This midsummer, Wiltshire’s Melksham Oakfield Stadium will come alive as the inaugural Wiltshire Throwback Festival welcomes iconic music stars including Tinchy Stryder, So Solid Crew, and Artful Dodger. The two-day festival, set for June 20 and 21, secured its licence following a thorough approval process by Wiltshire Council.
Initial concerns from Wiltshire Highways, Wiltshire Police, and Melksham Town Council centered around traffic congestion, parking, security measures, noise levels, and substance management. However, organisers Jarboom, led by directors Gary Cooke and Nico Menghini, addressed these issues by submitting comprehensive plans crafted with professional consultants. The plans covered medical safety, fire risk, noise control, drugs and alcohol policies, waste management, and security protocols, leading to the withdrawal of all objections.
To minimize noise impact on nearby residents, the festival stage and speakers will be oriented away from houses on Eastern Way, and music will conclude by 11 pm each night. Jarboom co-director Nico Menghini, who has extensive experience in the live music industry, expressed excitement after the approval: “We’re ecstatic, especially considering the amount of work we’ve put in to satisfy the authorities.”
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Nico shared his motivation to bring the festival experience he has seen internationally to his hometown, Melksham. “The first year is always the toughest. We’re already planning for year two and will improve based on what we learn this year,” he added. With 3,000 tickets available for each day, the festival is nearly sold out.
The lineup promises a nostalgic journey for attendees. Friday features Liz Mitchell of Boney M, ska legends Bad Manners, glam rock band Doctor and the Medics, and beloved ’80s TV personality Timmy Mallet. Saturday spotlights ’90s and early 2000s stars from hip-hop, R&B, and UK Garage, including So Solid Crew, Tinchy Stryder, Artful Dodger, Blazin’ Squad, and boyband 911. The early 2000s icons Dick & Dom will also spin records as DJs, perfectly fitting the festival’s throwback theme.
“We chose the Throwback theme because everyone enjoys a nostalgic trip down memory lane,” said Nico. “Having Dick & Dom involved was an easy decision—they perfectly capture the spirit of the festival’s vibe.”