Wilderness Festival

Wilderness Festival 2025 returned to Cornbury Park in the Cotswolds with a fierce blast of summer euphoria, cementing its place as one of the UK’s most immersive celebrations of music, art, and nature. With a line-up that spans indie anthems, boundary-pushing electronic acts, and transcendent performances, the festival proved once again why it remains a beacon for those seeking both sonic exploration and a chance to reconnect with the great outdoors. It’s not just a festival—it’s a lifestyle reset with glitter.

Things kicked off on Thursday evening at the newly repositioned Jump Yard Stage with Thrill Collins, who launched into a full-throttle knees-up from the start—splicing Britpop swagger with old-school swing and an unashamed love of 90s bangers. The Cheltenham trio, armed with a ukulele, cajon, and double bass, delivered mashups that felt like watching Mumford & Sons on Red Bull. From Spice Girls to S Club 7 and Blackstreet’s “No Diggity,” the crowd was clearly in party mode and ready for the weekend.

The biggest crowd of the night gathered at the Atrium Stage, where Gok Wan swapped the catwalk for the mixing decks. Effortlessly blending soulful house, gospel grooves, and hands-in-the-air disco edits, Gok’s energy was infectious. The set struck the perfect balance between nostalgia and fresh beats, proving he’s far more than a TV personality dabbling in DJing—he’s a serious party-starter.

Friday arrived with a more relaxed pace. Wilderness encourages you to take your time—whether that’s wild swimming in the estate’s earthy lakes, trying aerial yoga under the trees, or joining the daily 5K run hosted by Midnight Runners.

A last-minute addition to the lineup, DJ Yoda stepped in for Craig Charles and delivered a masterclass in genre-hopping wizardry and audiovisual flair. Opening the main stage, he stitched together hip-hop, funk, pop culture samples, and nostalgic cuts with his signature turntablist finesse. From Star Wars snippets to golden-era rap and video game sounds, the set was less a performance and more a pop-culture joyride. The visuals—projected mashups—added another layer to the already multidimensional experience. It’s rare to find a DJ who can make a crowd laugh, dance, and pull out their phones in awe all within the same track, but DJ Yoda nailed it. A quirky, clever, and completely unforgettable highlight.

Friday was a day to stay close to the main arena, especially when Bear’s Den took to the Wilderness Stage and offered a much-needed moment of emotional clarity. Their beautifully crafted set felt like a warm hug for the soul—and judging by the crowd’s misty eyes, they weren’t the only ones feeling it. Opening with “Red Earth & Pouring Rain,” Andrew Davie’s vocals were rich and raw, cutting through the festival buzz with stories of love, loss, and everything in between. By the time they closed with fan favourites “Above the Clouds of Pompeii” and “Agape,” arms were in the air, strangers were singing together, and a rare hush fell over the crowd—proof that even amid the madness, there’s still room for sincerity and songs that truly resonate.

As golden hour approached, it was time to step into another dimension. Making a much-anticipated return, AIR were cool, cinematic, and unapologetically smooth. The French duo drifted on stage with the understated elegance that’s defined their career, launching into a dreamlike voyage through their 1998 album Moon Safari. Opening with “La Femme d’Argent,” “Sexy Boy,” and “All I Need,” the set hit perfectly as the sun began to set. Minimal crowd chat, maximum atmosphere—this wasn’t a set built for chaos, but for lovers, loners, and anyone needing a little escape from reality. And in that moment, AIR gave us exactly that.

Friday night closed with a headline set that was nothing short of explosive. With trademark head torches glowing and synths set to stun, Orbital lit up Wilderness with a blistering performance that was part rave revival, part futuristic sermon. The Hartnoll brothers may be veterans of the scene, but there was nothing retro about this set—it was a pulsating, genre-bending masterclass that left the crowd absolutely feral. Kicking off with the seismic throb of “Choice,” Orbital wasted no time reminding everyone why they’re still the blueprint for live electronic acts. The visuals were retina-melting, the drops hit like freight trains, and the transitions were slicker than ever. By the time “Belfast” and a ferocious “Chime” rolled around, the entire field had transformed into a euphoric, glowstick-waving mass. Not bad for a duo three decades deep into their career.

Saturday morning at Wilderness is a choose-your-own-adventure. Some were easing into the day with lakeside yoga and forest sound baths, while others were already deep into espresso martinis, White Claw, and glitter touch-ups. The festival’s rhythm is yours to set.

As the sun beat down on the Cotswolds, Saturday brought a fresh wave of sequins and dancing shoes for?Hot Dub Time Machine. Some acts ride the nostalgia wave, but this Australian DJ practically surfs it into orbit. His time-travelling party machine proved once again why it’s a festival staple—this year felt bigger, bolder, and sweatier than ever. Each decade got its moment in the sun, from Britney to ABBA, Blink-182 to Darude. It was a euphoric, genre-mashing marathon that left feet aching and voices hoarse. Time travel’s never looked so sweaty.

Next up came a dose of Manchester charm from Antony Szmierek, whose spoken-word, genre-blurring sound sits somewhere between the Streets and a Northern Soul session. His cover of New Order’s “True Faith” was a quietly powerful, word-perfect moment that confirmed Szmierek as one to watch in the coming years.

Saturday night was a celebration over at the?Wilderness Stage, as Britpop legends Supergrass made a long-awaited return close to their Oxfordshire roots. In a triumphant headline set, the band took the crowd on a whirlwind ride through I Should Coco, their 1995 debut that made them local heroes. Opening with the fizzing energy of “I’d Like to Know You” and “Caught by the Fuzz,” the crowd instantly erupted. From the first few chords, it was clear this was no ordinary anniversary set. Supergrass weren’t here to tick off the hits—they were here to reclaim their place as one of the best live acts of their generation.

A touching moment came when Alfie Goffey, son of drummer Danny, joined the band on stage to play guitar on “Sofa.” The set’s highlight arrived with the encore: “Sun Hits the Sky” and “Pumping on Your Stereo,” their infectious, blissed-out choruses turning the rolling Oxfordshire countryside into the perfect backdrop for a moment of pure euphoria.

After midnight, the Wilderness transforms. The Valley becomes something primal and electric, its natural amphitheatre pulsing with anticipation. Over the weekend Annie Mac took to the decks for a set that was a journey through house, techno, and euphoric club classics—each drop echoing through the trees like a heartbeat. The crowd, lit only by strobes and moonlight, moved as one. It was sweaty, intense, and transcendent—a proper late-night pilgrimage for those who love to escape it all.

Sunday at Wilderness is anything but a gentle goodbye. It’s the day the festival throws off its final inhibitions and dives headfirst into glorious, chaos. At the heart of the madness is the legendary Wilderness Cricket Match, hosted by the ever-theatrical Monsieur Bonbon, whose definitely-not-French accent and flamboyant commentary have become a cult favourite. Think cricket meets cabaret: players in sequins and wigs, spectators lounging drink in hand and Bonbon strutting the boundary line like a Parisian umpire with a flair for drama. It’s part sport, part performance art, and entirely ridiculous—in the best possible way.

For those seeking a gentler start, the Lakeside Spa offers a sanctuary of recovery. Nestled beside the swimming lake in a hidden glade, it’s a haven of wood-fired hot tubs and saunas where festival-goers can soak away the symptoms of the night before. With steam rising through the trees and prosecco in hand, it’s the perfect place to reset before diving back into the madness.

The afternoon brought a wave of sunshine and sound as Gentleman’s Dub Club took to the main stage, delivering a high-energy set of dub, reggae, and brass-infused grooves. Their infectious rhythms and feel-good vibes had the crowd bouncing, skanking, and smiling—exactly what a Sunday afternoon at Wilderness should feel like.

As the sun began to dip, the Wilderness Stage geared up for its final crescendo. Basement Jaxx, celebrating 25 years of Remedy, delivered a headline set that was pure, unfiltered joy. From “Red Alert” to “Where’s Your Head At,” the duo unleashed a barrage of dancefloor anthems, backed by bold visuals and a carnival-like atmosphere. It was colourful, chaotic, and euphoric—exactly the kind of send-off Wilderness deserves.

As Wilderness Festival 2025 came to a close, it left behind a weekend defined by connection, creativity, and joyful abandon. From lakeside serenity to late-night raves, heartfelt performances to theatrical cricket matches, it was a celebration of the unexpected—a place where the surreal met the sublime, and every moment felt like a story worth telling. Wilderness Festival will return next year, early bird tickets already on sale at wildernessfestival.com