Splendour Festival – Nottingham, England 2026
Overview
Splendour Festival stands as Nottinghamshire’s largest and most beloved music extravaganza, transforming the historic Wollaton Hall & Deer Park into a two-day summer wonderland since its inception in 2008. Organized by DHP Family Ltd. in partnership with Nottingham City Council, it draws over 25,000 attendees with a dynamic mix of genres across five stages, from indie rock anthems to pop hits, featuring fast-rising stars alongside global icons like past headliners The Wombats, Snow Patrol, Noel Gallagher, and Madness. This family-oriented event seamlessly weaves music with comedy, funfair rides, silent discos, and fringe activities, all set against the backdrop of a Grade I-listed deer park that’s home to roaming fallow deer and peacocks, creating an unforgettable blend of entertainment and natural splendor.
Beyond the beats, Splendour champions community and local talent, with dedicated kids’ zones, independent markets, gourmet street food, and real ales fostering a welcoming vibe for all ages. It’s a not-for-profit spirit at heart, reinvesting in Nottingham’s cultural scene through initiatives like NUSIC’s Future Sound of Nottingham showcases, while offering resident discounts and accessibility features to ensure inclusivity. Whether you’re chasing nostalgic sing-alongs or discovering new favorites, Splendour delivers a hassle-free escape that’s as much about forging memories in the sunshine as it is about the music itself.
Event Highlights
- Main attractions, activities, or performances: Five stages hosting 50+ acts across genres, with 2026 headliners The Wombats (Saturday) and Snow Patrol (Sunday); past highlights include Bloc Party, Kaiser Chiefs, Travis, Jake Bugg; complemented by comedy tents, silent discos, and celebrity interviews for non-stop fun from noon to late evening.
- Special traditions or features: Annual “Future Sound of Nottingham” showcases for local emerging talent; community partnerships with Nottingham City Council for resident perks; evolution from one-day to weekend format in recent years, celebrating milestones like 15th birthday with iconic album plays.
- Unique attractions for visitors: Historic deer park setting with roaming wildlife, funfair rides, and a “Little Splendours” kids’ area featuring workshops, storytelling, and yoga; independent artisan markets, gourmet food stalls from global cuisines to local pies, and fringe activities like salsa classes for immersive, all-ages delight.
About This Event
- Founded in 2008 by DHP Family Ltd. and Nottingham City Council to spotlight local musicians and international stars, evolving from a two-day pioneer event to Nottinghamshire’s biggest festival with over 25,000 attendees.
- Hosted at Wollaton Hall & Deer Park, a 500-acre Grade I-listed estate with Elizabethan architecture, lakes, and wildlife, providing a natural amphitheater for stages and activities.
- Focuses on diverse genres without a single emphasis, blending established acts like Richard Ashcroft and The Specials with homegrown heroes like Jake Bugg to nurture Nottingham’s music scene.
- Family-centric with dedicated kids’ zones, no-camping weekend format for day-long convenience, and sustainability efforts like reduced plastics and eco-partners.
- Supports local causes through charity tie-ins (e.g., 2020’s Splendour at Home raised £500 for Framework) and initiatives like resident discounts, ensuring broad accessibility.
- Proud history of record-breaking crowds and innovations, including new stages like Day Fever and Bodega New Music in recent years, all under DHP’s expert production.
Why Attend
Splendour Festival shines as the ultimate Nottingham summer staple, where the thrill of catching The Wombats’ indie bangers or Snow Patrol’s heartfelt anthems unfolds in a deer-dotted park that’s equal parts playground and concert hall—perfect for families juggling funfair spins with silent disco grooves. It’s refreshingly unpretentious, blending massive sing-along moments with intimate local discoveries, all at accessible prices with resident perks that make it feel like a hometown hug, minus the mega-fest crowds or chaos. You’ll leave buzzing from comedy sketches, stuffed on gourmet bites, and connected to a vibrant community that’s as welcoming to first-timers as it is to die-hards.
At its heart, Splendour isn’t just tunes—it’s a catalyst for Nottingham’s creative pulse, funding local talent pipelines and fostering that rare festival magic where kids chase peacocks between sets and adults relive ’80s nostalgia under the oaks. In a packed scene, its blend of heritage site charm, diverse vibes, and seamless organization stands out, promising sun-soaked (or rainy, wellied) memories that recharge and reunite, proving why it’s the East Midlands’ must-do escape year after year.
Date & Duration
- Dates: July 18 – July 19, 2026
- Duration: 2 days
Venue / Location
- Main venue: Wollaton Hall & Deer Park, hosting all five stages, kids’ areas, funfair, markets, and food zones across its expansive grounds with lakes and woodland paths.
- Notable areas: Main Stage arena for headliners, Confetti Stage for indie sets, Little Splendours kids’ zone, VIP Garden retreat, and deer park fringes for picnics; fully walkable with shaded trails.
- Google Maps address: Wollaton Hall, Nottingham NG8 2AE, UK
Ticket Information
- Tickets sold online via the official website and partners like Gigantic with e-ticket delivery and confirmation; day and weekend options available, no on-site sales to avoid queues.
- Admission is paid; children under 10 free with an adult, youth (10-17) at reduced rates; no camping tickets as it’s a day festival.
- Ticket pricing in USD: Adult day tickets range from a minimum of $105 to a maximum of $110; weekend tickets from $210 to $220; youth day from $80 to $85.
- Special options: 10% discount for Nottingham City residents (enter council tax number/postcode at booking); free Personal Assistant tickets for disabled attendees (proof required); VIP packages (~$180-200 USD) with fast-track entry, exclusive garden access, and premium seating.
- All under-18s must be accompanied by an adult; non-refundable except for event cancellation, with payment plans available over 3-6 months.
Booking with Euro Travelo
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Contact Information
- Email: info@splendourfestival.com (general inquiries); press@splendourfestival.com (press); tickets@splendourfestival.com (tickets); accessibility@splendourfestival.com (accessibility).
- Phone: +44 (0)115 910 0200 (DHP Family Ltd., English available for enquiries).
- Website: https://www.splendourfestival.com
- Social Media: @splendourfestival (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, Spotify).
- Key Staff: DHP Family Ltd. team—contact via info@ for event coordinators.
- Press/Volunteers: Press accreditation via press@; volunteer opportunities through website form (TBD for 2026).
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; English support available; mailing list for priority updates.
Getting There
- Airports: East Midlands Airport (EMA, ~12 miles/19 km west, 20-minute drive); Nottingham City Airport (NQT, ~5 miles/8 km east, 15-minute taxi); Birmingham Airport (BHX, ~45 miles/72 km northwest, 50-minute drive/train).
- Public transport: Trains to Nottingham Station via East Midlands Railway from London (1.5 hours), then Tram NET to Wollaton Vale (15 minutes, stop near park entrance); buses from city center via NCT 5/8/30 to Wollaton (10-20 minutes walk to gates).
- Parking: Managed by Big Parking with advance purchase (~$15-20 USD via app); ample blue badge spaces near entrance; car-sharing encouraged to reduce congestion.
- Other access: Taxis/drop-offs via dedicated lanes on Wollaton Road (signposted); cycling from Nottingham center (4 miles via traffic-free paths); walking from Beeston Station (2 miles uphill).
- Road access: A52 from M1 J25 (5 miles east) or A6005 from city center; satnav to NG8 2AE; expect summer traffic—gates open 11am, pre-book parking.
Accommodation Options
- On-site camping: Not available (day festival); focus on nearby day-trip bases with picnic allowances.
- Hotels/guest houses: Novotel Nottingham Derby (~$120 USD/night, free parking, 5 miles via A52); The Village Hotel Nottingham (~$100 USD, pool/gym, 3 miles); festival packages via Booking.com with free cancellation.
- Holiday cottages: Self-catering homes in Wollaton via Airbnb (e.g., family lodges with gardens, from $130 USD/night); options near Beeston for groups.
- Glamping: Nearby sites like Glastonbury-inspired pods at East Midlands Glamping (~$160 USD/night, 10 miles); no on-site but easy shuttle access.
- Other: B&Bs like The Lenton Lodge (central, breakfast included, $90 USD); youth hostels at Nottingham YHA (budget dorms ~$50 USD, tram access).
Reviews
- Epic weekend in the deer park—Wombats killed it, kids loved the funfair, and that silent disco amid peacocks was next-level family magic.
- Nottingham’s best kept secret revived: Snow Patrol sunset set, gourmet stalls galore, and seamless vibes made it a stress-free highlight reel.
- From local heroes to indie legends, the lineup slayed; accessible, affordable, and that historic backdrop turned a good day into pure gold.
Maps
Contact
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FAQ's
Is Splendour suitable for families with young children?
Splendour is a family paradise, capping crowds for a safe, spacious feel with under-10s free entry and youth discounts ensuring every tot tags along without the wallet hit, while the Little Splendours zone bursts with workshops, storytelling, face-painting, and mini-rides that keep little legs bouncing from gates-open at noon. The deer park's open lawns invite picnics and peacock-spotting between sets, with mellow acoustic stages balancing high-energy headliners so ears stay happy; no-camping means easy home-by-bedtime exits. Parents gush over the dedicated no-alcohol family areas, baby-change hubs, and volunteer stewards creating a bubble of joy—it's evolved over 18 years to spark intergenerational sparks, turning potential pandemonium into cherished tales of dancing deer and folk fiddles. Eco-water points and picnic freedoms make mealtimes a breeze, while the resident discount sweetens the deal for locals; it's not just kid-proof, it's kid-thrilling, fostering lifelong festival love in Nottingham's green embrace.
How do tickets work, and what's the refund policy for 2026?
Tickets fly via the website or Gigantic for instant e-delivery, with day (~$105-110 USD) and weekend (~$210-220 USD) passes plus VIP upgrades (~$180+ for fast-track and gardens); super early birds snag lower tiers, so sign up for alerts. Nottingham residents score 10% off with council tax/postcode at checkout, and payment plans spread costs over months—no printing needed, phones scan fine. Resale's unofficial but tout-proof via original buyers; refunds rare but full for cancellations (weather-resilient site), minus fees, with past pauses like 2024 offering credits. Free PA tickets for disabled (proof emailed) and under-18 rules keep it inclusive. Bundle with Euro Travelo for travel perks. The DHP ethos ensures fair pricing, funding local gems—grab yours before July's heatwave hype.
What accessibility features are there for disabled visitors?
Splendour's all-in commitment shines, offering free PA tickets (apply pre-event with proof) for seamless entry, blue badge parking steps from gates, and raised viewing platforms at all five stages for mud-free, elevated panoramas without shoving. Wheelchair paths (firm gravel over grass) link RADAR toilets, chill-out welfare tents with seating/med support, and shuttles from afar lots; assistance dogs get water stations and shaded spots. Medical team's pro, with NHS links, first aid everywhere, and pyrotechnics announced—priority queues minimized via fast-lanes. The compact park keeps distances short, volunteers trained for arm support or gear aid; contact accessibility@ for BSL, quiet zones, or tent tweaks. Feedback raves on the thoughtful flow, letting all—from mobility scooters to elders—savor Wombats riffs and deer strolls barrier-free; it's evolved yearly, amplifying Nottingham's inclusive heart.
Can I bring my own food and drink, and what's the on-site policy?
Picnics are a big yes—spread blankets under oaks with coolers (no glass/cans for park safety) to savor homemade feasts amid the funfair hum, embracing that communal fete flair while dodging lines. Arena's booze-restricted to licensed bars (local ales ~$6 USD, ciders for cheers) for family licensing, but outside sips are fine responsibly. On-site, gourmet vendors tempt with Nottingham pies, vegan tacos, wood-fired pizzas, and sweet stalls (~$8-15), plus free water refill stations to beat the July sun—bring reusables for eco-points. No BBQs (heritage site rules), but the mix sparks shared suppers and chats, elevating the vibe; many swear it outshines fest fare, pairing perfectly with Snow Patrol sunsets and silent disco stars. It's hassle-free fueling for a day of discovery.
What time does the festival start and finish, and is there parking?
Gates crack at 11am both days for Splendour, letting you ease in with a wander, snag stage spots, or hit kids' crafts before main sets fire up around noon—headliners like The Wombats wrap by 10:30pm Saturday, Snow Patrol by 10pm Sunday, with full closure at 11pm for smooth exits. No re-entry after leaving, so plan your day; last trains from Nottingham run till midnight. Parking's a breeze via Big Parking app—pre-buy spots (~$15-20 USD) to skip queues, with ample blue badge near entrances and car-sharing nudges for traffic tame. Taxis drop on Wollaton Road, trams whisk from city center; arrive by 10am to beat the rush. The two-day rhythm keeps energy peaking without fatigue, all in the park's golden glow—check site for set times nearer the date.
