The best Cotswold festivals to book in 2024
Including some of the more bigger events of the year.
While we patiently wait for the summer season to commence – admittedly, I have fallen for the fool’s spring trap and am well ahead of the game by having my very first hot cross bun of the year – we can all start planning for the fun festivities ahead. As with most things around the Cotswolds, there are a lot of happenings to be had. From the horse races in Cheltenham next month – I’m not really including this in my list but just flagging they are quickly approaching for those who are into the four-legged sport – to big stage shenanigans, craft art fairs, outdoor sculpture shows, circus celebrations and more. All tickets are on sale now, so get booking. From the soonest to the latest in the calendar year, see below.
Sculpture in the Park | 21st March – 2nd May
What? As part of their 20th anniversary celebration, Compton Verney – the 18th-century country house – will welcome eight contemporary artists from around the world in an outdoor sculptural show.
The lineup? Not so much a musical lineup but rather, an artists. Find French-American Louise Bourgeois’ monumental spiders plus works by Turner Prize-nominated Helen Chadwick, French Nicolas Deshayes, Lithuanian Augustus Serapinas and more.
Where? Compton Verney, near Stratford-upon-Avon.
Giffords Circus | 28th March – 29th September
What? The touring village green circus that visionary Nell Gifford and her husband Toti brought to life. It’s been on the road for many years and is just about to embark on its longest season to date.
The theme? Avalon – a world of colourful medieval pageantry and Arthurian legend, plus lots of lavish costumes.
Where? All across the Cotswolds.
Fools Delight Circus | 19th – 28th April
What? Another wildly wonderful circus – the brainchild of Lil Rice (formerly of Giffords Circus), Dave Cross (chef) and Sam Goodburn (comedian/clown) – not a travelling one but instead a big-top on the grounds of Matthew Rice’s – the illustrator behind those beautiful Emma Bridgewater ceramics – home.
The theme? They host a few different shows during the summer, winter and spring but this year it’s Sideshow. It’s set to be folksy (lots of Midsommar nods here), ley-liney and lots of good fun.
Where? Bampton.
Cheltenham Jazz Festival | 1st – 6th May
What? One of the four big festivals (the other three: science, music and literature) that’s held in Cheltenham each year, but this one is for jazz fans (although some artists performing have nothing to do with the bluesy notes).
The lineup? Jack Savoretti, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Led Zeppelin legend Robert Plant, Jay Raynor Sextet (who knew in between being a food critic he had time to hop behind the piano?) and Ladysmith Black Mambazo to name a few.
Where? Cheltenham.
Wychwood Festival | 31st May – 2nd June
What? In its 18th year, Wychwood is a much-loved family fun music festival that loyal goers tend to return to year after year. It’s good times tunes and good times for all.
The lineup? It’s retro – Sister Sledge, Texas and The Coral.
Where? Cheltenham Racecourse.
Park Fair | 21st – 23rd June
What? It will be the third year for Park Fair – a craft festival that celebrates independent artisans, and fashion and lifestyle brands. It’s also family-friendly – with rides, live music and pop-up feasting.
The set-up? For food – spicy plates from Farang London, flame-cooked street food from Pit Kitchen, classic Neapolitan style pizza from Pizza Boys Bicester and those famous sausage rolls from The Cotswold Guy. For shopping – Pink City Prints, Seraphina London, Seren, POM London, Natasha Hulse Design, Albie & Pearl, Amuse Le Bouche, Fermoie, ISHKAR, Petit Comporta and Sarah K. There will also be a wellness space with facials by Cotswold-founded beauty brand La-Eva.
Where? Great Tew Estate.
Forest Live | 12th July
What? A major live music series held in some of the UK’s best forests, all in support of Forestry England who help plant over 7 million trees in England each year.
The lineup? Nile Rodgers + CHIC, Gregory Porter, Anne-Marie
Where? Multiple green spaces including Sherwood Pines and Thetford Forest but the event being held in the Cotswolds will be at Westonbirt Arboretum near Tetbury.
Silverstone Grand Prix | 4th – 7th July
What? The only British F1 circuit and the home race for drivers Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, and George Russell*.
The lineup? Silverstone has turned into quite the musical party, with its performers almost matching the fame of the drivers. Stormzy, Rudimental, Pete Tong and Kings of Leon are all on the grid this year.
*Yes I watch Drive to Survive.
Truck Festival | 26th – 28th July
What? Often called ‘the Godfather of small music festivals’, this weekend-long event has hosted some of the world’s biggest stars to the best-emerging artists since 1998.
The lineup? Jamie T, Wet Leg, The Streets, The Kooks, Holly Humberstone and more.
Where? Hill Farm, Steventon, just outside of Didcot.
Wilderness Festival | 1st – 4th August
What? Only the smartest festival that lies smack dab in the Chipping Norton triangle. They manage to make wellness, talks, comedy and good eating just as brilliant as the musical acts. In past years, Benedict Cumberbatch’s Letters Live had a tent of its own, as did Ronnie Scott’s. Food wise: Jeremy Lee of Quo Vadis, Olia Hercules and Dom Fernando brought the heat.
The lineup? Not yet been announced, but the hype is building. In 2023, we saw The Chemical Brothers, Christine & The Queens, Arlo Parks and Fatboy Slim grace the stage.
Where? The ever-pretty Cornbury Park in Charlbury (Londoners – the train from the city goes directly there).
The Big Feastival | 23rd – 25th August
What? A very popular and loved festival on the Oxfordshire farm of ex-Blur star Alex James. This one pairs great music and serious food in a weekend-long feast.
The lineup? Becky Hill, Snow Patrol, Cat Burns, Jax Jones, Kate Nash and Natasha Bedingfield. For the food: Raymond Blanc, East London wine writer Hannah Crosbie and cool cook
. Not to forget Alex James’ cheese hub, just a big old tent full of cheese.Cheltenham Literature Festival | 4th – 13th October
What? Another one of Cheltenham’s brilliant events, this one is for bookworms and literary lovers. They will be celebrating the written and spoken word, looking at the best new voices in fiction and poetry alongside literary greats and high-profile speakers across a ten-day programme.
The authors? Not announced just yet but we can expect the likes of Brian Cox, Jojo Moyes, Elizabeth Day, Charlie Mackesy, Sadiq Khan, Liv Little, David Mitchell, Heather Morris, Tim Peake, Clive Myrie, Yomi Adegoke who have all turned some pages here before.
Where? Cheltenham.
We have yet to find out when Daylesford will host their annual Harvest Festival too. I will update this piece with new events and dates as they are released for my paid subscribers!
Cover image: Kate Grishakova.
I love the sound of Fools Delight Circus! You've sold me with Midsommar vibes (hopefully without the ritual sacrifices?!)
🎪🎪🎪