Nicknamed Poshstock, the Original Cornbury Festival is an eclectic and eccentric musical carnival with a dynamic festival-meets-village-fete feel. And it’s all so very quintessentially British. Spiffing!
Cornbury claims to be “England’s most civilised gathering” and it does exude a certain air of laidback country squire nonchalance. A favourite with the Cotswolds set, you just might bump into Jeremy Clarkson or even Prime Minister David Cameron and crew (his family, not the Cabinet).
You can take a leisurely amble around the farmers’ markets and nibble gorgeous homemade cakes in between strutting your stuff like a disco diva. Cornbury has all the colour of a local carnival, but with a cool contemporary twist. With music, comedy and family fun galore, there’s also a relaxing therapy and massage zone, proving that Cornbury has the makings of the perfect weekend of chilled out conviviality.
Walkabout entertainers, a circus tent and crafts can all be enjoyed in the kids’ zone, where you walk (or wobble) on stilts, shimmy a Bollywood dance routine or bang out some Glamba percussion. There’s plenty of top-notch music on the bill to get the whole family grooving. Dancing in the street? Nah, more like frolicking in the fields
Musical Maestros Highlights of the always impressive musical line-up include Sir Tom Jones, Supertramp founder Roger Hodgson, Razorlight, Billy Ocean, Blue, The Fratellis, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Chas N Dave, Larkin Poe, Lulu, and more.
Featured Fun This year’s comedy crew includes Aisling Bea, Joe Lycett, Katherine Ryan, Adam Hess, James Acaster, Felicity Ward, Ivo Graham, Massive Dad, Emma Sidi, David Elms, Elis James, Pierre Novellie, and Fin Taylor.
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 fever and Bollywood Dance workshops
- Enjoy the Big Balloon Experiment and the Marky Jay’s Monkey Magic show
- Family theatrical percussion show
- Clay making, creative croquet and face painting are all featured outdoor activities for kids
- Pop Up Circus and Walkabout Entertainers
- Ukelele adventures and miniature music
Chill Out Time A dedicated ‘Therapists & Healers’ area in the festival has morning Tai Chi sessions. Therapixie takes charge of getting you relaxed and rejuvenated with their aromatherapy, Bowen therapy, deep tissue massage and other healing sessions.
Dining Tables Gourmet goodies include everything from pizzas and pies to ice-cream and cakes: you’ll even get to tune into live performances of up and coming artists with your cappuccino at the Caffe Nero tent.
Happy Campers In keeping with its sophisticated air, there’s plenty of glamping options 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+), from £182 | 13–16 year-olds, from £94 | 3-12 year-olds, from £30 (with camping £35) | Under-3s, Free | Over 70s, from £94 | Capmervans (in addition to camping fee) £195
Day Pass Adult, from £89 | 13–16 year-olds, from £45 | 3-12 year-olds, from £15
Photography Credit: Cornbury Festival |
*** Want to see more family-friendly festivals for 2015. Check out our 12 We Love… Summer Festivals round-up ***