Bucks &amp; Oxon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-calling-all-groovy-foodies">Calling all groovy foodies</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/BigFeastival.jpg" alt="Big Feastival" class="wp-image-167075" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/BigFeastival.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/BigFeastival-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/BigFeastival-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/BigFeastival-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Instagram @thebigfeastival</figcaption></figure>



<p>The <a href="https://thebigfeastival.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Feastival</a> is the much-loved brainchild of Blur bassist / cheesemaker Alex James’, hosted at his Kingham<strong>&nbsp;</strong>farm in North Oxfordshire from <strong>Fri 23 &#8211; Sun 25 Aug</strong>. Music from Snow Patrol, Natasha Beddingfield, Ella Henderson and Scouting for Girls will take care of the groove, whilst  BBQs, award-winning chefs, interactive cookery sessions, tasting menus, gourmet street food and cooling off in the woodland spa will have you reaching for the &#8216;relaxed&#8217; trouser option. Weekend and Camping Tickets have sold out, but there&#8217;s still some <a href="https://bigfeastival.seetickets.com/event/big-feastival/alex-james-farm/2758562#op3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Day Tickets</a> available.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/452816142_18450321304060387_8950485203421498469_n.jpg" alt="Foodies Festival" class="wp-image-168934" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/452816142_18450321304060387_8950485203421498469_n.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/452816142_18450321304060387_8950485203421498469_n-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/452816142_18450321304060387_8950485203421498469_n-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/452816142_18450321304060387_8950485203421498469_n-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Instagram @foodiesfestival</figcaption></figure>



<p>Alternatively, <a href="https://foodiesfestival.com/events/oxford-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Foodies Festival</a> rolls into Oxford South Parks <strong>Fri 23 &#8211; Sun 25 Aug</strong> and it&#8217;s set to be mega. It celebrates great food and great music in the best way possible &#8211; by bringing together the best of the best in both departments. Their star-studded lineup of chefs includes Masterchef winner Dhruv Baker, Raymond Blanc&#8217;s number two Mark Peregrine, Nigel Brown of Nigel Brown&#8217;s Cooking Academy fame and multiple other Michelin-starred pros. Not only can you taste the fruits of their labours first hand, but they&#8217;ll show you how they do it in masterclasses and live cooking shows throughout the weekend. Music comes courtesy of Sister Sledge and Blue.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pool-party-time">Pool party time</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/CrazyBearsquare.jpg" alt="Crazy Bear Beaconsfield" class="wp-image-167830" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/CrazyBearsquare.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/CrazyBearsquare-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/CrazyBearsquare-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



<p>Muddy dropped by Beaconsfield&#8217;s Crazy Bear hotel this summer, and it sure lives up to its name (read my review <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/restaurants/review-the-crazy-bear-beaconsfield/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>). It&#8217;s a non-stop party spot, but it&#8217;s <em>really</em> kicking off on Bank Holiday weekend when it&#8217;s hosting its annual end-of-summer Ibiza pool party (<strong>Sun 25 Aug</strong>). The ticket includes a stylish Thai-English banquet for maximum indulgence, before you break it down by the pool superstar-styly. There&#8217;s also a wine tasting the day before (<strong>Sat 24 Aug</strong>) &#8211; the taste of Provence is on its way to Beaconsfield with stunning wines paired with an exclusive three-course menu.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pub-lock-in">Pub lock-in</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/The-Plough-Shiplake-sign-1000x666.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-156483" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/The-Plough-Shiplake-sign-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/The-Plough-Shiplake-sign-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/The-Plough-Shiplake-sign-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/The-Plough-Shiplake-sign.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Instagram @theploughshiplake</figcaption></figure>



<p>For an end-of-summer feast, it&#8217;s a no-brainer to head to the <a href="https://www.theploughshiplake.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plough at Shiplake</a>. This lovely gastropub near Henley is closing out the summer with a party called the Hestia Festival on&nbsp;<strong>Sat 24 Aug</strong>. Fernando will be mixing his signature cocktails to get everyone in the mood for the silent disco D-floor  and there&#8217;ll also be live Ukrainian jazz. It’s from 2pm ‘til late and all proceeds go to Henley charity Nomad, so you’ll be partying for a good cause.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teatro-al-fresco">Teatro al fresco</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/IMG_3076-2-e1711705538868.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-168598" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/IMG_3076-2-e1711705538868.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/IMG_3076-2-e1711705538868-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/IMG_3076-2-e1711705538868-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/IMG_3076-2-e1711705538868-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If it&#8217;s being true to thine own self that you&#8217;re after, how&#8217;s about <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/great-coxwell-barn/events/daa01e47-a707-493a-b5ed-55b5b485bae0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hamlet at the Great Coxwell Barn</a>, just outside Faringdon on <strong>Sun 25 Aug</strong>? The Lord Chamberlain&#8217;s Men have found something rotten in the state of Denmark, and they&#8217;ll let you know. Believe me, you don&#8217;t want to regret not maxing out on open-air Shakespeare when November comes around.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop-til-you-drop">Shop &#8217;til you drop</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/371741561_314938264417249_5310615925614248959_n.jpeg" alt="Henley County Craft Show" class="wp-image-168921" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/371741561_314938264417249_5310615925614248959_n.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/371741561_314938264417249_5310615925614248959_n-800x800.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/371741561_314938264417249_5310615925614248959_n-400x400.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/371741561_314938264417249_5310615925614248959_n-500x500.jpeg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Instagram @gertieandsophie</figcaption></figure>



<p>The <strong>Henley Country Craft Show</strong>&nbsp;at Stonor Park (<strong>23-26 Aug</strong>) is a great bank holiday option. This <a href="https://www.stonor.com/events/henley-country-craft-show/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">annual event</a> is an absolute treasure trove of handmade jewellery, homewares, clothing and food and drink from 200 independent stall holders from jewellery, homewares and clothes to cheeses or sweet and savoury bakes. There&#8217;s street food and drink stalls there too for your refreshment and pleasure on the day.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-last-dance-at-towersey">The Last Dance at Towersey</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Towersey.jpg" alt="Towersey Festival" class="wp-image-147308" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Towersey.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Towersey-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Towersey-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Towersey-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/Towersey-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>To round off the summer with a bang on Bank Holiday weekend, head to Buckingham’s Claydon Estate for the <a href="https://www.towerseyfestival.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Towersey Festival</a> (<strong>23-26 Aug</strong>). It’s the last ever Towersey – it’s number 60 this August – so it’s set to be a fond farewell, headlined by Billy Bragg and The Staves (read our interview <a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/life/people/sister-act-muddy-meets-herts-folk-band-the-staves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>). This friendly festival is all about helping people reconnect, so bring the whole family – from babies to grandparents – and get stuck in to dance, yoga, comedy, crafts and workshops, plus an eclectic musical line-up that includes the London Welsh Male Voice Choir.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-motormania-and-more-at-silverstone">Motormania and more at Silverstone</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Silverstone-2024.jpg" alt="Silverstone" class="wp-image-163532" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Silverstone-2024.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Silverstone-2024-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Silverstone-2024-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Silverstone-2024-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The entertainment line-up for&nbsp;the epic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.silverstone.co.uk/events/silverstone-festival" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Silverstone Festival</a>&nbsp;(<strong>23-25 Aug</strong>) at Silverstone Circuit incudes Sophie Ellis Bextor, Busted and Olly Murs, plus there are classic car events, fairground rides and streetfood to eek out the fun. Fancy venturing further afield? Take a trip to the Big Smoke for <a href="https://www.batterseaparkinconcert.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Battersea Park in Concert</a>. It’s a three-night Bank Holiday belter (<strong>24-26 Aug</strong>) – and obvs we have <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/reader-treats/win-vip-tickets-to-battersea-park-in-concert-luxury-picnic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">free VIP tickets to giveaway</a>, plus a luxury picnic.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aylesbury-s-parklife-paradise">Aylesbury&#8217;s Parklife Paradise </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/370798567_2506147299535884_3843436916928577549_n.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-168938" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/370798567_2506147299535884_3843436916928577549_n.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/370798567_2506147299535884_3843436916928577549_n-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/370798567_2506147299535884_3843436916928577549_n-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/370798567_2506147299535884_3843436916928577549_n-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Instagram @brianst170</figcaption></figure>



<p>Aylesbury&#8217;s annual <a href="https://www.aylesburytowncouncil.gov.uk/town-council-services/events/parklife-weekend-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parklife Weekend</a> is back this August bank holiday weekend. One of Buckinghamshire&#8217;s most popular family festivals, Parklife starts with Live in the Park &#8211; a whole day of live music across two stages, with market stalls and a load of great food. There&#8217;s a dedicated Kids&#8217; Zone for the little ones, karaoke with a live band, plus UK Astronomy are bringing down a load of telescopes to look to the skies once it gets dark (from 10pm). On the Sunday it&#8217;s Proms in the Park, a collaborative concert by a host of local church choirs and the Aylesbury Concert Band. Bring a picnic from 6:30pm &#8211; the music starts at 7:15pm and ends with a fireworks display at 9:30pm.</p>



<p><strong>And here&#8217;s one to book ahead:</strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chilli-fest-at-waddesdon">Chilli Fest at Waddesdon</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="625" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Chilli-Fest-2-1000x625.png" alt="Chilli FGest Waddesdon Manor Buckinghamshire live music" class="wp-image-168329" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Chilli-Fest-2-1000x625.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Chilli-Fest-2-800x500.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Chilli-Fest-2-400x250.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Chilli-Fest-2-1536x960.png 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/Chilli-Fest-2.png 2000w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Gird your taste buds for Waddesdon Manor’s annual three-day Chilli Fest (30 Aug – 1 Sep). Celebrating all things hot and spicy, it’s the perfect way to round off the summer holidays. Here&#8217;s a flavour of what you can expect: On Saturday, hot sauce legend Levi Roots (who moonlights as a musician) will be on the decks to get the party started with reggae and afrobeats. Around 70 local artisan producers and some of the nation’s best loved independent traders will be pitching up for the festival too. I’ve already got my eye on some proper tacos from the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tacolabuk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taco Lab</a>, a brownie from <a href="https://browniesrock.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brownie Rocks</a> and a margarita – maybe two, OK three – from <a href="https://papiscocktails.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Papi’s Cocktails</a>. See <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/waddesdon-manor-chilli-festival-september-2023-book-now/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for the full lowdown.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-muddy-inspo">More Muddy inspo!</h2>



<p><a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/best-outdoor-art-buckinghamshire-oxfordshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Best outdoor art to see this summer </a></p>



<p><a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/free-activities-days-out-museums-buckinghamshire-oxfordshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Free things to do in Bucks &amp; Oxon this summer</a></p>



<p><a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/walks-near-me/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-walks-with-your-dog/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Muddy team&#8217;s best local dog walks </a></p>



<p><a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/day-trips/best-lidos-pools-inflatable-parks-buckinghamshire-oxfordshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The best lidos, splash parks and inflatable madness near you</a></p>



<p><a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/day-trips/beach-day-trips-uk-buckinghamshire-oxfordshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beach trips within easy reach of Bucks &amp; Oxon</a></p>


8 great things to do on August Bank Holiday weekend

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