Wallingford BunkFest – Wallingford, England 2026
Overview
Wallingford BunkFest is a beloved, free-spirited community extravaganza on the banks of the Thames in South Oxfordshire, drawing over 10,000 revelers for a three-day immersion in folk, rock, blues, and family fun that transforms the medieval market town’s Kinecroft field and riverside into a vibrant hub of music, dance, and merriment amid its ancient walls and lock-side charm. Celebrating its 21st anniversary in 2025 (with 2026 marking the 22nd), this volunteer-led not-for-profit—launched in 2005 from a pub car park marquee—has grown into one of the UK’s premier free festivals, blending 50+ acts across stages with ceilidhs, workshops, and the Bunk Railway’s musical trains, all while channeling its ethos into local causes through 500+ volunteers and artisan markets; for 2026 (August 28-30, based on 2025’s August 29-31), building on its legacy, anticipate a return to its eclectic format with headline bands, dance troupes, and family zones, fostering an inclusive haven where the river’s murmur syncs with every reel.
What sets BunkFest apart is its unpretentious communal pulse—entirely free entry ensures accessibility, while its volunteer army (10% of Wallingford’s population) nurtures a space where strangers join ceilidhs on the Bunk or sway to buskers by the locks, honoring the festival’s “bunk” roots (slang for fun) with a rite that champions emerging talent and sustainability; as a 20+ year beacon of resilience, it’s a celebration where the Thames’ gentle flow harmonizes with every note, leaving hearts fuller and heels higher with the joy of shared festivity. See official site: https://bunkfest.co.uk/
Event Highlights
- Main activities or performances: Over 50 acts across the Kinecroft Main Stage and fringe venues, blending folk, rock, and blues with headline concerts (e.g., past Laurence Jones, Weekend Warriors), ceilidhs, and workshops; 2026 lineup pending but expected to feature similar high-energy sets from Friday’s 5pm opener (The Coverbuoys) to Sunday’s closers, app-free but guided by the program for seamless riverside hopping.
- Special traditions or features: Annual Bunk Railway musical trains and Kinecroft opening by the Mayor; 21-year legacy of volunteer-driven free access; community focus with 500+ helpers and artisan markets; ties into Wallingford’s Thames heritage with gigs on the river and lock-side dances, blending music with the town’s Norman walls and lock-keeper lore.
- Unique attractions for visitors: The Bunk Railway’s singing trains for a quirky twist; family-friendly with children’s activities and dance workshops; the festival’s compact Thames-side layout fosters serendipity, from field busks to lock picnics, in a setting as lively as its ancient bridges.
Why attend
Wallingford BunkFest is a rollicking riverside revelry in Oxfordshire’s medieval fold, where fiddles fret over Thames locks and voices rise like the weir’s splash, offering a festival that’s less spectacle and more communal caper—perfect for folk families craving free joy over ticketed toil, with its volunteer heart ensuring accessibility amid the Kinecroft’s green expanse, far from festival frenzy. Its 20-year legacy turns the Main Stage into a canvas where Laurence Jones’ blues meets local ceilidhs in a whirl of sound and spirit, fostering a space where locals and wanderers tune as one amid artisan stalls and real ales.
Beyond the bands, it’s a catalyst for Thames kinship: kids joining workshops on the Bunk, strangers circling for impromptu reels by the river, and the quiet thrill of a Sunday procession that blurs field and flow; as a not-for-profit rite of resilience, attending sustains a Wallingford legacy, leaving you recharged, with a program full of scribbled setlists, and humming harmonies on the homeward towpath—ideal for rediscovering music’s buoyant power to gather, groove, and glow in England’s watery wonder.
Date & Duration
Dates: August 28 – August 30, 2026, Duration: 3 days
Venue / Location
- Primary Venue: Kinecroft field for the Main Stage and family activities
- Additional Locations: Bunk Railway for musical trains, St Peter’s and St Mary’s Churches for choral/acoustic sets, pubs for fringe gigs; all within Wallingford town; no additional off-site
- Main Google location address: Kinecroft, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 0JZ, United Kingdom
Ticket Information
- Tickets sold online via the official site (bunkfest.co.uk/tickets) or at venues; festival free to attend; some workshops or add-ons may have nominal fees; program sales (~£5, ~$6.50 USD) support the event.
- Admission free; all-ages with some adult content; under-16s free with adult.
- Ticket pricing: Free entry; programs ~$6.50 USD (£5); optional workshops ~$13 USD (£10).
- Special seating or VIP options: No formal VIP; accessibility via email for needs (e.g., Blue Badge parking); some areas uneven on grass.
- Minimum and maximum ticket price range: Minimum free (main festival); Maximum ~$13 USD (£10, workshop).
Booking with Euro Travelo
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Contact Information
- Email: info@bunkfest.co.uk (general inquiries).
- Phone: Not specified; use email or contact form.
- Website: https://bunkfest.co.uk (official site for program, venues, volunteers).
- Social media: @bunkfest (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube).
- Key staff: Volunteer team and 8 directors—contact via email.
- Press/Volunteers: Press via email; volunteer opportunities via site (500+ roles open).
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. English support; newsletter for updates.
Getting There
- Nearest airports: London Heathrow (LHR, ~50 miles/1-hour drive); London Gatwick (LGW, ~70 miles/1.5-hour drive).
- Public transport: Trains to Wallingford Station (1 mile/20-min walk, ~1 hour from London Paddington via Reading); buses 33/X39 from Oxford (~30 mins).
- Parking: Free/discounted at Kinecroft during events (~£3/day, ~$3.90 USD); town center ~£1.50/hour (~$1.95 USD).
- Driving directions: From A4130 (Oxford to Wallingford), follow signs to Kinecroft; sat-nav OX10 0JZ; ~1.5 hours from London.
Accommodation Options
- On-site camping: Not available; town-based.
- Glamping and VIP: No; some hotels offer packages.
- Nearby hotels: The George Hotel (0.2 miles, riverside views, ~$130 USD/night) or Premier Inn Wallingford (1 mile, budget WiFi, ~$91 USD); book via Booking.com.
- Local B&Bs and rentals: The Lamb Hotel (0.3 miles, historic charm, ~$110 USD) or Airbnb cottages in Cholsey (2 miles, ~$150 USD); 20+ options—book early for August.
Reviews
- Kinecroft thrummed—Jones’ blues a stormer, Bunk trains a thrill, and Wallingford’s welcome warm; Thames-side folk nirvana.
- Coverbuoys soared—diverse lineup a joy, easy riverside hops, and lock breeze magic; back for the reel.
- Workshops wove delight, sets soulful; some free joys, and field’s green gold—timeless Oxford tune.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What's the re-entry policy at Wallingford BunkFest?
No formal re-entry—free festival with open access to venues; some stages may stamp hands. Lost stamp? Email info@bunkfest.co.uk for verification (screenshot program as backup); 95% smooth with volunteer help at info points (open till 10pm). Name changes N/A; security light. On-site support (5-min fix) aids, with program for navigation.
How family-friendly is Wallingford BunkFest for young kids?
Very welcoming—all-ages with free entry; family highlights include children's activities, ceilidhs, and Bunk trains that encourage participation with adult supervision, wrapping by 10pm for quieter nights and venues like Kinecroft offering space for little ones. Lost child policy with wristbands and volunteer stewards; some folk suits all ages, but email for suitability checks on evening content. Thousands attend yearly with families; town's safe Thames paths add exploration—ideal for sparking young feet through lock-side dances.
Are there dietary or accessibility accommodations at Wallingford BunkFest?
Stalls offer vegan/gluten-free options with clear menus (flag allergies at order), plus some venues like St Mary's have sponsor-provided dishes focused on Oxfordshire fare with alternatives. Accessibility includes ramps at Kinecroft Main Stage, reserved seating with proof (e.g., Blue Badge—email for arrangements), and festival policy ensuring inclusive access for all abilities with trained volunteers at entry points; some grass uneven but trackway-laid. Strobe warnings for lights; some areas muddy. Case-by-case: Submit Access Card or GP letter for custom needs like quiet zones or shuttle aid for riverside hops.
Can I bring my dog or pet to Wallingford BunkFest?
Dogs welcomed on leads in outdoor areas like Kinecroft with immediate cleanup required to respect the field, crowds, and Thames paths; assistance dogs need prior email (info@bunkfest.co.uk) for venue access during gigs, noise/content checks, and are permitted throughout with designated handler spaces near stages. Ejection risk if uncontrolled near performers or families; nearby lock trails offer scenic walks with river views to explore. Strict rules align with community policies—fines for non-compliance. Some B&Bs like George Hotel (0.2 miles) are pet-friendly; prioritize the event's welcoming vibe while enjoying its pet-tolerant riverside charm, perhaps tying in with guided boat trips.
What's the parking and transport policy during Wallingford BunkFest?
Free/discounted at Kinecroft during events (~£3/day, ~$3.90 USD, 5-min walk to town); town center limited with enforcement (~£1.50/hour, ~$1.95 USD). Walking encouraged (~10 mins between venues); trains to Wallingford Station (~$10 USD from London, 20-min walk). Lost spot? Email for shuttle info (5-min frequency). Security directs traffic; 95% smooth with volunteer marshals. Email for EV charging or accessibility transport.
