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.