5 brilliant local festivals and events to look forward to this summer
Here in Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties, we’re very lucky to have loads of lovely festivals and events to look forward to in the warmer months. To whet your appetite for a summer of fun, here are five of our favourites.
1. Robert Dover’s Games
When: Friday 3 June, 5pm onwards
Where: Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire
How much: Usually around £6 for adults
Also known as the ‘Cotswolds Olimpicks’, this centuries-old event is famed for the spectator sport of “shin-kicking”. Set on the side of the National Trust-managed Dover’s Hill in a natural amphitheatre with breathtaking views, traditional games like tug o’ war precede fireworks and a magical torchlit procession down the hill into the village, where the jollity continues in the local pubs.
2. Asparafest
When: Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 June 2016
Where: Ashdown Farm, Badsey, Worcestershire
How much: £10 for an adult weekend ticket
Right in the heart of asparagus country in the Vale of Evesham, Asparafest brings you two days of music, merriment and delightful appreciation of the asparagus (other food is available). There are even asparagus-related drinks like the Aspara-martini, not forgetting the tasty ‘asparasausage’. As one would expect from a quintessentially English country festival, Morris dancers, steam engines and a funfair will be among the attractions.
3. Truck Festival
When: Friday 15 – Sunday 17 July 2016
Where: Hill Farm, Oxfordshire
How much: £86.50 per adult for the whole weekend
Head to Truck Festival and it won’t take you long to see why it’s been a Best Small Festival Finalist at the UK Festival Awards for the last three years. Nicknamed “the godfather of the small festival scene”, this year is headlined by the Manic Street Preachers. There are plenty of food stalls from local producers, but you can also bring your own food and drink and enjoy a weekend of glamping.
4. Riverside Festival
When: Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July 2016
Where: Charlbury
How much: Free
Local bands like The Dreaming Spires grace the main stage (one of three) at Charlbury’s free Riverside Festival, set on the idyllic banks of the River Evenlode. It’s run entirely by volunteers, which keeps this delightful little festival free to attend and a wonderful way to while away a summer’s weekend.
5. Oxford Foodies Festival
When: Friday 2 – Sunday 4 September 2016
Where: South Parks, Oxford
How much: From £10 for an adult ticket
Top chefs including Rosemary Shrager take centre stage at the fabulous Oxford Foodies Festival, but there’s lots more to look forward to besides that. Local producers, pop-up restaurants and bars, street food, a drinks theatre and a chilli-eating challenge are all among the offerings this year. And, of course, you can expect free samples aplenty.
If you’re planning on heading to any of these wonderful festivals this summer, be sure to hire a chauffeur and you won’t have to worry about driving after sampling those fine local ciders.