Nicknamed Poshstock, the Original Cornbury Festival is an eclectic and eccentric musical carnival with a dynamic festival-meets-village fete feel.

With a capacity of up to 25,000, this is one of the larger festivals in our list, but it is nonetheless a pretty civilised affair. Indeed, you just might bump into Prime Minister David Cameron and crew (his family, not the Cabinet), as this is in his neck of the British woods.

Walkabout entertainers, a Circus Tent and a Performance Venue have all been set up just for families, so you can soon master some stilt walking, a Bollywood dance routine or some Glamba percussion playing

Musical Maestros Highlights include Jools Holland, Simple Minds, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Sam Bailey, Scouting for Girls, Arrested Development, Melanie C and Nina Nesbitt, and more.

Featured Fun This festival features a great line-up of comedy stars including Al Murray, Jeremy Hardy and Miles Jupp. There is also an extensive fairground and the return of the brilliant Festival of Words hosted by Qi and Unbound.

The Zones  The Pleasant Valley Stage; The Riverside Stage; the Songbird Stage; Absolute Radio Comedy Tent; Kids Area; Disco Shed; Fairground; Massage Area; VIP Area.

Kid Stuff

  • Circus skills workshop with Circus Kaos to perfect juggling, diabolo, plate spinning and stiltwalking
  • Bhangra dance and Bollywood Dance workshops
  • Pirate Pantomime
  • Family theatrical percussion show
  • Clay making and craft activities, including upcycled pen pots and funky puppet making
  • Pop Up Circus and Walkabout Entertainers.

Chill Out Time A dedicated Therapists & Healers area in the festival has morning Tai Chi sessions at 10am as well as an extensive range of massage therapies, acupressure, reiki and even past life regression sessions.

Dining Tables The food on offer from the festival’s traders is diverse and of the highest quality.

Happy Campers Go glamping style in the Great Tew arboretum with a choice of Podpads, Cloudhouses or Tipis. There are also regular camping options with quieter camping and space for campervans and caravans (passes for the latter must be purchased in advance).

THE PRICE TAG
Full Weekend Adult (17+), £170 (with camping £200) | 13–16 year-olds, £89 (with camping £120) | 3-12 year-olds, £30 (with camping £35) | Under-3s, Free
Day Pass Adult, from £78 | 13–16 year-olds, from £40 | 3-12 year-olds, from £15

Photography Credit: Cornbury Festival | Catherine O’Dolan

See more family friendly Festivals in the UK for 2014