15 Unmissable Festivals in Oxford & The Cotswold in 2023
Oxford and the Cotswolds are undoubtedly cultural hotspots renowned for their picturesque landscapes, rich history, and vibrant festivals. In 2023, the region promises a whirlwind of entertainment, music, art, comedy, and culinary delights. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere, discover hidden gems, and create lasting memories with these festivals in Oxford and the Cotswolds.
June Festivals in Oxford & The Cotswolds:
Oxford Arts Festival
Dates: 23rd June 2023 to 16th July 2023
Address: Magdalen College, Oxford, OX4 1DZ
Website: https://artsfestivaloxford.org/
Oxford Arts Festival is a 2-week event that attracts nationally and internationally renowned performers and artists. The festival showcases an array of exhibitions, workshops, and performances. Ignite your imagination with theatre productions, art installations, oil paintings, and so much more. It’s the festival to go to for art enthusiasts.
Minety Music Festival
Dates: 29th June 2023 to 2nd July 2023
Address: Salud’s Field, Mile Straight Corner, The Common, Minety, SN16 9RH
Website: https://www.minetyfestival.co.uk/
Set just on the outskirts of the Cotswolds, the Minety Music Festival aims to raise funds for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance, as well as other charities including Naomi House & Jacksplace Hospice and Combat Stress. This 4-day festival in the Cotswolds offers a diverse lineup of artists spanning various genres. Enjoy an electrifying atmosphere and dance your days away as the melodies and music come to life.
Elementary Festival
Dates: 29th June 2023 to 3rd July 2023
Address: Brazier Park, Ipsden, Oxford, OX10 6AN
Website: https://elementaryfestival.co.uk/
This year’s Elementary Festival is set to be the most spectacular event yet. Their lineup for 2023 features artists from around the world including The Turbans, Sandeep Raval, Mobius Loo, and many more.
Get involved and learn the rhythm of African drumming, master the skill of boomerang throwing, go down under and explore the sounds of a didgeridoo, become grounded with some yoga practice, and enjoy being surrounded by different cultures from around the world.
Nibley Music Festival
Dates: 30th June to 2nd July 2023
Address: The Street, North Nibley, Dursley, Gloucestershire, GL11 6DW
Website: https://nibleyfestival.co.uk/
Run entirely by volunteers, Nibley Music Festival is a family-friendly festival in the Cotswolds. Enjoy some of the best music, free kids entertainment, countless stalls filled with goodies, local beer, and an array of food from around the world for the perfect weekend.
July Festivals in Oxford & The Cotswolds:
Oxford Comedy Festival
Dates: 1st to 31st July 2023
Address: Various locations across Oxford. (Check the website for details)
Website: https://oxfordcomedyfestival.co.uk/
If you’re looking for a festival in Oxford that will really raise your spirits, then the Oxford Comedy Festival is sure to do just that. Experience a month of laughter as top comedians take to the stage in various venues across Oxford to bring laughter and joy to all. Have those tissues at the ready for those tears of laughter as you experience stand-up acts, improv shows, and comedic performances.
The Cotswold Show & Food Festival
Dates: 1st to 2nd July 2023
Address: Bathurst, Park, Cirencester, GL7 2BU
Website: https://www.cotswoldshow.co.uk/
Running over 2 days, the Cotswolds Show and Food Festival takes place in the heart of Cirencester Park. This festival in the Cotswolds attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year making it one of the most popular events in the Cotswolds events calendar.
Founded in 1989, the show was originally created for people living in the countryside or those interested in farming, however, it’s grown over the years to be an educational, family-friendly event with plenty of exciting attractions. Enjoy a lively atmosphere, modern entertainment, livestock displays, rural crafts, thrilling performances, and more. You’ll even be able to sample some amazing local delicacies too.
Battle Proms Picnic Concert
Date: 1st July 2023
Address: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxford, OX20 1UL
Website: https://www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/battle-proms
The Battle Proms has been a long-standing favourite of the Blenheim Palace social calendar. This quintessential British festival in Oxford allows visitors to celebrate the summer in style. Enjoy an afternoon of spectacular displaces from daring cavalry skill-at-arms to live canon fire and parachute displays.
Experience live music from the Battle Proms Belles and a captivating evening of orchestral delights. It’s set to be an event you’ll never forget for all the right reasons. Book your tickets on the Blenheim Palace website to avoid disappointment.
Henley Festival
Dates: 5th July to 9th July 2023
Address: Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2LP
Website: https://henley-festival.co.uk/
Nestled along the banks of the River Thames, Henley Festival is a festival in Oxford that’s not to be missed. This boutique black tie festival takes place over 5 days and celebrates some of the best of UK and international music and arts. The festival strives to merge great music, food, comedy, and art into one of the most unique experiences in Oxford. Create unforgettable memories and use the festival as an excuse to dress to impress.
2000 Trees Festival
Dates: 7th to 9th July 2023
Address: Upcote Farm, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 4BL
Website: https://2000trees.co.uk/
Rock, metal, and indie music enthusiasts unite for a festival to remember. Join a star-studded lineup with the likes of Skindred, Eagles of Death Metal, Bullet for my Valentine, Deaf Havana, and more. The 2000 Trees Festival showcases emerging and established artists in what’s set to be an incredible music event for all ages.
Cotswolds Beer Festival
Dates: 14th to 16th July 2023
Address: Postlip Hall Tithe Barn, Cheltenham, GL54 5AQ
Website: https://postlip.camra.org.uk/
Raise your glass and savour the flavours at the Cotswolds Beer Festival. This family-friendly is one of the longest running beer festivals in the UK that’s been hosted at the same venue. Whether you love your beer or cider, rock n roll or Morris, coffee or hot chocolate, ice cream or cake, face painting or dancing till you drop, there is something here for everyone. Don’t forget to sample the glorious food on offer too, to soak up some of that delicious beer or cider.
Fantasy Forest Festival
Dates: 15th to 17th July 2023
Address: Sudeley Castle, Cheltenham, GL54 5JD
Website: https://fantasyforest.co.uk/
Dream with your eyes open and join thousands of fantasy fans for an unforgettable weekend on the grounds of Sudeley Castle. The Fantasy Forest Festival allows you to immerse yourself in mythical creatures, live-action role-playing, and fantastical performances that transport to you a realm where all your dreams come true.
This festival in Oxford and the Cotswolds allows you to be whoever you want to be, be that a cosplay of your favourite anime character, a knight in shining armour, or your favourite superhero or villain. The world is your oyster here.
August Festivals in Oxford & The Cotswolds:
Wilderness Festival
Dates: 3rd to 6th August 2023
Address: Cornbury Park, Oxford, OX7 3HL
Website: https://www.wildernessfestival.com/
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the magical world of the Wilderness Festival. This festival in Oxford is a party life no other. Enjoy a weekend of escapism, high jinks, and wholesome hedonism. Its a place where you can be exactly who you want to be whilst exploring and indulging your wild side.
The festival features live music from various artists, captivating performances, a plethora of wellness activities, feasting and dining experiences, and so much more. The Wilderness Festival in Oxford celebrates nature and the arts in an exciting way.
Rewind Festival South
Dates: 18th to 20th August 2023
Address: Temple Island Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 3DB
Website: https://south.rewindfestival.com/
Enjoy the likes of UB40, Martin Kemp, Disco Inferno, and more for a music-filled weekend of nostalgic music. Rewind Festival South is set to be a brilliant festival in Oxford, so put on your leg warmers, tease your hair, and dance to some iconic tunes of the decade that us new wave, synth-pop, and disco. There’s so much to see and do on site too from the Pink Flamingo Club and fairground rides to an inflatable church, bars and food.
Soul Circus
Dates: 19th to 21st August 2023
Address: “Hollow Farm”, Elmore, Gloucestershire, GL2 3SG
Website: https://www.soulcircus.yoga/products/soul-circus-2023
Soul Circus is a dedicated wellness and mindfulness festival in the Cotswolds that allows you to unleash your inner zen. Engage in yoga sessions, meditation workshops, holistic therapies, and dance to the beats of soulful music. Eat to your heart’s content with locally sourced, nutritious produce in the market kitchen and open the champagne as you admire the festival’s stunning location from your lakeside jacuzzi.
Big Feastival
Date: 25th to 27th August 2023
Address: Alex James’ Farm, Chipping Norton, OX7 6UJ
Website: https://thebigfeastival.com/
Curated by Alex James from Blur and renowned chef Jamie Oliver, Big Feastival is a culinary extravaganza that combines top-notch food with live music and family-friendly activities. This festival in the Cotswolds is the biggest event on the Cotswold social calendar and attracts thousands of people from across the world for one long weekend of fun. Book your tickets via their website now to avoid missing out.
Oxford Foodies Festival
Date: 26th to 28th August 2023
Address: South Parks, Headington Road, Oxford, OX3 0EB
Website: https://foodiesfestival.com/events/oxford-2/
The Foodies Festival is for the food enthusiast of the world and is a must-visit for locals and visitors alike. Sample a vast array of culinary delights, watch master chefs in action, and participate in cooking demonstrations and workshops that will tantalise your taste buds. There is so much for everyone at this annual festival in Oxford.
