Christopher John is relishing the chance to perform on the opening night of the 2018 Wychwood Festival.

The Gloucester-based musician will be playing the acoustic stage at the annual music festival – held on the grounds of Cheltenham Racecourse – and says he’s looking forward to playing in front of one of the biggest crowds of his career. “To get a chance to perform at the Wychwood Festival is really exciting,” said Christopher. “For me there’s no greater thrill than getting on stage and entertaining the crowd. I’ve invited a few friends from my school days that will be coming along to see me, I can’t wait to catch up with them and hear their feedback. I’ve heard such good things from my fellow students about Wychwood, I can’t wait to get out there and share my music with the crowd.

“I’ve been wanting to pursue a career in music for many years now. I started playing the piano when I was very young, I’ve always had a desire to perform. I was involved in the Gloucester Operatic and Dramatic Society which really triggered my love of performing. I like to think I make expressive music, with lyrics that mean a lot to me.”

Christopher, who plays the piano as well as writing his own songs, recently finished his first year at the University of Gloucestershire where he’s studying for a degree in popular music. It was the facilities at the campus in Cheltenham that made him decide to stay in Gloucestershire to study. Continued Christopher: “To go to university so near to where I live is great. The set-up at the University is just incredible. The studios are on a par with what professional musicians use. We get to spend a lot of time in the studios, learning how to produce and edit our own material. Everything that’s required to succeed n the modern music business is on your doorstep. I love the course, the collaborative nature is really great, there’s a real team effort and everyone helps each other out.”

The song Christopher is most looking forward to playing at the festival is one he’s recently finished writing. “It’s a song that means a lot to me. It will get its first airing on June 1, on the opening night of Wychwood 2018. I’m really keen to hear what people think about it,” added Christopher.