is Chichester’s brand-new destination for live music, DJ events, comedy, and alternative nightlife, bringing a fresh and exciting energy to the city’s entertainment scene. Designed with a sleek, monochrome aesthetic and an edgy, underground vibe, the venue is built for those who crave exceptional live performances, high-quality sound, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Please note that this is an 18+ show only. Licensed bar til late.
Doors open 6.30pm for a 7pm start (Anouska Assisi) before The East Pointers come on stage at 8pm
Unreserved (minimal) seating with plenty of room for dancing
All profits from ticket sales are reinvested in the local community – AKA musical workshops in local schools during Black History Month.
We will also be shaking the bucket for our chosen charity this year, raising money forCardiac Risk in the Young 💪🏽❤️💪🏽- please help us support this vital charity, in memory of Koady Chaisson who is deeply missed on stage!
If you require special assistance or have mobility difficulties, please contact us in advance at adwemsfest@gmail.com or 07802 500 050 and we will do our very best to accommodate you so that you are comfortable.
Rum Ragged
JUNO Award Nominees, Rum Ragged, take a bold approach to the distinct folk music of their home, the Eastern Canadian island of Newfoundland. With a reverence for their roots and a creative, contemporary edge, this young band has quickly become known as the finest performers of their great, living, musical tradition.
Boasting bouzouki, fiddle, bodhran, banjo, guitar, and button accordion, these new champions of East Coast music enliven and enlighten audiences with their signature brand of Newfoundland folk. Always honest, thought-provoking, and often humorous, it’s Rum Ragged’s live show that makes them a fast favourite with any audience. Their combination of striking vocal harmonies, staggering musicianship, and captivating storytelling gives concert-goers an experience they won’t soon forget.
Since their inception in 2016, Rum Ragged has maintained a rigorous tour schedule, performing at some of the world’s premier folk, celtic and roots venues all while managing to record four acclaimed, award-winning studio albums. Rum Ragged is not your run-of-the-mill folk band, they are the genuine article.
Rum Ragged will play The Old Malthouse (AKA Chidham Village Hall, Main Road, Chidham, West Sussex, PO18 8TP) on Saturday 24th January
Doors open 7.30pm for an 8pm show.
Unreserved seating
As always, we’ll have our licensed bar serving delicious beers from Langham Brewery as well as wines, local cider, nonalcoholic beers, and soft drinks
This year our charity bucket on the bar is fundraising for Cardiac Risk in the Young, and all profits from bar and ticket sales are reinvested into our local community
If you require special assistance or have mobility difficulties, please contact us in advance at adwemsfest@gmail.com or 07802 500 050 and we will do our very best to accommodate you so that you are comfortable.
The Errol Linton Band – 4th Emsworth ‘January Blues’ Festival – in association with Harbour Records
A welcome return to the Emsworth BluesFest for Errol Linton, who has graced our WemsFest stage several times over the years, always impressing us with his true-blue voice, wailing harmonica skills, and brilliant band.
We are delighted to have him closing out our 4th Emsworth ‘January Blues’ Festival! Presented in association with Harbour Records, this weekend festival will feature two nights of ticketed shows at St James Church Parish Hall on Friday and Saturday night, and a Saturday afternoon of FREE performances at various pubs in Emsworth.
This year our charity bucket on the bar is fundraising for Cardiac Risk in the Young, and all profits from bar and ticket sales are reinvested into our local community
If you require special assistance or have mobility difficulties, please contact us in advance at adwemsfest@gmail.com or 07802 500 050 and we will do our very best to accommodate you so that you are comfortable.
Lucca Mae & her band – with support from Michael & Sadie Roach – 4th Emsworth ‘January Blues’ Festival – in association with Harbour Records
Lucca Mae is a rising star on the burgeoning London Soul / Rock‘n’Roll scene. Taking cues from the likes of Sam Cooke, Amy Winehouse & Paolo Nutini, her singing, songwriting, and performance is second to none.
With sold out gigs under her belt in the UK, Australia & Canada, alongside her solo weekly residency at the legendary Marquis Covent Garden, Lucca Mae is well underway and is taking over the UK, one gig at a time.
We are delighted to have her opening up our 4th Emsworth ‘January Blues’ Festival! Presented in association with Harbour Records, this weekend festival will feature two nights of ticketed shows at St James Church Parish Hall on Friday and Saturday night, and a Saturday afternoon of FREE performances at various pubs in Emsworth.
“As far as I’m concerned The London scene is Lucca Mae, Laurie Wright & The Molotovs” ~ Steve White (Paul Weller/Style Council drummer)
“Outstanding, I want to play drums on her album.” ~ (Alan White – Oasis drummer)
“She’s got a beautiful voice… tell her to holler when she comes out to LA” ~ Tom Brenneck, Dunham Records
Lucca Mae – with support from Michael & Sadie Roach – will play St James Church Parish Hall (20A Church Path, Emsworth, Hampshire, PO10 7DP) on Friday 16th January
Doors open 7.30pm for an 8pm show
Unreserved seating
As always, we’ll have our licensed bar serving delicious beers from Langham Brewery as well as wines, local cider, nonalcoholic beers, and soft drinks
This year our charity bucket on the bar is fundraising for Cardiac Risk in the Young, and all profits from bar and ticket sales are reinvested into our local community
If you require special assistance or have mobility difficulties, please contact us in advance at adwemsfest@gmail.com or 07802 500 050 and we will do our very best to accommodate you so that you are comfortable.
Maroon Town, with DJ Rob Moore – Celebrating WemsFest’s 15th birthday!
What a Christmas Party this is going to be !
After last year’s ‘unfortunate mix-up’ we’re delighted to welcome back the band who bring smiles to everyone’s faces and fill the dance floor with joyously uplifting reggae/ska music. DJ Rob Moore will keep the party going !
Early booking advised. Same ticket prices as 2024. Licensed Bar helps support WemsFest.
WemsFest is 15 years old! And what better way to celebrate than to bring some of our favourites back to Westbourne?!
That’s right, Maroon Town’s back!
Expect a blistering night on the dance floor with Deuan and all the gang playing the best original ska, reggae, rap, and dub to get you out of your seat and feeling the beat
Maroon Town are:
Lenval Brown, Sanjaie James, Deuan German, Rajan Datar, Andres Pellegrino, Simon Finch, Aaron Liddard, James Lawrence, & Mindy Juozapavicius
As always, we’ll have our licensed bar serving delicious beers from Langham Brewery as well as wines, local cider, nonalcoholic beers, and soft drinks
Tickets on sale now at Bookends and Harbour Records Emsworth in Emsworth village, and online at www.WeGotTickets.com/WemsFest
This year our charity bucket on the bar is fundraising for Cardiac Risk in the Young , and all profits from bar and ticket sales are reinvested into our local community
The Jeremiahs
One of the fastest selling Irish bands we’ve ever promoted. Winners of countless awards in Ireland, Germany, USA and beyond. They bring a classy freshness to traditional Irish music!
The Jeremiahs will play The Old Malthouse (AKA Chidham Village Hall, PO18 8TP) on Saturday 6th December
Doors open 7.30pm for an 8pm show.
Unreserved seating
As always, we’ll have our licensed bar serving delicious beers from Langham Brewery as well as wines, local cider, nonalcoholic beers, and soft drinks
Tickets on sale now at Bookends and Harbour Records Emsworth in Emsworth village, and online at www.WeGotTickets.com/WemsFest
This year our charity bucket on the bar is fundraising for Cardiac Risk in the Young , and all profits from bar and ticket sales are reinvested into our local community
If you require special assistance or have mobility difficulties, please contact us in advance and we will do our very best to accommodate you so that you are comfortable.
Flook – celebrating their 30th anniversary!
Anglo-Irish cutting edge folk music doesn’t get much better that this !
Flook are returning to WemsFest, to celebrate their 30th anniversary!
Weds 26th Nov 8pm
St James Church, Emsworth, PO10 7BY
What began in 1995 as a ground-breaking union of musicians and instruments, has continued as a unique musical offering through one live album, four studio albums and countless outstanding performances.
A new recording is due for release in early 2025. After 30 years Flook show no sign of letting-up in their brilliance, their dynamism, or their inventive flair.
The band early on evolved an inimitable trademark sound and hold fast to their rightful reputation as exceptional musical innovators; the whistles and flutes of Brian Finnegan and Sarah Allen, the guitar of Ed Boyd and the bodhran of John Joe Kelly weaving and spinning tunes rooted in tradition over precise acoustic grooves, with a rare blend of fiery technical brilliance, delicate ensemble interaction and a bold, adventurous musical imagination.
There is an ever present abundance of individual virtuosity amongst Flook’s four members, but there is also something wholly unique when this iconic Anglo-Irish band step on stage together, their playing always an intuitive, almost symbiotic, exchange between the various flutes, whistles, frets and skins. An evening and a celebration you don’t want to miss out on.
‘An absolute powerhouse, a flute and whistle-led, eight-legged jig machine. Jigs, reels and waltzes whirl by. Each as glorious as the last, the musicianship as extraordinary, the mood never any less than euphoric’ – Fatea Magazine Live Review, November 2023
‘Nothing short of transcendent… No other band sound like Flook and the new material has pushed them to new, exhilarating heights’ – Songlines Magazine , July 2019
‘Never have I seen so many people so completely and utterly spellbound…the most magical of experiences’ – The Irish Post
Doors open 7.30pm for an 8pm show
Unreserved seating
As always, we’ll have our licensed bar serving delicious beers from Langham Brewery 🍻 as well as wines 🍷, local cider, nonalcoholic beers, and soft drinks
Echoes of Pentangle, Jethro Tull, and new Celtic sounds performed on a vast array of different instruments and covering five critically acclaimed albums. Their captivating live performances and exceptional musicianship has made them a must-see act.
Ranagri will play Westbourne Community Hall (AKA Westbourne Club, River Street, Westbourne, near Emsworth, PO10 8TG) on Thursday 20th November.
Doors open 7.30pm for an 8pm show.
Unreserved seating
As always, we’ll have our licensed bar serving delicious beers from Langham Brewery as well as wines, local cider, nonalcoholic beers, and soft drinks
Tickets on sale now at Bookends and Harbour Records Emsworth in Emsworth village, and online at www.WeGotTickets.com/WemsFest
This year our charity bucket on the bar is fundraising for Cardiac Risk in the Young , and all profits from bar and ticket sales are reinvested into our local community
If you require special assistance or have mobility difficulties, please contact us in advance and we will do our very best to accommodate you so that you are comfortable.
Tickets on sale now via Portsmouth Guildhall Box Office and via WemsFest’s direct ticketing link here: https://wegottickets.com/event/692444/
as well as wines, local cider, nonalcoholic beers, and soft drinks
