Whatever you music taste, and whether you’re going along with a group of friends or the whole family, there’s a festival to suit you in the Cotswolds! We pick 18 unmissable festivals to attend in the region this year...
Chipping Norton Music Festival
When: Friday, March 8 - Saturday, March 23
Making beautiful music in the Oxfordshire town since 1904, the Chipping Norton Music Festival gives locals of all ages the chance to showcase their musical talent.
This year's festival includes the Youth Jazz Band Challenge, performances from Oxybaroxy and Alldis Jazz Trio, a children's singing workshop, a Festival Folk Night and Festival Concert.
Each event is separately ticketed. Tickets can be reserved in advance for Oxybaroxy, Dominic Alldis Trio and the Festival Concert by email from tickets@cnmf.org.uk. Tickets are on general sale at Jaffé & Neale, Middle Row in Chipping Norton.
Chipping Campden Music Festival
When: Saturday, May 11 - Saturday, May 25
Featuring 'great music in the glorious setting of St James' Church', this is widely recognised as one of UK's leading festivals.
This year visitors can expect performances from Patrick Gale & Julian Lloyd Webber, London Mozart Players and the Festival Academy Orchestra. See the full programme here.
To book for an event, download a postal booking form here.
When: Friday, May 17 - Sunday, May 26
The beautiful city of Bath becomes a cornucopia of artistic talent during May at The Bath Festival. With music and literature at the heart - visitors can expect a jam-packed programme of classical, jazz, world and folk music alongside contemporary fiction, intelligent debate, science, history, politics and poetry hosted at a number of popular venues across the city.
The Bath Festival Finale Weekend will take place from Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, July 2 at the Bath Recreation Ground. Festival goers can expect a variety of entertainment across two music stages, one spoken word stage and a family fun zone with craft, workshops, music and storytelling. The line-up is to be announced soon.
Click here to book tickets.
When: Friday, May 24 - Sunday, May 26
Lechlade Music Festival is a family-friendly event with 60+ performers over three stages, playing everything from rock to reggae, jazz to folk and more. This year's line-up is yet to be fully announced but The Feeling, That 80s Rock Show and The Marley Experience, as well as many others, have already been confirmed.
Festival goers can also enjoy a series of workshops including belly dancing, yoga and solstice storytelling. There will also be a selection of tasty food stalls and bars serving delicious food, real ale and cider.
Click here to book tickets.
Wychwood Festival, Cheltenham Racecourse
When: Friday, May 31 - Sunday, June 2
This year will be the family-friendly Wychwood Festival's 15th birthday, bringing its annual offering of eclectic musicians to the town's famous racecourse. The line-up this year includes Scouting for Girls, Toyah, Tankus The Henge and Thrill Collins, with plenty more acts to be confirmed.
In addition, there will be plenty of workshops, a circus school and a jam-packed programme of talks, debates and comedy for all ages to enjoy.
Click here to book tickets.
Party at the Castle, Sudeley Castle & Gardens
When: Thursday, June 6 - Saturday, June 8
Organised by Turned Up To 11, the event promoters of Chalfest and 'Party on the Hill', the beautiful surroundings of Sudeley Castle & Gardens will play host to a number of exciting music acts. Artists already confirmed include Alfie Boe, Will Young, All Saints, Toploader, a 80s themed DJ set from Sara Cox and family favourites Dick and Dom.
Alongside all this entertainment expect a proper party atmosphere, with a great community vibe and lots of fun to be had for the whole family.
Click here to book tickets.
When: Friday, July 5 - Sunday, July 14
Over a fortnight of music will take place in Cheltenham this July, and this year audiences can once again expect the glittering line-up of star performers and conductors. Surprises will also be in store to mark the festival's 75th anniversary.
Performances are yet to be announced.
Tickets will become available once the events are announced.
Barn on the Farm, Over Farm in Gloucester
When: Thursday, July 4 - Sunday, July 7
Over its ten years, the organisers of Barn on the Farm have displayed a knack for snapping up artists on the cusp of success, with huge acts including Ed Sheeran, Ben Howard, James Bay and Tom Grennan previously taking the stage. The award-winning event brings singer-songwriters and folk performers to a local audience in the uniquely intimate setting of Over Farm.
The confirmed headliners this year are BRITs Critics' Choice award winner Sam Fender, popular Scottish singer/songwriter Lewis Capaldi and Maggie Rogers, who rose to fame after her song Alaska was played to Pharrell Williams. In celebration of their 10th birthday, Recent additions to the line-up include Maverick Sabre, Swim Deep, Gabrielle Aplin and Nina Nesbitt. Barn on the Farm will also do what it does best - breaking new music.
Click here to book tickets.
Cornbury Music Festival, The Great Tew Park
When: Friday, July 5 - Sunday, July 7
When it was announced that 2017 would see the last ever Cornbury Music Festival, there was huge - and we mean huge - demand to bring it back, so the ultra-glam and super-friendly boutique music festival returned last year and we're glad to say, back again this year. The one and only Beach Boys will headline the Sunday night, and the rest of the line-up will be announced in February.
As well as music expect top comedy acts and phenomenal food experiences.
Click here to book tickets.
When: Friday, July 5 - Saturday, July 6
There's something rather special about friendly Nibley. Set in a stunning Cotswold location, it features great live music, free entertainment for the kids, stalls, local beer, and food from around the world.
Another year, another massive line-up; performers include Sugarhill Gang, Rat Boy and Dutty Moonshine Big Band, with further announcements on their way.
Click here to book tickets.
2000trees, Upcote Farm near Cheltenham
When: Thursday, July 11 - Saturday, July 12
Fancy camping out in the rolling Cotswold Hills? The award-winning 2000trees is a 5,000-capacity festival promising three fun-filled nights of music, local food, cider, ale & lager and a friendly, intimate atmosphere.
This year's event will host over 130 of the best underground rock and indie acts. Some of the more established acts on the 2019 roster include: You Me At Six, While She Sleeps and Every Time I Die.
Click here to book tickets.
Chalfest, Chalford Hill
When: Saturday, July 20
Following its sold-out success since its initiation two years ago, Chalfest will return. The one-day family festival boasts a jam-packed programme of events; from exciting workshops, games and activities including circus skills and much more. They'll also be plenty of gourmet food and drink, street food, plus a fully stocked bar.
Family favourites Dick & Dom will be back for the third time with the rest of the line-up to be announced.
General tickets have now sold out. Resale of returned tickets will take place in April. Community tickets go on sale in February.
Riverside Festival, Charlbury
When: Saturday, July 20 (12-10pm) & Sunday, July 21 (11am-8pm)
Hosted on the beautiful banks of the River Evenlode, Oxfordshire's free festival has plenty to keep the crowds happy, as well as its picturesque riverside setting. Now in its 24th year, and still entirely run by volunteers in the community, Riverside Festival still retains its family-friendly, relaxed vibe.
This year, over 40 acts will be playing across four stages, with something to suit all music tastes.
The festival is free to enter.
WOMAD, Charlton Park in Malmesbury
When: Thursday, July 25 - 28
The 'World of Music, Arts and Dance' was founded in 1980 by Peter Gabriel and other influential people in the music business, and has to be one of the most cosmopolitan festivals out there.
The global party typically exhibits a selection of impressive acts you're probably yet to discover - keep an eye on the website for this year's line-up announcement.
Click here to book tickets.
Truck Festival at Hill Farm, Oxfordshire
When: Friday, July 26 - Sunday, July 28
Tickets have been flying out for 'the Godfather of the small festival scene', Truck Festival. With a fantastic wave of popular acts recently announced, it's little wonder. The confirmed line-up includes Wolf Alice, Foals, Slaves, Two Door Cinema Club and You Me At Six, plus many more.
The vibe is friendly and relaxed - from families, couples, groups of friends, and everyone in between, you can expect a diverse bunch singing and dancing along together in the crowds.
Click here to book tickets.
Wilderness, Cornbury Park
When: Thursday, August 1 - Sunday, August 4
At Wilderness, you can unwind in relaxing lakeside spas and watch a host of fantastic live entertainment by day… and by night you can retreat to your boutique camping spot or sip cocktails in the Peacock Bar. It's completely up to you.
There are plenty of bookable tents to dine in for breakfast, lunch and dinner before enjoying a fantastic line-up of music. We can't wait to see who they book this summer!
Click here to book tickets.
Lakefest, Eastnor Castle
When: Thursday, August 8 - Sunday, August 11
Lakefest will return in August for three days of fantastic live music and delicious local food and drink. Over the five stages expect performances from Happy Mondays, Red Hot Chilli Pipers and The Pigeon Detectives, with the full line-up to be revealed soon.
The event began in 2011, and plenty of cider and a lot of musical entertainment later, is still growing strong. With new additions including a reggae stage, dedicated disco area and a setting for meditation, therapy and yoga this year, Lakefest promises to be bigger and better than ever, without compromising on its family festival roots.
Click here to book tickets.
The Big Feastival, Kingham
When: Friday, August 23 - Sunday, August 25
The brainchild of Blur bassist Alex James, The Big Feastival is a unique August Bank Holiday weekend affair of music, food and fun for the whole family. Previously visitors have enjoyed cooking demonstrations from top chefs including Raymond Blanc and Marco Pierre White, as well as performances from popular music acts Craig David, Madness and Kaiser Chiefs.
Once again, the line-up at this year's Big Feastival is pretty darn impressive. The charming Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi, pop sensation Jess Glyne and rock legends Elbow are just some of the fantastic music acts confirmed, alongside incredible names in food & drink and children's entertainment.
Click here to book tickets.
Woodstock Live, Woodstock
When: Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25
Woodstock Live has become a firm favourite in the Oxfordshire town's calendar for locals and visitors alike. Taking place in Woodstock's historic town square, the aim of the festival is to bring a truly eclectic mix of music to audiences with something for everyone to enjoy.
The line-up is to be announced - keep up-to-date with all the latest news via the Woodstock Live Facebook page.
Over The Hill Festival, Witney
When: Monday, August 26
For the first time, Glovebox Live will bring Over the Hill Festival to the stunning surroundings of Cogges Manor Farm this summer. The festival is all about Americana; with a jam-packed line-up including Danny & The Champions of the World, William the Conqueror and The Black Feathers, plus many more, performing on two stages in beautiful tithe barns.
Wychwood Brewery and Shipyard IPA will be available, as well as a gin and Prosecco bar. Authentic American food is courtesy of The Burn Out BBQ and Fat Lil's.
Click here to book tickets.
Have we missed a music festival in the Cotswolds you'll be heading along to this year? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.
