Wilderness Festival

Bathed in glorious summer sunshine, Wilderness Festival 2026 once again transformed the Oxfordshire countryside into a vibrant celebration of music, art, wellbeing and escapism. Across the weekend, glitter-covered revellers drifted between stages, lakeside swim spots and late-night revelry, all soundtracked by an eclectic line-up that balanced established big names with exciting new voices. With clear blue skies overhead and the sun-scorched ground of Cornbury Park, there was an atmosphere of carefree joy, and this year’s festival felt like the perfect reminder of why Wilderness remains one of the UK’s most enchanting and unique summer gatherings.

The first act to see was local-based duo Groovetown in the Don Julio tent. As the tequila flowed, the Oxfordshire DJs blended sun-soaked disco, house, and funk-laced grooves, setting an irresistible tone that had early arrivals dancing. Their seamless selections balanced crowd-pleasing classics with a couple of left field gems.

Over at the Atrium Stage, birthday boy and legendary DJ Carl Cox played a two-and-a-half-hour set, proving why he’s one of dance music’s greatest selectors. Instead of relying on heavy drops, his set dug deep into funk and soul, blending warm basslines, punchy drums, and timeless vocal classics ranging from Jamiroquai to Black Box. The crowd stayed locked in from start to finish, with every track adding another layer of energy. It was less about big moments and more about keeping the dancefloor moving with rhythm and feeling.

Later in the evening, Bleech 9:3 hit the Dive Stage. The Dublin four-piece tore through a razor-tight set. As set opener ‘Jacky’ sets the tone, it became clear why they are hyped as a must-see on the festival circuit this summer. The boys rattled through their songs with minimal conversation, with an attitude that they had something to prove. Set highlights were ‘Underrated’ and closing track ‘Ceiling’, which caused a rare Wilderness mosh pit. Add this band to your must-see list ; bigger things are on the horizon. 

Friday rolls around, and mornings at Wilderness are when the pace slows down a little. Take an invigorating swim in the lake, stretch into the day with a peaceful yoga session (laughter yoga and stand-up paddle board yoga also optional!), boost your energy levels with a Peloton workout, or embrace the spa area with a cold plunge and sauna. Whether you’re seeking calm, connection, or an endorphin-filled start, each morning offers a chance to recharge before the festival comes alive.

Later in the day, it was time for Good Neighbours to take to the Wilderness Stage. A sun-soaked crowd gathered for the afternoon slot, which was filled with singalongs, proving that their infectious hits are made for the live stage. Blending shimmering guitars, heartfelt lyrics, and irresistible hooks, the East London duo had the crowd in the palm of their hands from the opening note of ‘Suburbs’. Their effortless chemistry and genuine warmth shone through, creating a feel-good atmosphere that spread amongst the festival revellers. Rather than relying on flashy production, Good Neighbours let the songs do the talking: indie pop at its finest. Every chorus was met with a sea of raised voices, while their polished musicianship and easy stage presence made the set feel both intimate and euphoric. It was a performance full of charm and confidence, one that confirmed Good Neighbours will quickly become a festival staple in years to come. The set finished with the huge viral hit ‘Home’ as they left the stage to huge applause from the crowd.

Next up was Baxter Dury as he brought his deadpan swagger to the Main Stage, turning the early evening slot into something effortlessly stylish and slightly surreal. With trademark spoken-word delivery and charm, as well as slick dance moves some of the audience hung on every word,whilst a few looked on bewildered. Backed by tight, groove-heavy instrumentation, Dury’s songs pulsed with a laid-back funk that contrasted perfectly with his wry, observational lyrics. There was humour in the performance, but also an emotional undercurrent. The crowd swayed between amusement and admiration, fully locked into his offbeat rhythm. Cool, confident, and unmistakably his own, Baxter Dury delivered a performance that felt less like a gig and more like slipping into a world fit for a festival. 

Returning for a second night in a row, Carl Cox took the role of Friday night headliner as he delivered an energetic Wilderness Stage DJ set that leaned heavily into crowd-pleasing classics, weaving commercial tracks from artists like Eminem and Nirvana into his signature mixing style. While it wasn’t the deep, underground journey some fans might have expected, the familiar anthems kept the audience singing along and the atmosphere buzzing. It was a fun, accessible set that proved Carl knows exactly how to unite a festival crowd.

Onto Saturday, and it’s time to escape the midday sunshine for a few hours at the Riddle Tent, which is enclosed by a walled garden. Up stepped dance music pioneer Greg Wilson as he brought effortless groove with a masterclass in disco, funk, and soulful edits. His expertly curated selections and seamless mixing created a warm, uplifting atmosphere, drawing dancers of all ages onto the floor. It was a timeless set that perfectly captured the laid-back, feel-good spirit of Wilderness Festival.

At the Wilderness Stage it was time for Soulwax to put on a loud and fun set that had the crowd moving from start to finish. The band mixed live with three drummers, synths, and sharp beats, keeping the energy high throughout their time on stage. Every track hit hard ; you could feel the bass shaking your body down at the front of the crowd and the drummers were tight never missing a beat. It was a powerful performance without ever feeling messy. The crowd was fully into it, dancing and reacting to every drop. The Dewaele brothers gave the crowd a demonstration of how the synthesisers that they were playing worked. The set included classics such as ‘E Talking’,  ‘Krack’, and ’NY Excuse’. It was a show built for the festival field, and it worked perfectly.

As the sun set on the sequin and glitter-dressed crowd, there was one perfect choice for a Saturday night headliner. Scissor Sisters proved they were the perfect choice for Wilderness, delivering a vibrant and nostalgic set packed with crowd favourites. Their infectious energy, flamboyant stage presence and tight musicianship kept the audience dancing throughout. It kicked off with opening big hitters ‘I Don’t Feel Like Dancing’ and ‘Laura’. Jake Shears and the gang brought an infectious mix of glam-pop, disco and rock bringing a feel-good energy to the Main Stage, with every chorus met by huge cheers. The sets ended with ‘Let’s Have a kiki’ and the unapologetically fun hit ‘Filthy/Gorgeous’.

The final day of Wilderness is always a fun experience. A mass crowd gathers at the WCC (Wilderness Cricket Club) for the annual cricket match, which is a sporting highlight in the Cotswold calendar. This year, Conspiracy Theories took on Certain Truth - with characters such as Mother Earth, Count Binface and a vicar with a Brazilian bum lift. It was played with good-natured banter from the commentary team, questionable umpiring and a good dose of streaking from the audience. 

As day turns into early evening, there’s room for the most anticipated set of the weekend. It’s time for the one and only Annie Lennox, who brings her newly created ’Sisters’ show to the Main Stage. In collaboration with ‘The Circle’, which is a global feminist organisation fighting for women’s rights and girls facing discrimination across the globe, Annie hand-picked several artists to support the movement. Taking to the stage first was Irish folk singer Rioghnach Connolly, followed by neo-soul singer Becky Sikasa. Next to enter the stage was former headliner of the festival Jessie Ware who delivered an effortlessly cool performance including a mass singalong to songs such as ‘Wildest Moments’ and ’Say You Love Me’. This was all the build-up to the anticipation for the main act, as she entered the stage to roaring cheers from the devoted crowd. Annie Lennox delivered a breathtaking performance that was both powerful and emotional. Her unmistakable voice sounded as commanding as ever, breathing new life into classics including ‘Little Bird’, ‘Walking on Broken Glass’, ‘There Must Be an Angel’, ‘Here Comes the Rain Again’ and the unforgettable finale of ‘Sweet Dreams’. Blending elegance, warmth, and extraordinary stage presence, Annie held the Wilderness crowd spellbound from start to finish, proving why she remains one of Britain’s greatest live performers.

As Wilderness came to a close, it once again showed why it is one of the most loved festivals around. With great music, unusual events, amazing food, and a crowd that came ready to have fun, it offered something for everyone. From big headline moments to small surprises around the site, it was a weekend full of energy, smiles, and memories that will last long into the summer.

The festival will return once again next year on the weekend of 5th - 8th August 2027. Sign up for early-bird tickets via wildernessfestival.com


Photo credit: Russ Fujak