Bucks &amp; Oxon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-july">JULY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/IzzyChalloner_PAINTFIGHT-03-1024x683-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="paint fight at Truck festival" class="wp-image-188596" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/IzzyChalloner_PAINTFIGHT-03-1024x683-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/IzzyChalloner_PAINTFIGHT-03-1024x683-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/IzzyChalloner_PAINTFIGHT-03-1024x683-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/IzzyChalloner_PAINTFIGHT-03-1024x683-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Paint fight at Truck Festival | Image: Izzy Challoner</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-astonbury-festival-aston-clinton-4-5-july"><a href="https://astonburyfestival.co.uk/">Astonbury Festival</a>, Aston Clinton, 4 – 5 July </h3>



<p>Missed out on tickets to Glasto? Never fear, there’s always Astonbury. This two-day festi is Buckinghamshire’s answer to Somerset’s sprawling main event taking place in the grounds of Glebe Farm. Muddy hears this free community shindig has just been approved by the parish council – so the stage is set for The Four Right Chords, Seafoam Green, and Captain Stingray&#8217;s Groove Machine. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-elementary-festival-wallingford-3-7-july"><a href="https://elementaryfestival.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elementary Festival</a>, Wallingford, 3 – 7 July</h3>



<p>It’s back to basics for&nbsp;the Elementary Festival, which is setting up camp in a new spot in Braziers Park College in Wallingford. There’s a hippie vibe here, with didgeridoo workshops, sound baths and cosmic meditation alongside banging trance tunes. Peace and love – but not for dogs, though. Canines are NFI’d.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-henley-festival-henley-9-13-july"><a href="https://henley-festival.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Henley Festival</a>, Henley, 9 – 13 July</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Henley-Festival.jpg" alt="fireworks " class="wp-image-188641" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Henley-Festival.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Henley-Festival-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Henley-Festival-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Henley-Festival-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Ditch your Sambas for stilettos, Henley Festival is posh frock central. You won&#8217;t be needing your Regatta week striped blazer, this riverside festival boasts a black tie dress code. Queen of the floating stage on opening night is the one and truly Diana Ross followed over the five (hopefully) balmy summer nights by McFly, Rick Astley, and Jazz pianist and singer Jamie Cullum. See you at the Moet champagne bar? </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-festival-milton-keynes-12-july"><a href="https://www.hiddenfestival.co.uk/homepage" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hidden Festival</a>, Milton Keynes, 12 July</h3>



<p>Urban MK more than holds its own on the festival front with a single day festival, billing everything from house to drum n’ bass, garage and jungle &#8211; all across three different stages. Who needs to schlep to Ibiza when you’ve got MK’s hidden secret? And just to keep you on your toes, this year the event will take place in a secret location. It will be revealed just before the festival is set to go ahead &#8211; we&#8217;ll be keeping an eye out. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-riverside-festival-charlbury-19-20-july"><a href="https://www.riversidefestival.charlbury.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Riverside Festival</a>, Charlbury, 19 – 20 July</h3>



<p>A wallet-friendly alternative, the Riverside Festival in Charlbury is Oxfordshire’s biggest free music festival. Picture this: four stages, craft activities, street food and drinks that won&#8217;t break your bank (£20 a jug of Pimms &#8211; <em>yes please</em>). Muddy will raise a glass or five to that.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-truck-festival-steventon-24-27-july"><a href="https://truckfestival.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Truck Festival</a>, Steventon, 24 – 27 July</h3>



<p>The Truck Festival on Hill Farm near Didcot is zooming towards another sell-out weekend – so be quick to get one of the last tickets for what organisers call the birthday party that got out of control. Big names topping the bill are Kasabian, Nothing but Thieves, Courteeners and Scouting for Girls. Book a pre-pitched tent on the glampsite if you’d like a more luxurious ride.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-august">AUGUST</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenbelt-festival-nbsp-nr-kettering-21-24-aug"><a href="https://www.greenbelt.org.uk/festival-info/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=20892263658&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADPgFchdQdI7-69DcwZWzNU7qkn_a&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwrPHABhCIARIsAFW2XBMvT9uZxmxXGTyYK7EkXL4sI-AUdTAMMnBbnUo3psm4IglD6V4C__IaAlD5EALw_wcB">Greenbelt Festival</a>,<strong>&nbsp;nr Kettering</strong>, 21 – 24 Aug</h3>



<p>A festival with soul (and we don&#8217;t just mean the music). Greenbelt is where arts, activism, and faith collide in an inspiring <em>and </em>fun way. Picture this: you&#8217;re in the grounds of the beautiful Boughton House, the sun is shining, and music, thought-provoking talks, workshops and performances are all around you. The line-up for this year is a mixture of rock, folk, and pop music, so there&#8217;s something for everyone. The festival has a strong focus on inclusion, creativity, and community (plus budget-friendly ticketing tiers). Party with a purpose. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1440" height="1800" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/469073219_18471402178040769_3638045183247172228_n.jpg" alt="Wilderness Festival Oxfordshire" class="wp-image-191688" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/469073219_18471402178040769_3638045183247172228_n.jpg 1440w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/469073219_18471402178040769_3638045183247172228_n-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/469073219_18471402178040769_3638045183247172228_n-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/469073219_18471402178040769_3638045183247172228_n-320x400.jpg 320w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/469073219_18471402178040769_3638045183247172228_n-1229x1536.jpg 1229w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Wilderness</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wilderness-festival-cornbury-park-31-jul-3-aug"><a href="https://www.wildernessfestival.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wilderness Festival</a>, Cornbury Park, 31 Jul – 3 Aug</h3>



<p>Expect an uber-posh car-park (Audi sponsors this year’s fiesta again) at the Wilderness festival, where David Cameron was famously spotted in the VIP tent (but don&#8217;t let that put you off!). It’s the Soho Farmhouse of British festivals with prices to match – Chef and presenter Anna Haugh and Michelin Star chef Andy Beynon are set to deliver an epic feasting experience. You&#8217;ll then be ready to continue your weekend of Cotswolds high-jinks while watching Basement Jaxx, Supergrass, Air, and Orbital before crashing out in a perfectly pitched luxury yurt. Mass yoga is one of many optional wellness extras, but fancy dress is compulsory. Theme: Bright Ideas &#8211; so get thinkin&#8217;!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reggae-land-milton-keynes-2-3-aug"><a href="https://reggaeland.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reggae Land</a>, Milton Keynes, 2 – 3 Aug</h3>



<p>Don’t worry about a thing – Milton Keynes has the reggae vibe covered.&nbsp;Reggae Land, at the Milton Keynes National Bowl, will celebrate Caribbean culture with a line-up of 100-plus reggae, dub, dancehall and jungle acts. Sounds massive!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fairport-s-cropredy-convention-cropredy-7-9-aug"><a href="https://fairportconvention.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fairport’s Cropredy Convention</a>, Cropredy, 7 – 9 Aug</h3>



<p>British folk-rock band Fairport Convention has been enticing rockers and rollers to this superb two-day festival in the north Oxfordshire village of Cropredy since 1976. The band is mourning the recent passing of its legendary drummer Gerry Conway – so expect a tribute or two as Fairport Convention and friends take to the stage in August.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rewind-south-henley-15-17-aug"><a href="https://south.rewindfestival.com/info/dates-times" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rewind South</a>, Henley, 15 – 17 Aug</h3>



<p>Generation Xers will love this step back in time as cover stars from the Smash Hits heyday (remember that?) trot out their greatest hits near Henley. Soft Cell and Holly Johnson&nbsp;<a href="https://south.rewindfestival.com/lineup" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">will lead the nostalgia trip this year</a>, as their ageing fans grow misty-eyed after a few Rebellion ales.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stowaway-festival-stowe-15-17-augspot"><a href="https://stowawayfestival.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stowaway Festival</a>, Stowe, 15 – 17 AugSPOT</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Stowaway-festival-disco-lights.jpg" alt="forest and disco lights" class="wp-image-145966" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Stowaway-festival-disco-lights.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Stowaway-festival-disco-lights-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Stowaway-festival-disco-lights-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Stowaway-festival-disco-lights-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Boutique glamping area nestled among the trees? Don&#8217;t mind if we do! Not to mention the world-class comedy and a free play area to keep the kids amused. The Stowaway festival on Blackpit Farm is set up for true ravers, new ravers and little ravers – Jungle and The Wailers top the bill. Alternatively, enjoy a bottomless brunch and trot off to the Wood-Fired hot tubs.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-big-feastival-kingham-22-24-aug"><a href="https://thebigfeastival.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Big Feastival</a>, Kingham, 22 – 24 Aug</h3>



<p>Ever since Blur bassist Alex James bought a very big house in the country, he’s been throwing&nbsp;a lively annual festival for the Cotswolds crowd&nbsp;– Kate Moss is a regular. Fans say it’s like Glastonbury, but with better food. This August, expect Nelly Furtado, Faithless, The Wombats, and Rizzle Kicks &#8211; no reminiscing on <em>When I was a Youngster</em>, this weekend you can be one! And then after all that, hit the hay in the festival&#8217;s boutique camping. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-found-festival-buckingham-22-24-aug"><a href="https://www.foundfestival.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Found Festival,</a> Buckingham, 22 – 24 Aug</h3>



<p>Head to Found Festival in Buckingham &#8211; a festival of mindfulness, music, workshops and comedy. This friendly festival is all about helping people reconnect, so bring the whole family – from babies to grandparents – get stuck in and join the choir, pick up a paintbrush or participate in a hands-on art or craft workshops in the heritage village. There is an eclectic musical line-up ranging from Americana, Folk and Country, to Blues, World , and Roots &#8211; a bit of something for everyone! </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shambala-northamptonshire-21-24-aug"><a href="https://www.shambalafestival.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shambala</a>, Northamptonshire, 21 – 24 Aug</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Shambala-Festival.jpg" alt="bird eye view of shambala" class="wp-image-188623" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Shambala-Festival.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Shambala-Festival-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Shambala-Festival-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Shambala-Festival-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Get in quick for this lo-fi indie festival held on a secret country estate just over the border in Northants. This free-range festival offers more cabaret, talks, yoga, circus acts and comedy than you can shake a stick at – plus a rather adult pleasure parlour that’s not suitable for little eyes!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bunkfest-wallingford-29-31-aug"><a href="https://bunkfest.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BunkFest</a>, Wallingford, 29 – 31 Aug</h3>



<p>Set on the banks of the Thames in South Oxfordshire, this is a free family folk festival with local bands and plenty of craft beer. Bunk Fest will be celebrating it 21 years, starting from a small marque in a pub car park, to filling the Kinecroft park (they grow up so fast). This year’s headliners are The Amy Winehouse Band, Laurence Jones, and The Red Hot Chilli Pipers (read it twice, it almost got us). You can&nbsp;book your camping spot <a href="https://bunkfest.festivalpro.com/form/nrIDDQJiSwLIZbYwFkXh/53">here</a>. Who knows, maybe South Oxfordshire locals George and Amal Clooney may pop by.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oops-missed-it">Oops, missed it</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-june">JUNE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/Nocturne23_Artist_LionelRichie_DSC01360-1200x800-1.jpg" alt="BLENHEIM PALACE NOCTURNE LIVE" class="wp-image-158983"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nocturne Live at Blenheim Palace</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nocturne-live-blenheim-palace-19-22-june"><a href="https://nocturnelive.com/">Nocturne Live</a>, Blenheim Palace, 19 – 22 June</h3>



<p>This is the biggie! The Duke of Marlborough’s Oxfordshire seat turns open-air live music venue in June (did somebody say<em> Saltburn</em>?). Head to the Great Court for this summer&#8217;s line-up of pop royalty: Richard Ashcroft, the Lightning Seeds, Gary Barlow, and Nile Rodgers &amp; Chic. Be quick, it will be a sell out.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rock-bottom-marlow-bottom-21-june"><a href="http://www.marlowrockbottom.com/">Rock Bottom</a>, Marlow Bottom, 21 June</h3>



<p>Muddy spent one happy afternoon watching an ABBA tribute act at Rock Bottom – a low-key festival in Marlow Bottom, so it comes highly recommended. There&#8217;s street food stands, Rebellious Beer by the barrel-load and the event is super family friendly. The festival turns eleven this year and – hold the front page – Re-Take That and The Kaiser Thiefs will be headlining.They’re joined by Natalie Gray, Grooveline, Knight and Flo Gallop. Gracing us with his presence again this year, Nathan Moore will be hosting.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-witney-music-festival-6-7-june"><a href="https://witneymusicfestival.com/#:~:text=Witney%20Music%20Festival%202025%20is,partnership%20with%20Witney%20Town%20Council." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Witney Music Festival</a>, 6 – 7 June</h3>



<p>The main stage at this bijou not-for-profit festival features performances from The Subtheory, Supernova and Bamboozle, while the dance stage will be hosting DJs like GrooveTown and Katalyst. Tickets for under-14s accompanied by an adult are free (ka-ching!), and exclusive VIP tickets give you access to private bars and more. Chin Chin to that. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brightfest-brightwell-cum-sotwell-7-june"><a href="https://www.brightfest.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BrightFest</a>, Brightwell-Cum-Sotwell, 7 June</h3>



<p>Head to Brightwell-cum-Sotwell in south Oxon with the whole gang – there’s a bouncy castle and slide for kids and refreshments from the Red Lion pub for the grown-ups. Although headliner acts are yet to be confirmed, live music will start with Rolling Stones tribute <em>Who Stoned Who</em> and finishes with <em>Sabertooth</em>. The night rounds off with DJ Dan on the vinyl. </p>


Didn’t get to Glastonbury? Here’s your local festival line up

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