Music, comedy, wellness and family entertainment come together at Claydon Estate as Found Festival prepares for its second year, with local residents eligible for heavily discounted tickets.
After a hugely successful debut last summer, Found Festival returns to the beautiful Claydon Estate over the August Bank Holiday weekend with another joy-filled celebration of music, creativity, comedy, wellness and community.
Taking place from 28th to 30th August 2026, the boutique Bucks festival has quickly earned a reputation for doing things differently. Created by the family behind the legendary Towersey Festival, Found swaps blockbuster headliners for what organisers affectionately call “head-turners not headliners”, championing discovery, atmosphere and connection over crowds.
Small by design and limited to just 2,000 people, the festival offers an intimate and welcoming experience set across the rolling parkland of the Claydon Estate. Yet despite its size, the programme rivals events many times bigger. This year’s musical line-up includes Oxford folk favourites Stornoway, fresh from a sold-out performance at the Royal Albert Hall, alongside acclaimed Americana outfit The Felice Brothers and Scotland’s electrifying Celtic stars Elephant Sessions. Comedy fans can look forward to performances from Shappi Khorsandi and Kiri Pritchard-McClean, plus live podcasts, late-night entertainment and more.
Beyond the stages, festival-goers can immerse themselves in yoga, breathwork, meditation, sound baths, dance workshops, lantern making, silent discos, lakeside fire shows and even clowning for grown-ups. Families are especially welcome, with storytelling, circus skills, street theatre and the magical Midnight Playground helping create a relaxed and imaginative atmosphere. New for 2026, all ticket holders will receive free entry to Claydon House, where leading contemporary gallery White Cube will present a special exhibition inspired by the estate’s rich history.
Found’s local roots remain central to its ethos. Rebellion Brewery will supply award-winning ales, Haddenham wellbeing specialists Firelight will lead the wellness programme and Bucks New University students will gain valuable hands-on festival experience.
People living in MK18, HP18, HP17 and OX9 postcodes can access heavily discounted tickets, with weekend passes priced at just £100 for adults and £20 for under-18s using the code FOUNDLOCAL.
Festival co-director Joe Heap says: “We’re creating something really special here – a festival built with love, creativity and community at its heart. We can’t wait to welcome people back.”
Ahead of Windsor Live, Madness frontman Suggs reflects on childhood memories of his jazz-singer mother, sneaking into Who concerts, losing his luggage in David Bowie’s driveway, the changing face of London’s music scene, and why Madness still attracts new generations of fans…
Hello Suggs! What’s your earliest memory of music, please?
“My mum used to sing in pubs. She was a jazz singer and back then loads of pubs had pianos. Someone would start playing and Mum would sing for hours. It’s great, looking back. But as a kid, it was deeply embarrassing and you knew you weren’t getting home any time soon.”
Who were your musical heroes growing up?
“The Who were massive for me. I bunked into a gig at Charlton football ground and years later I actually paid Roger Daltrey the two quid I owed him. He was all right about it. They had laser beams and all this incredible stuff going on. Hearing Baba O’Riley live was unbelievable. My favourite was Cockney Rebel; I loved Make Me Smile. You’d carry albums around school like badges, to look cool: Bowie, Bob Marley, Roxy Music. Pre-mobile phones this, and what you wore, showed people who you were.”
Have you ever been starstruck?
“David Bowie would be right up there. He came backstage once in New York, in the early 1980s – that was a bit of a shocker. He invited us to stay with him in Switzerland once. We drove up this mountain road to this amazing house cut into the hillside and there was Bowie himself waving us into a sort of Bond villain lair. But we forgot the suitcases were strapped to the roof of the car. All our T-shirts and underwear went flying down his driveway. Not very cool.”
What can we all expect from you at Windsor Live?
“Outdoor gigs are always brilliant if the weather’s good. The sun’s shining, everyone’s having a great time. Bringing a bit of joy. We’ve got festivals pretty much every weekend through summer now. We still really enjoy it.”
Do you miss the London Madness started out in?
“You’ve got to be careful of the grumpy old man thing, ‘shut up, Dad!’ But yes: London’s changed massively. Young people just can’t afford it now. Back then you could move there with nothing and somehow survive. There used to be railway arches, squats, empty buildings, pubs everywhere. Especially Camden. You could rehearse so cheaply and there were loads of little venues to play. Most of those are gone now and that’s a real tragedy for young bands.”
How do Madness keep going after all these years?
“We’re like a dysfunctional family. Of course we argue. But arguing’s healthy. I’ve seen bands who never argue and then suddenly hate each other. It’s remarkable we’re still alive really, given what we put ourselves through over the years, haha! We were meant to have a quieter year but people keep asking us back. I don’t know why.”
Do younger audiences still connect with Madness?
“That’s the amazing thing. We still get loads of young people coming to gigs. I think we appeal to young people because we’re all pretty stupid. But people still dig this stuff. It’s a miracle really and it’s a real privilege.”
Oxford youth music organisation In-Spire Sounds has secured £7,000 from Thames Valley Police to expand support for young people at risk of exploitation, as it celebrates a new education accreditation and the release of a debut mixtape.
An Oxford-based youth music organisation has secured £7,000 from Thames Valley Police to expand its work supporting young people at risk of exploitation, violence and exclusion from education – with participants already showcasing their talents on a newly released mixtape.
In-Spire Sounds CIC, which operates from professional recording studios on Park End Street, will use the funding to deliver targeted music programmes across Oxfordshire, helping young people build confidence, develop skills and access mentoring before they reach crisis point.
The grant supports the organisation’s preventative approach, using music production, songwriting and creative mentoring to re-engage young people who face barriers in mainstream education or are vulnerable to criminal exploitation.
The funding comes as In-Spire celebrates a major milestone, having recently become an accredited Alternative Education Provider. The accreditation enables young people aged 12 to 25 to gain recognised qualifications alongside taking part in its music and wellbeing programmes.
Funding boost for Oxford youth music charity
The funding will help In-Spire expand its reach across Oxfordshire at a time when many young people are facing increasing challenges around mental health, school exclusion and social isolation.
Since launching in 2020, the organisation says it has supported more than 250 young people each year through workshops in rap, R&B, electronic music, lyric writing, beat-making and music production.
By combining creative opportunities with pastoral support and mentoring, the CIC aims to help young people build confidence, reconnect with education and develop positive futures.
Debut mixtape showcases young talent
The impact of the project can already be heard on IN THE MIX: Volume 1, a 12-track mixtape written, recorded and performed entirely by young people involved with In-Spire.
Released in May 2026 and launched at a dedicated Oxford event, the compilation features rap, R&B and electronic music, with proceeds from Bandcamp sales and donations helping to fund future studio sessions.
The release provides a platform for participants to share their work with the wider community while gaining hands-on experience of the music industry.
Working alongside music industry mentors
Participants learn from a team of established music professionals, including High Focus Records artist Kemastry, producer and engineer Sam Mansell, whose clients have included the BBC, Adobe, Warner Music and the University of Oxford, and UK hip-hop artist Evolucian.
Founder and director Kingsley “King” Boyden said: “We provide a structured, safe space where young people can build confidence, develop skills and see a future for themselves.”
He added: “Our ultimate goal is for young people not to need us anymore. If they don’t need us anymore, that’s success.”
New qualifications and pathways into creative careers
As an accredited Alternative Education Provider, In-Spire can now offer recognised qualifications alongside its creative programmes, giving young people additional routes into further education, employment and the creative industries.
The organisation also works to improve access to music careers for young people from lower-income backgrounds, ethnic minority communities, LGBTQ+ communities and those living with disabilities.
With fresh funding secured, an expanding education offer and a debut release showcasing participants’ achievements, In-Spire Sounds hopes to continue creating opportunities for young people across Oxfordshire through the power of music.
For more information, visit the In-Spire Sounds website.
The Oxford International Song Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary this October 2026.
One of Oxford’s most treasured cultural events is preparing to celebrate a milestone year, as the Oxford International Song Festival marks its 25th anniversary this autumn with an ambitious programme exploring one timeless theme… love.
Running from Friday 9 to Saturday 24 October 2026, this year’s festival presents 59 events inspired by love in all its forms, from romance and devotion to heartbreak, longing and creative passion.
Audiences can expect world-class recitals, intimate lunchtime concerts, late-night performances, talks, masterclasses and special premieres across some of Oxford’s most iconic venues.
At the heart of the celebrations is Artistic Director Sholto Kynoch, who has curated a rich and varied programme bringing together some of the biggest names in classical song.
Opening night sees celebrated mezzo-soprano Dame Sarah Connolly perform at Oxford’s newly opened Schwarzman Centre, marking the festival’s first event in the striking new venue.
The following evening, acclaimed baritone Matthias Goerne makes his festival debut with a performance of Winterreise, one of classical music’s most powerful explorations of love and loss.
Other star names across the fortnight include Roderick Williams, Alice Coote, Carolyn Sampson and Dame Imogen Cooper, performing in venues including the historic Holywell Music Room, Europe’s oldest purpose-built concert hall.
The festival also looks firmly to the future, with several world premieres from emerging composers and a dedicated New Generation Day in partnership with BBC Radio 3, showcasing rising stars of the classical world.
A central weekend on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October is devoted to Franz Schubert, marking 200 years since the composer’s final creative period, with performances, discussions and masterclasses celebrating his extraordinary song legacy.
Accessibility remains at the heart of the festival’s mission, with thousands of tickets priced under £20 and £10 tickets available for under-35s.
Whether you are a lifelong classical music lover or simply curious to experience something extraordinary, Oxford’s silver anniversary festival promises two unforgettable weeks of music, poetry and emotion.
Expect rounds of ap-paws all round at the end of get togethers in Farnham where Dogs Choir is bringing together singers with two legs and those with four.
Puppy Love, Who Let the Dogs Out, Hound Dog – you’d expect them all to be on the set list for members of a very special choir in Farnham.
Jeanine founded Singing with Dogs UK in 2020 which has since led to its subsidiary Dogs Choir UK. The choir welcomes dog lovers, dog owners and dog carers of all ages, from 11 upwards with an adult, with the simple idea of reducing loneliness.
“One issue for dog owners is that much of the time, they can’t bring their dogs to classes, which creates a barrier. It can also be quite isolating to have a dog, so Dogs Choir brings together ‘dog people’ – owners and carers – to do something they love,” Jeanine explains.
“The dogs sometimes vocalise, but mainly enjoy the music, bond with their owners, and are also helped to socialise with other dogs. We are going to be starting the Howlelujah Chorus soon, as an ongoing project.”
Dogs Choir runs every Sunday in Farnham and a portion of any profits is donated to nominated dog rescues, and as a grassroots choir will continue to grow.
Dogs must be kept on their leads, and everyone coming has to bring a dog, due to licensing.
Having moved to Farnham last year, Jeanine is keen to grow her roots there too as a descendant of the Hack family stretching back to 1520 and says she “definitely feels a tangible connection with the Wrecclesham area” adding that she recently found her ancestral graves after months of looking in Green Lane Cemetery.
“My great grandfather was the cemetery caretaker when George Sturt passed away, so he would have buried him. I found my great, great, great grandparents’ house (who had 15 children) recently, in Middle Bourne Lane, and the owner’s tennis coach is George Sturt’s descendant. So it’s a very small world!
“My ancestral churches are St Thomas on the Bourne (they all got christened and married on the former site), St Andrew’s Farnham (around the 1700s was the Hack’s church) and St Peter’s Wrecclesham. There is a Hack plot there, and I am trying to find my grandad’s first wife, Florence Amy Wilkinson, who died young.
“The Hack family were hop growers and farmers, but were also strong and carved gravestones (my grandad) – who is mentioned in one of George Sturt’s history books as a young boy in petticoats!”
Jeanine is also an actor and is exploring the possibility of a youth theatre project about her history and the history of Wrecclesham and the Bourne which she thinks is important younger people know about.
Anyone interested should email her at hello@grammaticarts.com.
For more on the choir contact Jeanine on dogschoiruk@hotmail.com and see more at facebook.com/DogsChoirUKSingwithYourDog.
Experience unforgettable live music in one of Berkshire’s most spectacular historic settings.
We’re giving one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of tickets to a show of their choice at Heritage Live at Englefield Estate – a truly spectacular summer series set within one of the country’s most beautiful historic estates.
Taking place from 23rd to 26th July at Englefield Estate, the open-air concerts transform the rolling parkland into a world-class live music destination, blending heritage scenery with unforgettable performances.
This year’s line-up is packed with iconic names across four huge nights, including Faithless, Richard Ashcroft, Ministry of Sound Classical and UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, alongside special guests across each date.
From orchestral dance anthems to classic indie and reggae favourites, each night offers a completely different atmosphere – set against the backdrop of the estate’s sweeping parkland and historic house.
With previous years welcoming some of the world’s biggest artists, Heritage Live has built a reputation for pairing iconic music with extraordinary settings, creating some of the UK’s most memorable summer nights.
How to enter
To enter our prize draw, fill in the form below before 12pm on Friday 3 July 2026.
The LP Swing Orchestra returns to Wycombe Swan Theatre this May, with a spectacular swing concert raising funds for Karibuni Children.
A century of swing is coming to Wycombe Swan Theatre this spring, as the LP Swing Orchestra presents its spectacular fundraising concert, Another… 100 Years of Big Band Music, on Sunday 31 May 2026.
Led by acclaimed Artistic Director Georgina Jackson – who will both sing and play trumpet throughout the performance – the 17-piece orchestra will be joined by celebrated vocalists Matthew Ford and Nicola Emmanuelle for an afternoon of timeless swing classics and modern big-band favourites.
Audiences can expect a musical journey spanning 100 years, from the New Orleans sound of Louis Armstrong and the Paul Whiteman Orchestra to the golden age of Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Glenn Miller.
The programme includes iconic songs such as Mack the Knife, St Louis Blues, What a Wonderful World, I’ve Got You Under My Skin and The Lady is a Tramp, alongside contemporary hits associated with Michael Bublé and Harry Connick Jr – while paying tribute to legendary big-band vocalists like Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sammy Davis Jr.
Fans of last year’s performance can also look forward to the return of the orchestra’s much-loved rendition of Rhapsody in Blue.
More than just an afternoon of world-class music, the concert will raise funds for Karibuni Children, a Buckinghamshire charity helping communities in Kenya through education, vocational training and sustainable development projects.
David Farmer, Chair of Karibuni Children, expressed his sincere thanks to the LP Swing Orchestra and Wycombe Swan for their support of this fundraising concert. He stated, “I can’t think of a better combination for a May Sunday afternoon – listening to an exceptional big band playing some of my favourite music, while raising money for a great cause. I am hoping that we can fill the Wycombe Swan with like-minded people!”
Another… 100 Years of Big Band Music takes place at 3pm on Sunday 31 May 2026 at Wycombe Swan Theatre.
Karibuni Children is a Buckinghamshire-based charity that works to help Kenyan children to fulfil their potential and release themselves from the cycle of poverty.
Liz Nicholls invites you to get stuck into our festivals guide, packed with local highlights, powered by people power for real feel-good vibes.
MAY
Surrey Hills International Music Festival (6th–17th May) offers performances from VOCES8, Alim Beisembayev & more in picturesque local venues; shimf.co.uk
Check out the buzzing grassroots line-up for Are You Listening? on 9th & 10th May across Reading venues at areyoulistening.org.uk
Back to food (again!). We’re hungry for Pub in the Park Marlow, 14th–17th May, serving up a fresh feast of celebrity chefs and live music. From McFly to Razorlight, Craig David to Gabrielle, enjoy foodie stars including our cover star Raymond Blanc, Matt Tebutt, Atul Kochhar, James Martin & more. A new ingredient for 2026 is the The Author’s Table, featuring Michelin-starred storytellers. pubintheparkuk.com
Green & gorgeous Wood returns to Braziers Park, 15th-17th May, with The Dreaming Spires, Falle Nioke & more; woodhq.org
RamsFest returns to Ramsbury Brewery & Distillery in Wiltshire on 15th & 16th May, with beer and live music from the likes of RPJ Band (fronted by Rick Parfitt Jnr) & The Zoots; ramsbury.com
Also tuck into the wonderful Witney Festival of Food & Drink on 16th May with treats galore for charity; wfofad.co.uk. And don’t miss the delightful Dorchester Festival at Dorchester Abbey near Abingdon, 1st-10th May; dorchesterfestival.com
Shindig Festival, set in the arboretum at Charlton Park Estate (former home of WOMAD, more of which in a mo…) has been dubbed a “pint-sized Glastonbury” by Emily Eavis, and for good reason. Now in its 12th year, this independent favourite, 21st- 24th May, blends music, art & family-friendly fun with late nights, creative corners and plenty of space to explore. Leading the 2026 Shindig line-up are Bob Vylan, Fat Dog, WAR and Chali 2NA; visit shindigfestival.co.uk
Chesham Fringe Festival returns 22nd–24th May with theatre, comedy and music across 14 venues. From intimate spoken word to soaring vocals and kids’ fun, a third of shows are free, the rest pay-as-you-go. This year’s highlight supports Chesham Youth Centre, The Hospice of St Francis, and Creative Bucks. The Fringe Makers volunteers help make the magic happen; cheshamfringe.com
The 53rd edition of Chippenham Folk Festival, 22nd-25th May, will offer folk, dance, workshops and more across 13 stages throughout the town; chippfolk.co.uk
For a laid-back, family-friendly vibe with glamping options, Shynefest, 29th & 30th May, has just been announced as a finalist in the Muddy Stilettos Awards The line-up includes Abba tribute Mania, Mardy Bums, The Fanzines, The Upbeat Beatles, The Mustard, The Sound of ACDC, Miss America (a tribute to Taylor Swift), Dick Mavis, Doubting Thomas and Coco La Funk. Visit shynefest.uk
Imagine a summer music festival – but designed entirely for dogs. That’s exactly what Dogstival delivers, promising to be the greatest party for dogs. Returning to the New Forest on 30th & 31st May, it features the UK’s original dog-only beach, a giant foam party, pup-tails at the Pop & Bark Bar, Lady & The Tramp styled doggy afternoon tea, doggy skateboarding, sausage making, The Muddy Paws Tavern, the Pup Art Cafe and lots more; dogstival.co.uk
JUNE
Find more family fun (including circus skills and music) at ffennell Festival in Cumnor, Oxford, on 6th June; hill-end.org
Forest Live at Westonbirt Arboretum has various bobby dazzlers in June, including Becky Hill, Billy Ocean, Fatboy Slim & the Kooks; forestlive.com/westonbirtarboretum
Jazz lovers, book in for stellar performances on Saturday, 6th June, for Wycombe Jazz Festival; wycombejazzfestival.com
Marlow Town Regatta returns on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th June. Expect exciting side-by-side rowing, food stalls, live music and a lively, social atmosphere. Community favourite Marlow Rock Bottom Festival returns on 20th June; marlowrockbottom.com
Raising cheer, and funds for Hampshire Medical Fund, Good Festival at Dummer Down Farm on Sunday, 14th June, offers live music, family fun and wellness; goodfestival.co.uk
With its ancient woodland and wild meadows, Wasing near Aldermaston is the most wonderful place to relax. Prue Leith & more will star at the Well Read literary festival on 14th June, plus On The Mount at Wasing, 26th June to 4th July, will star MIKA, Self Esteem, Pixies, Belle & Sebastian & more; wasing.co.uk
The iconic Isle of Wight Festival, 18th–21st June, stars Calvin Harris, The Cure, Lewis Capaldi, Rita Ora and more over the Solent; isleofwightfestival.com. And TOTFest at Kempton Park on 20th June promises lots of fun including Bounceland! totfestfestival.com
Don’t miss the fifth Iford Manor Jazz Festival, 18th-21st June near Bath, curated by legendary jazz singer Claire Martin OBE; ifordmanor.co.uk
The elegant Tilford Bach Festival near Farnham, 19th–21st June, now in its 74th year, celebrates the timeless music of JS Bach in an intimate and atmospheric setting; tilfordbachfestival.com
At the other end of the spectrum, Southampton Summer Sessions brings a stellar line-up to the south coast, including Paul Weller, The Beach Boys, Skunk Anansie and more; smmrsessions.com
The mighty Sigala will hit the decks at Electric Hills (formerly Rowachella) at Aston Rowant Cricket Club on 20th June, plus Kelli-Leigh, Bloc Off The Wall & more; electrichills.co.uk
Mindset Unlimited Festival on 21st June in Wokingham offers wellness, talks, movement and music; mindsetunlimited.co.uk
There’s no Glastonbury this year, folks… But who cares when you’ve got Astonbury?! The family-friendly beauty at Astons Rec near Didcot offers live music 2-11.30pm on 27th June, including fabulous five-piece covers band Big Cheese; tickettailor.com (search for “Astonbury”). And cheers to Charlbury Beer Festival on 27th June; charlburybeerfestival.org while the new Blenheim Palace Festival, 27th June to 4th July, stars (wait for it) Alanis Morissette, Katy Perry, Skin, Pete Tong, Michael Bublé and more; blenheimpalace.com
JULY
Loyle Carner, De La Soul, Sister Sledge and The Temptations & The Four Tops (yes, really!) will star at Love Supreme Jazz Festival, 3rd–5th July, at Glynde Place in East Sussex; lovesupremefestival.com.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor is bringing her pure disco joy to award-winning Guilfest (4th & 5th July). Expect glittering anthems and sing-along moments, plus she’s sharing the bill with The Proclaimers and a Rudimental DJ set; guilfest.co.uk. You can also catch Sophie at Hampton Court Palace Festival in June, as well as David Gray, Pete Tong and Nile Rodgers; hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com
Enjoy music, sensory spaces, comedy, animals, inclusive sport, street food & more at Parallel Windsor on 5th July; parallellifestyle.com
FiFest on 10th & 11th July near Maidenhead promises great vibes and Liberty X, The Fratellis, Pixie Lott, Woody Cook, Ministry of Youth & more;fifest.co.uk
The wellness-focused gem Oh Shala Festival returns to Penn in Buckinghamshire, 10th–12th July, with music, workshops, healing & oodles of community spirit; ohshalafestival.com
Families will find street food, children’s fun, community bands and more in Flackwell Heath with Heath Fest on Saturday, 11th July; fhra.co.uk/heath-fest
On various dates in July, Heritage Live at Englefield offers Faithless, Richard Ashcroft, Ministry of Sound & more; heritagelive.net and we’re excited to don our glad rags for the bouji riverside Henley Festival, 8th to 12th July, starring acts including Boy George, Lulu, Björn Again, Ezra Collective & more plus Julian Clary & other comedy greats; henley-festival.co.uk
Classic Ibiza at Bowood House near Calne in Wiltshire on 17th & 18th July is an open-air celebration of Ibiza-inspired house music, reinvented by a 45-piece orchestra, headline DJs and live vocalists; classicibiza.co.uk
The Party in the Paddock race days at Newbury offer Gipsy Kings on 17th July, Ronan Keating on 19th July, Tinie Tempah on 14th August and Jessie J on 15th August; newburyracecourse.co.uk.
With 14 incredible tribute acts including Typically Tina, two stages, a silent disco and fun fair, Marvellous Festival is back to rock Wokingham on 18th & 19th July; marvellousfestivals.com. And the free Charlbury Riverside Festival returns to west Oxfordshire on 18th & 19th July; charlburyriverside.org
WOMAD, AKA “the world’s festival” lands at Neston Park near Corsham, 23rd-26th July. Leading the NTS-curated charge are a hand-picked selection of DJs whose sets traverse continents and genres. Enjoy music from the likes Cami Layé Oyún, Cheb Mimo, Coco María, Ruby Khaira, Shannen SP and more. One of the world’s most colourful celebrations of music, culture and community, expect an irresistible mix of global artists, family fun, food, workshops and wellbeing where every corner brings a new sound, flavour or experience; womad.co.uk
“The UK’s most warped village fête”, Truck Festival returns to Steventon, 23rd-26th July, with a banging line-up including Cmat, The Libertines, Primal Scream, Kaiser Chiefs & more; truckfestival.com
We love Camp Bestival in Dorset, 30th July–2nd August, with Slomo Wellbeing, family fun and a line-up including Fatboy Slim & Friends, Self Esteem & Leftfield; dorset.campbestival.net
Stowaway Festival returns to the wondrous Stowe woodland (where that glitterball will shine), 31st July–2nd August. This year’s line-up includes cutting-edge electronic and drum’n’bass acts including Nightmares on Wax, Say She She, London Elektricity, and DJ Zinc; stowawayfestival.co.uk
AUGUST
Are you, like our cover star Raymond Blanc OBE, hungry for a sunny summer of connection, live entertainment and delicious food? Over at Blenheim Palace Food Festival, 23rd -25th May, foodies are in for a treat with top chefs including our cover star Raymond Blanc & Matt Tebbutt; blenheimpalace.com
Ready for a blast from the past? Retro Festival celebrates six decades of music at Newbury Showground, 7th–9th August. Enjoy vintage vehicles, fashion and timeless hits across three stages. You can go for the day or camp for four nights; dressing up is fun! retrofestival.co.uk
Boomtown Festival will transform Matterley Estate near Winchester into a radically redesigned world of music, theatre & storytelling, 12th-16th August; boomtownfair.co.uk
Royal Windsor Live, 13th-15th August, stars ska legends Madness after the racing (watch this space for my interview with Suggs), Five and more; yoursummerlive.co.uk/windsor
Check out Raver Tots at Reading’s Prospect Park on 16th August; ravertots.co.uk, great local bands at Wokingham Festival, 22nd-24th August; wokinghamfestival.co.uk and Rock the Rec in Windsor on 30th August; rocktherec.co.uk.
There’s no Glasto this year so the mighty Reading Festival will hit even harder, 27th-30th August, with Charli XCX, Chase & Status, Dave, RAYE and more; readingfestival.com
Ibiza vibes in Windsor? Summertime Live on Saturday, 15th August will shine bright with MistaJam, Wilkinson, Ms Dynamite and more, a silent disco & shisha bar and much more; summertimelive.co.uk
Rewind Festival in Henley, 21st-23rd August, will help you party like the good old days, starring The Proclaimers, Peter Andre, Louise, Soul II Soul & many more; rewindfestival.com
From huge headline DJ sets to dazzling light shows and immersive stages, Creamfields is the ultimate pilgrimage for dance music fans. The iconic August bank holiday festival transforms the Cheshire countryside into a high-energy playground of electronic beats and unforgettable experiences. The legendary Shy FX & MC Rage, Koven and Swedish House Mafia are among this year’s headliners. creamfields.com
The Big Feastival returns to Alex James’ farm in Kingham (watch this space for our chat), 28th–30th August. This popular family-friendly shindig serves up chef demos and top food with an equally tasty line-up including one of the most exciting bookings of the year, The Streets. Also enjoy music from Basement Jaxx, Bastille, Rudimental, Fabio & Grooverider & others, food stars including Anna Haugh and comedy from Joel Dommett, Suzi Rufell & more; thebigfeastival.com
The UK’s largest family fundraising festival CarFest at Silverstone, 28th–30th August, stars Jessie J, Tom Jones, Rick Astley, Nile Rodgers, Sophie Ellis-Bextor & more; carfest.org
A delightful micro-festival blending music, wellness, creativity and joy, Found Festival on the Claydon Estate in Buckingham, 28th–30th August, offers intimate performances, local artisans and feelgood vibes; foundfestival.uk
The Wake is an intimate one-day festival on Saturday, 29th August, in the beautiful West Sussex woodlands & meadows. For the third year, Badly Drawn Boy will headline and DJ Justin Robertson and more will star, with talks, a children’s area, great food and bars. £40pp, £15pp for seven to 14-year-olds and under-7s free, with free car parking. Camping is available & breakfast the next morning! thewake.uk
SEPTEMBER
Everyone lovesBunkfest don’t they?! The free-access family-friendly community fave returns to Wallingford, 4th-6th September, bunkfest.co.uk.
I’m ending on a high, with my favourite, Mucky Weekender in Micheldever near Winchester. The perfect last hurrah to the end of the season, this year’s adults-only funfest, 10th-12th September has a Circus Freaks-theme (dressing up is so much fun). Headliners for 2026 include Goldie (Live), David Rodigan, Gentleman’s Dub Club, Dutty Moonshine Big Band, Roni Size, Leftfield (DJ Set), Pop Will Eat Itself, Goldie Lookin Chain, Children of Zeus, Norman Jay MBE, and special guests The Sabres of Paradise (Live) hosted by Dub Pistols, raising spirits & funds for charity; mucky-weekender.co.uk
The Jordans Music Club team invite you to enjoy globally acclaimed musicians close to home between 31 May & 12 July 2026.
Here’s something special to add to your summer diary, close to home. The Jordans Music Club’s 83rd Summer Festival – and yes, at 83 years old, it might just be older than you (and certainly older than most festivals around here!).
There’s something wonderfully reassuring about that longevity. For more than eight decades, this much-loved series has brought world-class classical music to the heart of Bucks, proving you don’t need to dash into London – or pay London prices – to enjoy exceptional performances.
Concerts take place in the welcoming surroundings of Jubilee Hall in Seer Green, where the atmosphere is intimate, friendly and refreshingly unpretentious. It’s the kind of place where you can simply sit back and let the music do its thing.
Who’s performing?
The season opens on Sunday 31 May with the Consone Quartet, a brilliant young ensemble already making waves internationally. As BBC New Generation Artists, they bring a fresh, vibrant energy to classics by Haydn, Mozart and Schubert – the perfect way to start the festival.
On Sunday 14 June, pianist Ryan Wang, who shot to fame after winning BBC Young Musician in 2024, will star. Still early in his career but already captivating audiences worldwide, he’ll perform pieces by Schubert, Mozart, Mussorgsky and more.
While things take a slightly different turn on Sunday 28 June, with an evening of clarinet and piano. Internationally renowned clarinettist Michael Collins joins acclaimed Irish pianist Michael McHale for a rich and varied programme featuring Debussy, Saint-Saëns and Poulenc. Expect both flair and feeling!
And finally, The Jordans Music Club Summer Festival closes on Sunday 12 July with the London Handel Players, bringing a joyful celebration of Baroque favourites by Bach, Handel and Vivaldi. It’s a fittingly uplifting finale to a festival that has stood the test of time. All concerts begin at 7.30pm, making them perfect for a relaxed summer evening out.
Whether you’re a lifelong classical fan or just fancy trying something a little different, this is a lovely way to slow down, soak up some culture and enjoy truly beautiful music – right on your doorstep.
From unmissable performances and elegant afternoon teas overlooking the iconic Wormsley Cricket Ground to leisurely walks through the beautiful walled garden and deer park, there’s so much to enjoy at Garsington Opera 2026 as it returns for a spectacular summer season.
Each summer, the rolling Chiltern Hills provide a spectacular backdrop for one of the country’s most enchanting cultural experiences: the annual festival at Garsington Opera.
Running from Wednesday 27 May to Thursday 23 July 2026, this year’s season promises drama, romance and razor-sharp wit in equal measure.
And opening the festival is a brand-new production of La traviata, Verdi’s devastating tale of love and sacrifice.
With its soaring arias and emotional intensity, it remains one of the most beloved operas in the repertoire – and in Garsington’s intimate setting, audiences can expect every glance and gesture to resonate.
Next comes the much-anticipated revival of Der Rosenkavalier, first seen here in 2021 and widely hailed as one of the finest interpretations of the opera in the past half-century. Richard Strauss’s sumptuous score and bittersweet storytelling are brought vividly to life, balancing opulence with aching humanity.
Baroque lovers are in for a treat with a new production of Il ritorno d’Ulisse in Patria (The Return of Ulysses), Monteverdi’s profound meditation on loyalty, identity and homecoming.
The acclaimed creative partnership of John Caird and Laurence Cummings reunites following their triumph with Orfeo in 2022, promising a staging that is both musically rich and theatrically compelling.
Bringing the season to a sparkling close is The Importance of Being Earnest, composer Gerald Barry’s gloriously irreverent take on Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy. Directed in a new production by Jack Furness, this modern masterpiece delivers dazzling wit, anarchic energy and musical brilliance.
With world-class casts, a stunning countryside setting and a reputation for artistic excellence, Garsington Opera’s 2026 season looks set to be unforgettable.
For more information or to book, visit garsingtonopera.org.
