The Cotswolds is a great place to visit at any time of year, but once the summer season starts there is even more to enjoy as the festival season begins too. Whether youre into music, food or even the circus theres something on for everyone in the Cotswolds this summer. Take a look at our Cotswold Summer Festival Guide and take advantage of the great events taking place near our Jigsaw Holiday properties this year.
The Cornbury Festival 8-10th July
Taking place at The Great Tew Park in Oxfordshire, The Cornbury Festival brings one big celebration of music to the Cotswolds. A family-friendly, charming festival, it attracts more and more people each year to enjoy the great line up of bands, fantastic food and of course, plenty of fizz. There are even posh loos available for those looking for a more pleasant festival experience over the course of the weekend. The live music takes place across four different stages, with this years line-up featuring well-known acts such as Jamie Cullum, Roxy Musics Bryan Ferry, All Saints, James Morrison, Seal, Gabrielle Aplin and The Shires. As well as the wonderful music line-up there is also plenty of food to sample, a comedy tent, fairground, therapy and massage zone and much more, giving a classic country festival a modern twist for everyone young and old. Ticket Information: Tickets start at 70 for an adult day ticket and rates vary throughout the weekend. Tickets can be bought directly online here or by calling 0844 338 0000. Where to stay: Many of our properties are within easy reach of The Great Tew Park, which is just a short drive from Chipping Norton. Dairy Cottage is a perfect festival base for two, giving you somewhere cosy and comfortable to rest after a long day at the festival.
The Royal International Air Tattoo - 8th - 10th July
Boasting the title of the worlds largest military airshow, the Royal International Air Tattoo provides a fun day out for all the family. Theres plenty to see and to marvel at, especially the 7 and a half hour flying display featuring some of the greatest aircraft models in history. The sights include superfast jets, historic aeroplanes and thats just in the air! On the ground youll find a range of stalls to browse, a Techno Zone for children, a Vintage Village, Adrenaline Zone and Autodrome. The theme for this years festival is The Next Generation: Inspiring Innovation. This will give visitors the chance to check out the next generation of fighter jets as well as experience the latest technological innovations. Theres plenty of spots to enjoy food and drink as well to ensure a fun-filled day out. Ticket Information: Tickets should be bought in advance from the shows website and start at 39. Under 16s go free. Where to stay: Mill Bank House is one of our larger properties, sleeping up to 12. Its a great property with plenty of space for families to get together, and being located near Bibury, it is just a short drive to the show. Parking is free for ticket holders making Mill Bank House a great spot for you to enjoy this great Cotswolds event.
Longborough Festival Opera - different productions between now and 4th August
The brainchild and passion piece of Cotswolds couple Martin and Lizze Graham, the Longborough Festival Opera began as a very small series of chamber concerts at their home, Banks Fee. These concerts soon grew in size, leading to a theatre being created from an old barn, featuring seats from the Royal Opera House in London. The venue continued to receive donations to grow in size and is now host to a full calendar season of opera, with a particular dedication to Wagner. So if youre a fan of the German composer, you should definitely endeavour to book to see a concert at this beautiful venue. Running from now until 4th August, some of the highlights of the season include Mozarts Le Nozze di Figaro, Handels Alcina and Janeks Jenfa. Offering spectacular surroundings to enjoy some renowned opera away from London and other cities, you are free to arrive early to explore the grounds before the performance. There is also an opportunity to enjoy a meal during the interval and to simply relax. Whilst there is no dress code for the performances, many people choose to dress up in black tie, and you may want to pack a blanket for the chillier evenings. Ticket Information: Tickets can be purchased from Longborough Festival Opera directly and prices start at 30. Where to stay: Teagles Cottage offers beautifully restored Cotswolds accommodation featuring luxurious beds, stylish bathrooms and plenty of dining space indoors and out. The cottage sleeps up to 7 and is located in Stow on the Wold, which is just a short drive from the Longborough Festival Opera. Plan a visit during your stay and you wont be disappointed.
Wilderness Festival - 4th-7th August
Wilderness Festival is the ultimate cure for the stresses caused by work and general busyness as they call it. The website describes the feel of the festival perfectly: four days in a nature reserve to meet new people, meet new ideas and new experiences, and a great way to experience the beauty and culture of the Cotswolds. A new festival which only launched in 2011, its a big favourite for those looking for something different to the traditional festival. At Wilderness youll not only find music and dancing, but also feasting, ceremonies, theatre, opera, comedy, debates, yoga and swimming as well as a kids corner featuring a wide range of things to do. For a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, you cant beat a few days at Wilderness - a wonderful way to soak up the summer vibes in the Cotswolds. Ticket Information: Tickets can be bought directly from the Wilderness Festival website. Where to stay: Wilderness Festival takes place in Cornbury Park which is located near many of our properties. Gardeners Cottage in Shipton-under-Wychwood is a short drive from the festival, and means you can enjoy a nice hot shower and filling breakfast each day before you go to the festival. Sleeping 6 plus 1 child, its the perfect size for groups.
The Big Feastival, Kingham - 26th-28th August
It wouldnt be a Cotswold summer festival guide without a food festival added in, and The Big Feastival is every foodies dream.An annual event which takes place at Alexs Farm, the Big Feastival has Jamie Oliver and Alex James of Blur fame, now producer of award winning cheese at the helm. From chef demonstrations to a food market, street food stalls, table demonstrations and plenty of bars, it really is a foodie extravaganza with something for everyone. And as if the food wasnt enough, there are also some great music acts playing including Mark Ronson, Tinie Tempah, Ella Henderson, Kaiser Chiefs and Foxes. With great entertainment all weekend, make sure to take advantage of the vintage fairground, family Olympics and Adams Cotswold farm park, providing plenty to do for both children and adults. Ticket Information: Tickets can be bought from the festival directly here with prices starting at 59 for a Friday adult day ticket, whilst children under 12 go free. Where to stay: The Old Smithy is perfectly sized for two, offering luxury accommodation to enjoy whilst you visit the festival. Based in Kingham near Chipping Norton, it is just a short drive away from the festival, making it easy to bring back all of those treats at the end of the night.
Giffords Circus - The Painted Wagon touring May - September
And now onto something completely different! The Giffords Circus evokes many a childhood memory, bringing all the fun of the traditional circus to locations around England - there are many memories to be made with them this summer. Their latest performance The Painted Wagon, will be touring throughout locations in the Cotswolds over the summer and there are some great locations to check them out. With animals, colourful performers, comedy and dramatic interpretations on the cards, this is one circus youll want to return to. Enjoy the glamorous costumes and warm atmosphere for a great treat thats fun for all the family. Ticket Information: Tickets and full dates for the performances can be found here, as well as details of the locations. Where to stay: Most of the performances take place within close proximity to Jigsaw Holidays properties, take a look at our full listings here to plan your trip to the Cotswolds and visit to the circus. With so much happening over the next few months, youre in for an exciting Cotswolds summer. Take a look at our available properties and make your booking before our availability runs outso you can have a truly memorable experience at a Cotswold summer festival this year.