Festival alert – it’s not too late to book the best!
15th Jun 2012
If, like me, you are a serial ditherer and are yet to turn your vague thoughts about festival-going into a reality, this post is for you. There are kazillions of festivals these days and my list is by no means prescriptive, but this is my pick of the bunch, locally and nationally. Book now or regret your indecision for another year!
Cornbury Festival, The Great Tew Park, Oxfordshire, 29 June – 1 July
Cornbury is the self-proclaimed ‘Poshstock’ of music festivals (if that means it doesn’t rain, I like it already), with the likes of Elvis Costello, James Morrison, Hugh Laurie, Pixie Lott and Will Young headlining. Cornbury tries to create the spirit of a village carnival on a bigger scale, hence there are roaming performers, farmer’s markets, fairground, and a dedicated childrens zone with circus tent, dance classes, ventriloquist shows, clay making, willow sculpture, magic shows, all in a beautiful Oxfordshire setting. We likey.
£150-175 adults w/e; £75-100 13-16 year olds; £65 adult day, £30 13-16 year old day. cornburyfestival.com.
Latitude, Henham Park, Southwold, Suffolk, 12-15 July
It’s boutique-fest all the way at Latitude with luxury camping, Wi-fi, cool cafes and some of the biggest names in showbiz at this giant of a festival. Paul Weller, Elbow, Lana Del Rey headline, while Jack Dee, Al Murray, Tim Minchin and colleagues take over the comedy arena. There’s film, cabaret, a literary salon, luvviedom courtesy of the National Theatre, plus a turn by superstar pianist Lang Lang who, frankly, is worth the price of the ticket alone.
From £75 for an adult day ticket. www.latitudefestival.co.uk.
Southbank Centre Festival of the World, until 30 September
This Festival, in celebration of this special summer of national events, is just brilliant, and you can dip in and out as you wish. The E4 Udderbelly Festival is already underway (until 8 July), with theatre, comedy and family shows, while the Meltdown Music Festival (1-12 August) curated by Mercury Prize-winning musician and visual artist Anthony is one of hot hottest tickets in town.
www.southbankcentre.co.uk/world
Wilderness, Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire, 10-12 August
Think long table banquets, hot tubs, masked balls, live music, yoga, talks, family stuff, pioneering arts and you’ve got the superfunky festival from the clever chaps behind the brilliant Secret Garden. Wilco, Spiritualised and a whole heap of other cool cats provide the music, The Idler Academy and Granta provide the thinking, there are more food experts than you can shake a stick at, Barefoot Books, Jaffe & Neals cafe and bookshop (both previous Muddy recommendations, written here) are here too, plus theatre for kids and… I’m sorry, I can’t go on, I’m hyperventiliating.
£129-139 for adult weekend ticket. Family tickets (2 Adults + 2 Young Persons): £260. www.wildernessfestival.com
Camp Bestival, Lulworth Castle, Dorset, 26-29 July
Oooh, this is going to be awesome. Exclusive bookings this year include Opera Holland Park’s staging of Fantastic Mr Fox with live orchestra, a performance by Shrek, Princess Fiona and Donkey from the West End musical, Mr Tumble (Mr Tumm-ble!) to entertain the kids, plus Adam Ant (hurray), Happy Mondays (double hurray) and Kool and the Gang – fresh (they’re so fresh!).
Tickets £175-185. Camping from Friday. www.campbestival.net
Supernormal, Braziers Park, Oxford, August 10-12
This not-for-profit music and arts festival has a capacity for just 500 and is all about intimacy – blurring the gap between performer and audience. That sounds a bit pervy but I think it just means that you don’t have to watch the stage from 500 metres away like you do at the bigger festivals. There are workshops, a disco tent, cinema and of course live music. Hey, it sounds fun, let’s cuddle up!
Tickets £65. www.supernormalfestival.co.uk.
Vintage, Boughton House, Northamptonshire, July 13-15
I reckon this will be brililiant. Wayne Hemingway’s Vintage Festival celebrates seven decades of British culture from the 20s to the 80s with music, art, fashion, film, design and dance, all set in the glorious grounds of Broughton House in Northamptonshire. There are vintage makeovers, dance classes, fashion and upcycling workships, roller disco (can you imagine the carnage?) classic cars/campers and a whole lot of glamping. Just make sure you remember to pack your lippy and hairnets.
Tickets From £57.50 for adult day pass. Under 11s go free. www.vintagefestival.co.uk
Henley Festival, 4-8 July
A genteel, well-heeled feel to this festival, with Sting, Olly Murs and Katherine Jenkins headlining and an awful lot of black tie on the promotional website. Some of the tickets have sold out but there’s availability on the lawns and poor old Olly Murs is yet to sell out a single night… The riverside setting will be gorgeous of course and there’s plenty of excellent catering to be had.
Tickets £35-£150 www.henley-festival.co.uk/
Towersey Festival, Towersey, Oxfordshire, 24-27 August
This is the festival most local to me, and it has a good reputation. Maybe this is the year I’ll make it! Aside from the music, the emphasis is on art and sculpture, theatre, workshops, poetry and family, with plenty for kids to do.
thetowerseyfestival.com. For ticket prices call 023 8071 1818 (there are loads of options!).
Shillingford Lido – and a whole lot of others too
Claire brooke , July 6, 2012
Love it! Good find.
Muddy Stilettos , July 6, 2012
Could have bought loads in that shop. I think I have a spending problem!
Helen , July 6, 2012
This place looks great, thanks Hero. Have just emailed her about the garden table set in the window! X
Muddy Stilettos , July 6, 2012
Wow, you work fast! Glad it’s been of help. x
Rebecca Paton , July 8, 2012
Hi Helen, hear that it is now in your possession
Do send us a picture of it in situ on f/book and should you be in Bicester again you will be entitled to a complimentary tea (or coffee) and homemade cake xx
glamorous glutton , July 6, 2012
This place looks great, I’ll have to take a look. There used to be an architectural salvage place near the railway bridge by the station. That often had interesting bits. GG
boysandchickens , July 9, 2012
Oh my goodness, what a fantastic looking place! I shall have to go, I might have to save up a bit of spending money first though
Muddy Stilettos , July 9, 2012
Let me know what you buy. I could have gone nuts for a load of furniture!
Jolly Hockeysticks , July 17, 2012
Bought a funky tray and cute little table. Already have the urge to return. This is not boding well…
Muddy Stilettos , July 24, 2012
Cathryn, I like your Jolly Hockeysticks name! Glad you found some cool stuff to buy. You must hope that places like Bicester allow these kind of shops to thrive, so bravo to you for supporting it! Hope you’re well. Been an age since I’ve seen you xx
Jackie Couzens , July 21, 2012
Hello! Jackie from the Windsor Emporium here … Rebecca from Paton Place recommended your blog! I would love to invite you to our event at the Guildhall on Sunday 5th August so that you can review our arts, crafts & antiques fair. Come and have a cup of tea and cake in our Vintage Team Room and have a chat!
Muddy Stilettos , July 24, 2012
Hi Jackie, sorry for the late reply. Things leave my head and them pop up randomly days later! That event sounds lovely, I love vintage. Not sure I’ll be able to make it just because I’ll have three kids around me then but will try. In the meantime, why don’t you send me some info about the event and your Emporium? hero@muddystilettos.co.uk
Best wishes,Hero
Jackie Couzens , July 25, 2012
Dear Hero! Thank you for your message – I quite understand as I have two
I will certainly put some info together in the mean time! Best wishes Jackie
small boys of my own and the third day of the summer holidays is already proving a challenge – yet pleasant one
Muddy Stilettos , July 25, 2012
I checked you out online and it looks great. Will come and see you in September when normal service resumes! x
Jackie Couzens , July 25, 2012
Fantastic – Sunday 2nd September it is then … tea and cake to the ready! Jx
Muddy Stilettos , July 25, 2012
Ooh, I realise that’s a booboo. Kids aren’t back at school yet and the last weekend to organise my life. Better make it the next one Jackie. Sorry! x
Jackie Couzens , July 26, 2012
Of course … see you Sunday 7th October – will be an exciting one as we are part of the Windsor Fringe this year!
Jackie Couzens , October 4, 2012
Hi Hero! Just a reminder that it’s the Windsor Emporium (arts, crafts & antiques fair) this Sunday, 7th October at the Guildhall, Windsor, SL4 1LR – 10am to 4pm. You were hoping to come in Sept, but of course the kids were still off school – so hopefully you might be free this weekend? It’s a particularly exciting event as we are part of the Windsor Fringe “Exhibitions & Artists Open House” and we are also hosting “Homes & Antiques Magazine”! On the vintage side, Trove Designs, Antoinette’s Heirlooms and Velvet Eccentric will be with us – who I am sure you will also love! Do come and take a peek and have a cup of tea in our Vintage Tea Room! http://www.facebook.com/WindsorEmporium.
Best wishes ~ Jackie
Muddy Stilettos , October 5, 2012
Hi Jackie
Struggling with kids and weekends just aren’t great. You’re on my radar, will mention you on Muddy Guide and will get down to see you when I can x
I haven’t forgotten but I can’t make it
Jackie Couzens , October 5, 2012
Your radar sounds great … a later date would be lovely! Best wishes Jackie
Jolly Hockeysticks , September 7, 2012
Paton Place has moved from Bicester. Boo hooooooooooooooooooo. Gone to Weston-on-the Green I believe. This is very painful. Good for my purse though.
Hero Brown , September 7, 2012
Hi Cathryn I know, it’s such a shame. But it looks like she’s going to a good home! I’m going to go up in a few weeks and have a gander so if I beat you to it I’ll let you know x
tom kearney , October 5, 2012
Hi there! Just stumbled across Muddy Stilettos! Very enjoyable read thank you. You ever thought of doing a piece on flower shops? If you ever do, you could do worse than have a look at The Flower Gallery in Wendover. Great shop anyway, but what really makes it zing are the two ladies who run it – mum and daughter. Lovely people and lovely flowers – beautifully presented
Muddy Stilettos , October 7, 2012
Hi Tom, thank you for commenting. Really pleased you enjoyed your stumble across me – I hope you’ve registered for more! (It’s free BTW). I haven’t written about flower shops previously but there’s always a first! I’ll take a gander next time in Wendover. Thanks for the tip. Hero x