Festival frolics – 5 of the best in Oxfordshire

Ever since I was a wee girl I have been at one with my inner hippy. The Grateful Dead were the soundtrack to my formative years; I even have fond memories of one holiday in Italy with ‘Uncle John’s Band’ running in the background of my internal cinema. So going to local festivals was just part of the musical backdrop of my youth. Whether it be marvelling at the bizarreness of John Otway at Music on the Hill near Watlington, or watching Des Barkus at Warborough & Shillingford Festival, these are the musical snippets from my sun kissed, countryside childhood memories.

It is little wonder, that I am now, somewhat obsessed with festivals. We even had a festival style wedding, complete with Glastonbury style flags, local bands and camping, luckily in a not too muddy field in South Oxfordshire! I love the feeling of being outside, free from routine, TVs and everyday mod cons. There is something, in the words of John Otway, ‘Really Free’ about the experience. Sometimes it’s great to be part of something as immersive as a festival to find perspective and relish the carnival of life (inner hippy at work)!

Needless to say festivals have changed somewhat over the years. Glastonbury is no longer the free loving hippy fest of its youth but an enormous brand in itself, and a successful commercial machine. Despite that, I have to say, Glastonbury is still a magical place and I would urge anyone that hasn’t been to take the trip. It’s brimming with wonderful musical talent from all corners of the globe, the green fields are always filled with weird and wonderful happenings and the after-hours areas are a circus for the senses.

Glastonbury has paved the way for many smaller festivals to emerge and grow in its golden glow. It is the oak tree from which little acorns grow and have grown. It has made festival going a viable holiday and even a fashionable alternative to mini breaks. UK festivals now offer people a unique experience and a sense of escapism, with a plethora of entertainment from music to jewellery making, and massages to fine dining feasts.

Some of the best small festivals in the UK are in Oxfordshire and cover a wide range of interests, age groups and price brackets! As a small business owner, I have researched many festivals in the area to find the real gems with which to take my Kinship of Oxford stall. So if you’re thinking about heading out to a festival this summer, here are my top 5 Oxfordshire Festivals to check out:-

• Wood Festival – 16th-18th May 2014 £79.50 (Inc booking fee)
  Braziers Park, Wallingford, OX10 6AN

A celebration of music and nature set in beautiful South Oxfordshire countryside. The festival is run on 100% renewable energy and hosts lots of family friendly workshops including yoga, DIY wormeries, juggling and knitting. It’s a friendly festival, best for hippies, families and creative types. The line-up includes Sweet Baboo, Luke Sital-Singh and Alessi’s Ark.

• Beacon Festival – 20th-21st June 2014 £25
  Watlington Hill Farm, Oxfordshire

Beacon is a small family festival set against the stunning Chiltern Hills. The music may not be the main draw but the festival offers its own Real Ale Festival and a great selection of food stalls including The Wandering Kitchen, plus a kid’s area, workshops, stalls and a Feel Good Area, at this price, what’s not to like! Great for local families.

• Cornbury Festival – 4th-6th July 2014 £200 (with camping)
  The Great Tew Park, Oxfordshire

Dubbed ‘The Waitrose Festival’, Cornbury is popular with the Chippy set. It’s the Henley Regatta of the festival scene. That said, it’s a lovely weekend, a mix of country fair and woodland carnival, just remember your Joules jacket and your Hunter wellies! Perfect for taking your Mum, or if you can’t stand camping, grab a day ticket. The line-up includes Jools Holland, Simple Minds and Scouting For Girls.

• Truck Festival - 18th – 19th July 2014 £78.15 (Inc booking fee)
  Hill Farm, Oxfordshire, OX13 6SW

Truck is a lovely little festival set on a farm in West Oxfordshire, even the cattle shed masquerades at the second stage for the weekend. It’s great for music lovers, families and those on a budget. Its small size means it’s relaxed and perfect for festival first timers. They have a good mix of local Oxford bands as well as international talent. This year the line-up includes White Lies, The Cribs, Andrew W.K and 90s indie legends Dodgy. Well, if it’s good enough for you…

• Wilderness 7th – 10th August 2014 £151.50 (with camping)
  Cornbury Park, Charlbury, Oxfordshire

Wilderness is the most stylish and magical of all the festivals. The line-up includes some of the coolest bands around as well as some classic acts, catering for all ages. As well as a great line-up the festival offers an eclectic mix of entertainment from banquets and feasts to late night revelry and spectaculars. Wilderness is set in the beautiful grounds of Cornbury Park and offers wild swimming and a lake side spa. The line-up includes London Grammar, Metronomy and Burt Bacharach.

I hope I have given you some festival inspiration for this summer, and hope to see you at one of these gems!

Love