Towersey Fringe Festival Thame, England 2026

Overview

Towersey Fringe Festival returns in 2026 as a vibrant community-driven fundraiser blending comedy and music, set on the lush Towersey Playing Fields in the idyllic village of Towersey near Thame, Oxfordshire. Launched in 2015 by local enthusiasts to support the village’s playing fields charity, this two-day Bank Holiday weekend event has become a cherished staple, raising vital funds for a new clubhouse and facilities while delivering laughter, live tunes, and family fun. Expect an evening of top-tier stand-up on Saturday followed by a full day of bands, street food, and activities on Sunday—all in a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere that embodies rural English charm.

Spanning the late August weekend, the festival transforms the fields into a joyful hub: Saturday’s marquee comedy tent hosts circuit favorites, while Sunday bursts with local and regional acts, artisan stalls, and kid zones. Run entirely by volunteers with free performances from bands, it’s more than entertainment—it’s a heartfelt bid to preserve community spaces, having secured planning for a new pavilion and storage building. With free entry on Sunday and donations encouraged, Towersey Fringe fosters connections amid the Vale of Aylesbury’s gentle hills, where every chuckle and chord contributes to a brighter village future.

Event Highlights

• Main activities or performances: Saturday evening comedy marquee with 5 acts like impressionist Jon Culshaw, Cerys Nelmes, Eddy Brimson, Aaron Twitchen, and Jules O’Brian; Sunday music lineup featuring local bands such as Lumina (ethereal rock), India Yates (acoustic folk), Into The South (female-fronted rock), The Powders (original vibes), Andy Robbins (Americana), Ember (covers and originals), The Vibe (soul/funk/rock), Far From The City (indie rock), and SKA Souls (high-energy ska).
• Special traditions or features: Annual fundraising for Towersey Playing Fields charity (new pavilion phase underway); volunteer-led operations with bands performing gratis; family-focused Sunday with kids’ entertainment and silent disco; emphasis on local talent and sponsors like XT Brewing.
• Unique attractions for visitors: Artisan retail village with crafts; diverse food stalls from Thai to Mexican; licensed bars with local gins, ales, Pimms, and Prosecco; free parking and disabled onsite spots; silent disco and kids’ zones for all-ages fun.

Why Attend

Towersey Fringe 2026 invites you to a wholesome slice of village revelry, where Saturday’s sharp-witted comedy cracks open the weekend and Sunday’s eclectic bands weave a tapestry of sound under Oxfordshire skies—perfect for those craving authentic, low-key joy without the corporate gloss. It’s a family delight, with kids dashing to silent discos while adults savor craft gins and global bites, all while knowing your presence bolsters a cherished community hub. In a festival landscape of excess, this intimate affair shines with heart: volunteers’ smiles, local lore in every laugh, and the thrill of discovering Oxfordshire gems like The Vibe’s funky sets or Brimson’s bold tales.

More than merriment, it’s purposeful play—funds fuel the playing fields’ revival, turning attendees into legacy-builders. Dog walkers and picnickers thrive in the green expanse, eco-minds appreciate the litter-free ethos, and music lovers unearth rising stars amid the meadows. Whether belting ska anthems or chuckling at Culshaw’s impressions, attending means embracing Towersey’s spirit: generous, grounded, and gloriously unpretentious—leaving you lighter, locals stronger, and already humming for next year’s encore.

Date & Duration

Dates: August 29 – August 30, 2026

Duration: 2 days

Venue / Location

The festival centers on Towersey Playing Fields, a 7-acre community green space with a comedy marquee for Saturday evenings, open stages and areas for Sunday’s music and activities, kids’ zones, retail village, food stalls, and bars—all overlooking the Vale of Aylesbury with easy access to Thame’s historic center.

Main event address: Towersey Playing Fields, Towersey Road, Towersey, Thame OX9 3QF, UK

Ticket Information

• How tickets are sold: Online via Ticketsource (linked on site); local collection at Three Horseshoes pub (Towersey), Chinnor Parish Council Offices, or Thame Town Council Offices; email/phone orders via info@towerseyfringe.co.uk or +44 1844 260869; on-site availability evening of event.
• Whether admission is free or paid: Sunday free entry (donations appreciated); Saturday comedy ticketed ($32 USD); no camping.
• Tell ticket pricing in usd only: Saturday comedy evening $32 USD (includes 5 acts, licensed bar); Sunday free; no add-ons.
• Any special seating or VIP options: 500-seat marquee for comedy (bring own seating for Sunday); disabled parking/reserved spots.
• ADD MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM TICKETS PRICING TELL: Minimum ticket price: $0 USD (Sunday entry); Maximum ticket price range: $32 USD (Saturday comedy).
• Under-18s with adult; strong language on Saturday (not for kids); non-refundable unless canceled; proof of age for alcohol.

Booking with Euro Travelo

Planning to enjoy this music festival without the stress? Euro Travelo can help you book tickets, organize travel, and handle your entire trip from start to finish. Whether it’s a vibrant music festival, live concert, or cultural celebration, our team ensures a smooth experience for music lovers across Europe.

Contact Euro Travelo today to secure your festival tickets and travel arrangements.

Contact Information

• Email: info@towerseyfringe.co.uk (general inquiries, tickets); towerseypfc@gmail.com (playing fields charity).
• Phone: +44 1844 260869 (Lucinda Masters, festival contact).
• Website: https://www.towerseyfringe.co.uk (See Official Site).
• Social Media: Follow via site links (Facebook, Instagram).
• Key Staff: Towersey Fringe Committee (volunteer-led); Lucinda Masters (main contact).
• Press/Volunteers: Press via info email; volunteer opportunities for setup/running (contact committee).
• Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. English support; donations to charity encouraged.

Getting There

• Nearest airports: London Heathrow (LHR, 40 miles/50 minutes drive); Birmingham (BHX, 70 miles/1 hour); Luton (LTN, 35 miles/45 minutes).
• Public transport: Train to Haddenham & Thame Parkway (from London Marylebone, 45 minutes, $20-40 USD), then 10-minute taxi ($10 USD); buses from Oxford via Arriva ($8 USD).
• Parking: Free nearby; disabled onsite (pre-notify via email).
• Driving directions: From M40, exit J8A to A40/A418 towards Thame, then Towersey Road; postcode OX9 3QF; 2 miles from Thame center.
• Shuttle services: None; taxis from station ($10 USD); walking from Thame (2 miles, scenic).
• Cycling/walking: Flat village paths; bike racks; mobility-friendly fields.

Accommodation Options

• Official camping: None; day event only.
• Glamping: Nearby options in Thame via Pitchup ($200-300 USD weekend, book externally).
• Nearby hotels: The Five Rivers Pub in Thame (0.5 miles, $100-180 USD/night); Travelodge Thame ($80-140 USD).
• B&Bs and rentals: Village guesthouses via Airbnb ($90-160 USD/night); Thame cottages.
• Accessibility: Disabled parking; flat fields for wheelchairs.
• Booking tip: High Bank Holiday demand—book early; extend with Thame walks.

Reviews

Comedy cracked us up under the marquee—Culshaw’s impressions were spot-on, bands rocked Sunday; village vibe pure delight.

Free family fun: Kids loved the stalls, we savored Thai bites and ska beats—fundraiser with heart, can’t beat it.

Local gem: Brimson’s banter had us roaring, Powders’ vibes lingered—Towersey’s spirit shines through every laugh and lyric.