Cornbury Festival set to return Summer 2018 following an unprecedented wave of demand from fans!
Firmly believed by all involved to be the last ever Cornbury Festival, July 2017’s Fabulous Finale was a huge success with sell-out crowds enjoying a superb, sunny weekend in the company of Bryan Adams, Jools Holland and the Kaiser Chiefs.
Organiser Hugh Phillimore quoted after the glorious weekend: ’We all know that a party is only as good as its guests and thanks to everyone we had a truly fantastic and memorable weekend’
Locals, regulars and even new comers not wanting to miss out on their last chance to enjoy this popular ‘festival come celebrity village fete’ turned out in force this summer to enjoy the magical, friendly experience that is Cornbury.
Dismayed by the potential of a gap in their festival calendars, a wave of support ensued as the Oxfordshire media and public alike cajoled the events founder and organiser Hugh Phillimore, not to give up the challenge after 14 years, but to continue with their support, to provide this unique weekend, right in the midst of The Cotswolds, affectionately known as ‘Poshstock’ and perfectly suited to its 20,000+ fans.
‘So many people have sent messages since July - our audience love the event and want it to keep going. Literally hundreds of our supporters, together with bands, agents, managers, sponsors and media partners telling me I shouldn’t let such a jewel in the festival calendar end’ says Hugh.
‘The festival market has become a tough playing field over the last few years and very saturated, which lead partly to my decision to leave whilst we were on a high, however the response has been so overwhelming with support for Cornbury to remain, that it has caused a rethink on my part and I can confirm that we have decided to listen to public opinion and return next year as strong as ever in July 2018, If people still want us here, in a way it would be foolish to stop now and 15 years does give us another great reason to celebrate!’
The over-riding message that finally convinced Hugh, simply pointed out that the festival was not his but belonged to its audience who had supported the event over the 14 years.
‘I’ve been humbled by the depth of feeling for this event and I now feel that I should keep Cornbury going as a worthwhile community event because it contributes to the local economy and seems to spread quite a lot of joy’ says Hugh.
Local schools and charities have benefitted from fundraising at Cornbury over its 14 year history. ‘We’ve had an amazing response from the many festival-goers at Cornbury and are very excited that we can do it all again 2018’ says Banbury’s Dogs For Good Director Lucy Vincent.
The 15th Cornbury Festival, with the same great format, will be staged at Great Tew Park from July 13 to 15 2018. Keep your eyes peeled for further details out soon.
