From world-class food extravaganzas and boutique music gatherings to historic jazz celebrations, the Cotswolds offers a festival for every taste. This guide is your essential companion for 2026, breaking down the seven must-visit events in this stunning region of rolling hills and honey-coloured stone villages. We’ll explore the unique vibe of each event, from family-friendly fields to sophisticated classical concerts.

This roundup goes beyond a simple list. Alongside essential tips for attendees on tickets, travel, and accommodation, we offer a unique perspective for event professionals. For DJs, suppliers, and planners, we highlight opportunities and provide actionable insights into the technical and logistical nuances of performing or supplying at these top-tier events. We delve into specifics like power requirements, stage setups, and sound restrictions that can make or break a performance.

Whether you’re packing your wellies for a weekend of music or your mixing desk for a professional engagement, this is your definitive guide to making the most of a festival in Cotswolds. Each entry is designed to give you a clear, practical overview, complete with direct links to official sites, helping you plan your visit or professional involvement with confidence. Let’s explore what makes the Cotswolds festival scene truly special.

1. The Big Feastival: A Gastronomic and Musical Masterclass

Held on Blur bassist Alex James’ idyllic farm near Kingham, The Big Feastival is a polished blend of chart-topping music, celebrity chef demonstrations, and gourmet street food. Its slick organisation and wide appeal make it a perfect entry point for families new to festivals, yet it maintains a cool, celebratory vibe that attracts a broad audience. This event stands out as a premier festival in Cotswolds by successfully balancing its identity as both a serious music event and a high-calibre food festival.

The festival’s website is the central hub for all planning and ticketing. Its clean interface makes finding essential information straightforward, from the latest line-up announcements to detailed FAQs on accessibility and camping rules. Tickets are typically released in stages, with early-bird pricing offering the best value. Weekend camping tickets, day passes, and VIP upgrades are all available, often with payment plans to spread the cost.

Key Information & Booking Tips

• Audience Vibe: Family-focused but with a celebratory, party atmosphere, especially around the main stage. It draws a mixed crowd of foodies, families, and music fans.
• Music & Food: Expect a mix of pop, indie, and rock headliners. The music programming feels as curated as the food line-up, which features Michelin-starred chefs alongside popular street food vendors. The quality of music acts is consistently high, rivaling performances seen at other major UK festivals; some might even be compared to the most legendary Glastonbury performances in terms of energy and crowd response.
• Accommodation: On-site options include standard camping, live-in vehicle pitches (powered options are limited and sell out fast), and glamping. Book these directly through the website well in advance.
• Website Pro-Tip: Create an account on the official website before tickets go on sale. This saves time during the checkout process, which is crucial as popular add-ons like glamping and hot tub passes are snapped up quickly.

Note for Event Planners & DJs: The Big Feastival has multiple stages and pop-up venues. Opportunities exist for both established and emerging artists, as well as for unique food-and-music crossover experiences. The crowd is receptive to upbeat, feel-good sets that can be enjoyed by all ages, making it a great platform for DJs with a broad musical palette.

Website: https://bigfeastival.com

2. Wilderness Festival: An Immersive Boutique Escape

Set within the magnificent Cornbury Park estate, Wilderness Festival is less a traditional music event and more a four-day immersive escape into arts, ideas, and nature. It masterfully combines a stellar music line-up with long-table banquets by top chefs, lakeside swimming, philosophical talks, and well-being workshops. Its unique, upmarket and experiential character firmly establishes it as a must-visit festival in Cotswolds for those seeking a more curated and restorative weekend.

The festival’s website is the gateway to this eclectic world, mirroring the event’s stylish and bohemian aesthetic. It provides a rich overview of the diverse programmes, from music and arts to food and sanctuary. Tickets are sold in tiers with prices increasing over time; early-bird and boutique camping options are highly coveted and sell out very quickly. The site is also where you must book popular add-ons like specific feasts or well-being sessions, which often have limited capacity.

Key Information & Booking Tips

• Audience Vibe: A creative, discerning, and slightly older crowd than many mainstream festivals. It’s popular with Londoners looking for a stylish country escape, with a focus on shared experiences.
• Music & Food: The music is eclectic, featuring indie, electronic, soul, and world music acts. The food programme is just as important, with renowned chefs hosting exclusive banquets and a wide array of high-quality food stalls. The atmosphere often feels more like a large-scale garden party with an exceptional soundtrack, featuring the kind of high-calibre artists you would find when looking for bands to hire near me for a premium event.
• Accommodation: A wide range of options from general camping and family fields to extensive boutique glamping with premium facilities. All accommodation must be booked through the official website.
• Website Pro-Tip: Sign up for the newsletter to get first access to ticket releases and line-up news. Plan your weekend in advance by perusing the programme on the website and pre-booking any banquets or workshops, as they sell out long before the festival begins.

Note for Event Planners & DJs: Wilderness attracts an audience that values unique experiences. There are opportunities for DJs in dedicated dance tents like The Valley, as well as in more intimate, brand-sponsored venues. Sets that blend genres, from disco and house to funk and soul, are well-received. The festival also offers a platform for unique performers, wellness practitioners, and workshop leaders.

Website: https://www.wildernessfestival.com

3. Wychwood Festival: The Ultimate Family-First Experience

Dubbed “the UK’s best family festival” by numerous outlets, Wychwood Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse has built a sterling reputation over 15 years. It provides a welcoming, safe, and vibrant atmosphere perfectly calibrated for families, especially those introducing children to their first festival. By curating a lineup that appeals to parents and kids alike, it secures its place as a benchmark festival in Cotswolds for multigenerational fun.

The festival’s website is the go-to portal for securing your spot. Its user-friendly layout clearly presents ticketing tiers, from day passes to full weekend camping tickets, with payment plans available to help manage costs. The site is also where you’ll find information on the extensive kids’ programme, accessibility details, and campsite specifics. While the racecourse setting is more functional than bucolic, its accessibility and ample parking are major logistical advantages.

Key Information & Booking Tips

• Audience Vibe: Unashamedly family-first. Expect a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with a huge number of children enjoying dedicated workshops, performances, and play areas.
• Music & Food: The lineup smartly blends indie heritage acts that parents grew up with (like The Happy Mondays or Travis) with contemporary chart names and world music. Food is varied and caters to all tastes, with plenty of kid-friendly options.
• Accommodation: On-site choices include standard camping (with designated quiet and family zones), live-in vehicle pitches, and pre-booked boutique camping like bell and emperor tents. These options are popular and should be reserved early.
• Website Pro-Tip: The “Info” section of the website is remarkably detailed. Before booking, review the FAQs and specific camping guides to choose the right area for your family’s needs, as the quiet camping zone is a lifesaver for those with young children.

Note for Event Planners & DJs: Wychwood offers a fantastic platform for performers and workshop leaders specialising in children’s and family entertainment. The audience is highly engaged and receptive to interactive, family-friendly content. DJs who can curate sets with cross-generational appeal, blending classic indie, pop, and funk, will find a welcoming crowd, particularly during daytime slots.

Website: https://wychwoodfestival.com

4. Cheltenham Jazz Festival: World-Class Music in an Elegant Town Setting

Cheltenham Jazz Festival brings a sophisticated, international flavour to the Cotswolds’ festival calendar. Held over six days in early May, it transforms the Regency town into a vibrant hub of music, with a programme that features global jazz legends, contemporary stars, and emerging British talent. It’s a standout festival in Cotswolds for its high artistic calibre and unique blend of ticketed indoor concerts and a sprawling, free-to-access festival village in Montpellier Gardens.

The Cheltenham Festivals website serves as the primary portal for discovering the lineup and securing tickets. Its design is functional, reflecting the parent organisation that also runs the town’s famous Literature, Science, and Music festivals. Tickets are released in stages, with a members-first booking period offering early access to the most popular shows. Both individual event tickets and festival passes are available, catering to visitors who want to see a single headliner or immerse themselves for the entire week.

Key Information & Booking Tips

• Audience Vibe: A discerning and engaged crowd with a genuine passion for music. The atmosphere is relaxed and respectful, with a mix of seasoned jazz aficionados and curious newcomers enjoying the free stages.
• Music & Food: The programme covers a broad spectrum, from classic big band and bebop to soul, funk, and modern crossover acts. While the focus is music, the festival village offers an excellent selection of street food stalls and bars, creating a self-contained social hub.
• Accommodation: No on-site camping is available. Visitors must book hotels, B&Bs, or self-catering accommodation in and around Cheltenham. Book well in advance as prices rise significantly during festival week. The town’s excellent rail and bus links make it accessible.
• Website Pro-Tip: Consider purchasing a Cheltenham Festivals membership. For a small annual fee, you get priority booking for the Jazz Festival (and others), which is essential for securing seats for sell-out headline acts in the main tented venues.

Note for Event Planners & DJs: While the main stages are curated for established artists, the festival’s ‘…around town’ programme and free stages present opportunities for emerging jazz ensembles and solo performers. The audience is knowledgeable and appreciates technical skill. For DJs, sets that blend funk, soul, and rare groove work well in the festival village bars, providing an upbeat counterpoint to the seated concerts.

Website: https://www.cheltenhamfestivals.org/festivals/jazz-festival

5. Tetbury Music Festival: Classical Excellence in Historic Settings

For those seeking a more refined and intimate cultural experience, the Tetbury Music Festival offers a world-class programme of classical music set against the stunning backdrop of the town’s historic venues. Rather than a single weekend event, it operates in two distinct seasons: a Spring Song Weekend and the main autumn festival. This structure allows for focused, high-calibre performances that attract a discerning audience, positioning it as a truly unique festival in Cotswolds for lovers of chamber music and song.

The festival’s website is the primary portal for discovering the programme and securing tickets. Its elegant and simple design reflects the nature of the event itself, making it easy to browse upcoming concerts, read about the internationally acclaimed artists, and understand the various historic venues. Booking is handled directly through the site, with clear seating plans and pricing for each concert. Supporters of the festival often receive priority booking access, a crucial perk as individual concerts can sell out very quickly.

Key Information & Booking Tips

• Audience Vibe: Mature, attentive, and knowledgeable. The atmosphere is one of quiet appreciation for outstanding musicianship in acoustically superb environments.
• Music & Food: Strictly classical, featuring instrumental recitals, chamber orchestras, and vocal performances from both established international stars and rising talent. There are no on-site food stalls; attendees typically dine at Tetbury’s local pubs and restaurants before or after performances.
• Accommodation: This is not a camping festival. Visitors must arrange their own accommodation in and around Tetbury, with options ranging from boutique hotels to traditional B&Bs. Booking well in advance is essential, especially during the autumn festival period.
• Website Pro-Tip: Explore the “Support Us” section of the website. Becoming a Friend or Patron not only supports the festival’s artistic and educational mission but also grants you access to priority booking, which is often the only way to secure seats for the most in-demand performances.

Note for Event Planners & DJs: This festival is not suitable for DJ performances. However, for event planners organising corporate or private functions in the Cotswolds for clients with classical tastes, recommending a concert at the Tetbury Music Festival can be a highly valued and sophisticated addition to an itinerary.

Website: https://www.tetburymusicfestival.org

6. Cotswold Beer Festival (Postlip)

For a truly authentic and community-driven experience, the Cotswold Beer Festival at Postlip Tithe Barn is an unmissable event. Organised by CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), this long-running festival eschews corporate gloss for genuine passion, focusing entirely on high-quality real ale and cider from local and national producers. Held in a magnificent 15th-century tithe barn near Winchcombe, its rustic charm and scenic setting within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty make it a standout festival in Cotswolds for ale enthusiasts and those seeking a relaxed, traditional atmosphere.

The festival’s website is a straightforward, no-frills portal that provides all the essential details. It clearly outlines festival dates, beer lists, shuttle bus timetables from Cheltenham and Winchcombe, and ticket information. Tickets are very reasonably priced and can be purchased in advance online, which is recommended as sessions can sell out. The site’s simplicity reflects the festival’s ethos; it’s all about the beer, not a flashy digital presence.

Key Information & Booking Tips

• Audience Vibe: A friendly, communal gathering of real ale lovers, locals, and curious visitors. It’s family-friendly during the day on Saturday, with a dedicated free-entry Sunday session for finishing the remaining barrels.
• Music & Food: The focus is firmly on the drinks. Live music is present but serves as a pleasant backdrop rather than a main attraction. Food is typically traditional and hearty, sourced from local vendors to complement the ales and ciders.
• Accommodation: No on-site camping. Attendees typically stay in nearby Winchcombe or Cheltenham and use the festival’s excellent shuttle bus service. Remember that the final approach to the barn is on foot along a rural track, so sensible footwear is a must.
• Website Pro-Tip: The beer and cider list is usually published on the website just before the festival. Review it in advance to plan your tasting journey, as the selection can be extensive and you won’t want to miss a potential new favourite.

Note for Event Planners & DJs: This festival’s entertainment is curated to match its traditional, folk-like atmosphere. The musical slots are best suited for acoustic acts, folk bands, or solo performers who can create an ambient, enjoyable soundscape that complements the conversation and conviviality, rather than overpowering it.

Website: https://postlip.camra.org.uk

7. Wotton Blues Festival: A Town-Wide Celebration of Sound

Wotton Blues Festival offers a refreshing, grassroots alternative to ticketed events. Held across the charming market town of Wotton-under-Edge, this free, volunteer-run festival transforms local pubs, arts centres, and street corners into intimate stages. Its multi-venue, walkable format creates a unique, community-driven atmosphere where the entire town comes alive with the sound of blues, making it a truly authentic festival in Cotswolds for music purists and casual visitors alike.

The festival’s website is your essential guide to navigating the weekend. Its simple, functional design focuses on providing the full schedule of acts, a map of the venues, and details about the workshops. Since the event is entirely free, there are no tickets to book, but the website is crucial for planning your route and deciding which of the simultaneous gigs to catch. Donations are encouraged via the site to support its volunteer-led organisation.

Key Information & Booking Tips

• Audience Vibe: Relaxed, friendly, and community-focused. It attracts dedicated blues enthusiasts, local families, and curious passers-by, all sharing a genuine appreciation for live music.
• Music & Food: A pure celebration of blues and its related genres, from acoustic solo artists to powerful electric bands. The music has an authenticity that resonates with fans of classic soul and blues, similar to the heartfelt tunes celebrated by the iconic Caister Soul Weekender. Food and drink are sourced from the town’s excellent local pubs, cafes, and pop-up stalls.
• Accommodation: No on-site camping. Visitors should book accommodation in or around Wotton-under-Edge, with options including local inns, B&Bs, and holiday cottages. Book far in advance as the town fills up quickly.
• Website Pro-Tip: Download the official festival programme and map from the website before you arrive. With acts spread across multiple venues, having a plan is key, especially if you want to catch a popular band in a smaller pub where space is limited.

Note for Event Planners & DJs: While a blues-focused event, the festival’s intimate pub venues are perfect for acoustic acts and DJs specialising in classic blues, soul, funk, and roots music. The close interaction with the audience creates a powerful connection. Performance opportunities are usually arranged directly with the volunteer organisers well ahead of the event.

Website: https://www.wottonbluesfest.org

7 Cotswolds Festivals Comparison

Choosing Your Ideal Festival and Making Your Mark

The Cotswolds’ festival calendar offers a vibrant and diverse tapestry of experiences, weaving together music, food, and culture against the backdrop of some of England’s most stunning countryside. From the family-focused fun of Wychwood Festival to the sophisticated jazz stylings at Cheltenham, and the rustic charm of the Cotswold Beer Festival, there truly is a festival in Cotswolds to suit every taste and agenda. This guide has journeyed through the unique character of each event, highlighting not just what makes them special for attendees, but also the distinct opportunities they present for performers, planners, and suppliers.

The key takeaway is that success, whether as a festival-goer or a professional contributor, lies in understanding the specific identity of each event. A one-size-fits-all approach simply will not suffice in this curated landscape.

For the Festival Attendee: Your Next Steps

To make the most of your Cotswolds festival experience, proactive planning is essential. Once you’ve identified the festival that aligns with your musical taste and desired atmosphere, consider these final points:

• Accommodation and Travel: Book well in advance. Boutique hotels, B&Bs, and even campsites for events like The Big Feastival and Wilderness get booked up months ahead. Plan your travel route, as many locations are rural and may have limited public transport options.
• Beyond the Main Stage: Explore the full programme. The magic of a Cotswolds festival often lies in the smaller stages, the artisan food stalls, the spoken word tents, and the wellness workshops.
• Pack Accordingly: The British weather is famously unpredictable. Layered clothing, waterproofs, and sturdy footwear are non-negotiable, even for the most refined events.

For Event Professionals: Making a Lasting Impression

For DJs, vendors, and event suppliers, the Cotswolds festival circuit is a prime opportunity to connect with engaged and discerning audiences. Your success hinges on a tailored approach.

A well-researched, customised pitch that demonstrates a genuine understanding of a festival’s ethos will always stand out. Show organisers you’ve done your homework and understand their unique audience.

Consider how your offering can specifically add value. If you’re a DJ pitching to Wilderness, you might highlight your expertise in eclectic, world-music-infused sets perfect for a lakeside chill-out zone. For Wotton Blues Festival, showcasing your deep vinyl collection of classic blues and your ability to create an authentic, raw sound would be far more effective than a generic corporate pitch. Align your brand, your equipment, and your performance style with the festival’s core identity to move from being just another supplier to an essential part of the experience.

Ultimately, whether you are packing your wellies or your flight case, the rich variety of festivals in the Cotswolds offers a unique chance to create unforgettable memories and forge valuable professional connections. By respecting the individual character of each event and planning thoughtfully, you are set to enjoy the very best of what this beautiful region has to offer.

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