The ultimate guide to South East summer festivals 2026

Zoe Gater

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music

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

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

“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

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 [link to Q&A?] & 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 loves Bunkfest 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

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Where you can see premier classical music in Buckinghamshire

Zoe Gater

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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.

Where can I get tickets?

Visit JordansMusicClub.org.uk and book at Ticketsource.com/JordansMusicClub.

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A season of stunning performances, classic picnics and Champagne moments at Garsington Opera 2026

Zoe Gater

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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.

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The old and the new: Dawkes bring Billy Joel tribute and contemporary jazz to Maidenhead this April

Zoe Gater

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Spring has sprung in Maidenhead, where Dawkes Music’s state-of-the-art, cosy jazz club-style venue continues to host a series of standout live performances.

The run begins on Tuesday 14 April 2026, when contemporary London jazz trio Aspyrian make their Dawkes debut.

Known for their bold improvisational energy, the group will bring the sound heard on their acclaimed releases, including To explore (vol. 2) and Live at The Jazz Glad Festival, to the Reform Road stage.

On Saturday 18 April 2026, Simply Billy Joel celebrates the legendary singer-songwriter’s 50-year catalogue. Formed by Mark Roadnight and Tom Morton, the band recreates the sound and spirit of a classic Billy Joel show, delivering everything from beloved hits to fan-favourite deep cuts.

One of the highlights of the spring programme comes on Tuesday 5 May 2026, when one of the UK’s most celebrated jazz voices takes to the Dawkes stage.

Claire Martin OBE will perform alongside renowned bassist Laurence Cottle in what promises to be a captivating and intimate evening of music.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Claire says: “It’s a joy and an honour to share the stage with the legend that is Laurence on bass. We’ve been friends for over 35 years.

“This is an opportunity for him to be front and centre and for us to explore music we both love, as well as trying out some new material that suits this duo. A delightful challenge for us both to be so exposed – and that’s the thrill of jazz.”

Founded in 1966, Dawkes Music is a family-run business known worldwide for its expertise in wind and brass instruments. In recent years, it has also developed a strong reputation as a live music venue.

Following a major refurbishment in 2024, the shop now boasts a permanent stage, state-of-the-art sound and lighting, and a cosy performance space complete with bar – all surrounded by wonderful displays of vintage and modern instruments.

With artists of Claire Martin’s calibre performing in such an intimate setting, it’s little wonder Dawkes’ shows continue to sell out.

For more information, call Dawkes Music on 01628 630800 or visit dawkes.co.uk.

To book tickets, visit tickettailor.com/events/dawkesmusic.

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Pub in the Park unveils sizzling line-up for 2026 – with tickets on sale now

Zoe Gater

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Over four days, visitors can enjoy top chefs and pop-up restaurants, live performances from big-name artists, and a mix of talks, masterclasses, and interactive experiences as Pub in the Park returns.

The ultimate food and music festival returns to Marlow this spring, when Pub in the Park hosts some of the nation’s best chefs, tasty pop-up restaurants and unmissable live performances.

Running from Thursday 14 to Sunday 17 May 2026, guests can enjoy four days of delicious food, live music, and family-friendly entertainment.

Culinary programme at Pub in the Park

Experience bold flavours, unforgettable dishes and a showcase of talent at this year’s festival.

Visitors include talented chef, author, and presenter Si King, whose approachable, hearty cooking has captivated audiences for decades. Other stars include the renowned Raymond Blanc OBE, the much-loved UK chef James Martin, and Tommy Banks, the youngest British chef to achieve a Michelin star, who will showcase his thoughtful, seasonal approach.

And don’t miss television favourite Matt Tebbutt, joined by special guest and wine expert Helen McGinn, as well as the pioneer of modern Indian cuisine in the UK and Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar.

Other unmissable names on the bill include Simon Rimmer, Emily English, Candice Brown, Thuy Diem Pham, Ping Coombes, Adam Purnell, Jack Blumenthal, Karan Gokani, and more.

Restaurants at Pub in the Park

With a mix of new and returning restaurants and pubs, you won’t struggle to find something delicious to tuck into this May 2026.

Expect The Oarsman and The Star Inn, bringing elevated pub classics; cult chicken brand Ginger Wings; Raymond Blanc’s The George & Dragon; and, for seafood lovers, simple coastal-inspired dishes from Rick Stein.

New for this year, Temper brings bold, fire-led cooking and tacos to the park, while Six by Nico offers a playful and immersive approach to dining. Fresh from the countryside, enjoy ingredient-led cooking straight from field to flame with Oxmoor Farm, or experience brilliant comfort food at Tommy’s Pie Shop. And burger legends The Beefy Boys will also be serving their award-winning, flavour-packed creations.

After something spicy? Sticky Mango delivers global flair and vibrant Thai flavours.

Music headliners at Pub in the Park

Don’t forget your dancing shoes – Pub in the Park has a brilliant line-up of performers to keep you entertained.

Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, Craig David, Gabrielle, McFly, Craig Charles, and Razorlight are among just some of the top names announced to perform live for guests this year.

Alternative entertainment at Pub in the Park

If all that wasn’t enough, the festival also introduces several exciting new additions.

For the first time, guests can dance the night away at the all-new Kitchen Disco, enjoy inspiring talks with favourite authors in the Book Club Tent, and deepen their drinks knowledge in the Drinks Masterclass Tent.

Tickets to Pub in the Park

Standard ticket prices start from £47 per person, with special VIP packages also available.

For more information or to book, visit pubintheparkuk.com.

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Joe Hicks to debut new album at special Arlington Arts homecoming gig

Zoe Gater

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Newbury singer songwriter Joe Hicks to showcase new album with Arlington Arts gig in April 2026.

Singer-songwriter Joe Hicks is set to release his new studio album Before It Gets Dark, on Friday 27 March, before playing a Newbury homecoming show on Saturday 11 April 2026.

Having steadily built his profile in the years leading up to his 2022 debut album The Best I Could Do at the Time, Joe has been praised for his solid songwriting and remarkable vocal skills, hitting falsetto notes with ease while channelling the likes of John Mayer and Paul Simon with his clean and dexterous guitar playing.

Before It Gets Dark is a cathartic set of songs written as Joe came to terms with the loss of his father and a relationship breakdown.

Joe says: “The album is about feeling beaten down by modern society, uncertainty, and by the things life can throw at you. It deals with the death of my dad, a breakup, and the darker songs are from the somewhat nihilistic ‘life is meaningless’ perspective of the world that I slipped into following those events. This record is about coming through that and looking forward; wanting to see the world before it gets dark.”

Throughout the album, Joe’s effortless musicality is front and centre as his vocals shine against the delicate layers of guitars, neither too much nor too little.

To celebrate the album’s release, Joe will return to the Arlington Arts Centre on Saturday 11 April 2026 for a homecoming Newbury show.

Tickets are on sale now at arlington-arts.com/events/joe-hicks.

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Take part in a real recording session in Guildford

Zoe Gater

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Take part in a hands-on guitar recording masterclass at Lark Studios Guildford, covering miking techniques, re-amping, signal flow and processing for acoustic and electric guitar.

Join a masterclass focusing on the art of recording guitar at Lark Studios in Guildford, on Monday 30th March 2026.

This unique opportunity is designed for music creators and enthusiasts who aspire to enhance their guitar recording skills and elevate their productions.

Led by the studio’s head engineer, this session will delve into key topics such as microphone techniques, signal flow, re-amping, hardware versus plugins and processing for both acoustic and electric guitar recordings.

Participants will get the chance to experience a real-world recording session featuring a guest artist while assisting the head engineer.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to get some hands-on studio experience, or are more experienced and want to refine your theoretical knowledge, this workshop offers a fantastic platform to learn and interact with other like-minded music creators and guitarists.

Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today and take the first step in expanding your recording skills!

For more information or to register, contact Lark Studios Guildford at studio@larkrecordings.com or call 01483 958511.

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Big Feastival reveals 2026 line-up

Round & About

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Celebrating its 15th year in Oxfordshire, Big Feastival returns this August Bank Holiday with a diverse mix of music, food and family entertainment. From indie-rock favourites to award-winning chefs, find out what’s on the line-up in 2026.

Big Feastival is back in Oxfordshire in 2026, bringing celebrated musicians, Insta-worthy food and an abundance of family fun when it takes over Blur bassist, Alex James’ Farm from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 August 2026 – making for another cracking Bank Holiday weekend.

Who’s performing at Big Feastival 2026?

Bringing the energy, this year’s headliners include electronic music duo Basement Jaxx; The Streets, performing A Grand Don’t Come For Free in full for the first time; as well as indie pop band Bastille.

On the main stage, see drum and bass legends, RUDIM3NTAL; former Little Mix star PERRIE; alternative band, Doves, known for their soaring melodies; the powerful, piano-led pop of Freya Ridings; psychedelic rock and melodic pop outfit The Coral; as well as Ms Dynamite; comedy music trio, The Cuban Brothers; indie-rock favourites White Lies; The Ordinary Boys – and plenty more.

And it wouldn’t be Big Feastival without Barrioke, with EastEnders legend Shaun Williamson promising his trademark warmth and teasing banter.

Which chefs are at Big Feastival 2026?

And music’s not the only thing on the menu.

Award-winning chef, restaurateur and TV presenter Anna Haugh will headline the Big Kitchen stage. Chef patron of Myrtle Restaurant and The Wee Sister in London, Anna is a regular guest on Saturday Kitchen and Sunday Brunch – in 2026, Anna is due to join MasterChef as a judge, alongside acclaimed food critic Grace Dent.  

Plus, culinary talent will be leading demonstrations and workshops, including Rachel Allen of Ireland’s world-renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School and social media sensation Poppy Cooks, whose no-nonsense potato recipes have earned her a huge online following.

Throughout the weekend, Sally Abé, Emily English, Amber Francis, Tom Barnes, Matblak, Meera Sodha, Nokx Majozi, Jon Watts – and more – will also be sharing their brilliant recipes and advice.

Festival goers can also roll up their sleeves at The Big Feastival cookery schools and masterclasses, then sit back and watch expert chefs tame the flames in the festival’s very own BBQ area, The Smokery.

What family-friendly events are on at Big Feastival 2026?

Big Feastival’s child and family-friendly entertainment promises to delight younger festivalgoers throughout the weekend, too.

Children’s entertainer MC Hammer and Nick Cope provide high-energy, music-filled storytelling; little ones can see Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse, show off dance moves at the K-Pop Demon Hunters Disco, enjoy circus-antics of The Flying Seagull Project, and get creative outside in nature with Lizzie’s Way Woodland Play.

Plenty more announcements are still to come.

Tickets for 2026 are on sale now.

For more information or to book, visit Big Feastival’s website.

Images © Matt Higgs

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Rebecca Poole to sweeten Valentine’s Day at The Kenton

Round & About

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Have you got plans for Valentine’s Day? Join singer-songwriter Rebecca Poole for an evening of jazz-age love songs alongside self-penned originals.

Taking place on Saturday 14 February 2026 at 7.30pm, Rebecca Poole’s Romancing the Song Valentine’s Special at The Kenton in Henley-on-Thames will feature a mix of jazz standards and original compositions.

The programme includes romantic ballads, swing, Americana and blues, delivered with a relaxed stage presence.

Rebecca has previously supported Jools Holland on tour, including performances at the Royal Albert Hall and Wembley Stadium. She has also shared the stage with Jamie Cullum, Lana Del Rey and Simply Red.

She appeared in the Netflix series The Crown, performing Can’t Take My Eyes Off You. Her most recent album, Dreamers Ball, received positive reviews and was selected as Record of the Week on BBC Sounds, Jazz FM and Smooth Jazz.

Tickets cost £30 per person and include a £1 Restoration Levy, a £1.50 Booking Fee and a 25p Community Fund Levy.

For more information or to book tickets, visit The Kenton’s website.

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Greenham Common Arts Festival: 25 Years of History, Art & Magic

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Greenham Commons has gone from military base to wildlife sanctuary. Join them as they mark a special anniversary with unique performances on September 13th & 14th

Celebrate 25 Years at the Greenham Common Arts Festival

Take a journey across Greenham Common at the Greenham Common arts festival. Here, aerial circus, dance, street theatre, and music bring the site’s rich history to life. This festival marks 25 years since the common returned to public ownership. It celebrates its transformation from a military base to a wildlife sanctuary and a peace protest site. Visitors can explore the unique stories that make Greenham Common so special.

Outdoor Performances at the Greenham Common Arts Festival

During the two-day Greenham Common arts festival, enjoy captivating performances throughout the site. Highlights include Nandita Shankardass’ Roots to Rise and the Gossamer Thread Circus with Becoming FERAL. You can also see works commissioned by 101 Outdoor Arts. Furthermore, meet characters like Adderlaide, the spirit of the common, and Heath and Heather Robinson in The Common Room. Plus, experience the magical storytelling walk Common and folk songs inspired by the resilience of peace camp protesters.

These performances offer a unique blend of history, art, and community spirit, inviting everyone to engage with Greenham Common’s past and present.

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Arts & Crafts Celebration at Greenham Common

The festival also features the Festival of Arts & Crafts at The Base from September 13th to 27th. It begins with a two-day arts and crafts fair showcasing over 50 local stalls. Visitors can join creative workshops and explore an exhibition of local artists’ work. This is perfect for anyone wanting to bring home original art from the Greenham Common arts festival. The atmosphere is vibrant, lively, and perfect for families and art lovers alike.

Start your festival adventure at Venture West in Greenham Business Park. Enjoy a vibrant celebration of community, history, and creativity at the Greenham Common arts festival — a must-visit event this September.


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