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The Cornbury Oxford Festival is a strange eccentric hybrid of music festival and country fayre. Described as a farmers market with a dancefloor, this quirky gem has a ramshackle carnival atmosphere that infectiously friendly. It is located on the edge of Wychwood forests of Cornbury park. Where rockstars can rub shoulders with Morris dancers, farmers and little old ladies selling some rather good cakes; this about as eclectic as it gets. Started as a traditional fayre in 1796, drawing crowds of up to 50,000, it was stopped in 1830 after it got too raucous. It started up again in 1845 - 1856 before being revived in 2004. Set against a backdrop of the C17th home of Lord and Lady Rotherick the estate boasts interesting features for those after a bit of historical interest, including the mysterious musical stone.
Previous years have seen performances from Elvis Costello, Joe Cocker, Blondie and Jools Holland.
Food and drinks are provided by a wide variety of stalls, with massage treatments, hot air balloon rides and an arts and crafts village. There is camping space, toilets, and showers on site. Styled as a big open air party, Cornbury is a very English affair that's suitable for the whole family.
