Witney Music Festival – Witney, England 2026

Overview

The Witney Music Festival, founded by Stuart Foster in memory of his sister Jo, is a heartfelt not-for-profit celebration of Oxfordshire’s local music scene, blending a two-week build-up of town-wide gigs with a climactic two-day open-air extravaganza at The Leys Recreation Ground. Since its inception, it has evolved into a family-friendly beacon of creativity, showcasing emerging talents, tribute acts, and dance-heavy lineups that draw thousands for a mix of pop, rock, rave, and community spirit. Partnered with Witney Town Council, it emphasizes inclusivity with affordable tickets and free youth under-14 entry, while supporting mental health awareness through collaborations with charities like Tough To Talk, creating spaces for conversation amid the festivities.

For 2026, the festival promises another immersive edition, with build-up events from May 22 sparking town energy through local performances, culminating in the main weekend of June 12–13. Expect an expanded dance stage pulsing with genres from techno to disco, alongside main stage anthems that honor the festival’s roots in loss and resilience, all set against Witney’s vibrant market-town backdrop—perfect for families seeking a blend of heartfelt tunes and high-energy escapism in the heart of the Cotswolds.

Event Highlights

• Main activities or performances: Two-day main event with main stage live bands, tribute acts, and a revamped dance stage featuring local and national DJs across rave, techno, house, funk, hip hop, and disco; build-up gigs in town venues engaging businesses and musicians.
• Special traditions or features: Annual spoken verse poem by Owen Collins performed during build-up events; charity integration with Tough To Talk for mental health talks and suicide prevention; not-for-profit model reinvesting proceeds into local music support.
• Unique attractions for visitors: Town-wide pre-festival buzz blending music with poetry and spoken word; family zones with affordable food stalls and interactive dance workshops; intimate build-up sessions in Witney’s historic spots, contrasting the greenfield finale.

About this event

• Founded in memory of Jo Foster by her brother Stuart, starting as a two-week town program to spotlight local music and evolving into a major open-air climax.
• Not-for-profit, partnered with Witney Town Council, focusing on family accessibility with free entry for under-14s and affordable tickets for all.
• Features a two-week build-up of gigs across Witney, culminating in two days at The Leys, emphasizing dance, live bands, and community ties.
• Collaborates with Tough To Talk charity to promote men’s mental health, integrating awareness sessions amid the festivities.
• Attracts thousands annually, with a mix of genres from pop tributes to electronic sets, fostering emerging Oxfordshire talents.
• Held in Witney, a charming market town, blending rural Cotswold charm with urban energy for a supportive, inclusive vibe.

Why attend

Attending the Witney Music Festival means immersing yourself in a tapestry of tunes woven from personal loss and local love, where a town square gig sparks conversations on mental health, and the Leys stage erupts into a dance-floor diaspora of house and hip hop that has families from tots to grandparents moving as one—it’s the profound pull of post-sunset sets post-build-up buzz, blending heartfelt poetry with pounding bass in a setting that feels like a heartfelt hug from Oxfordshire itself. With its charity heart and affordable joy, it’s a sanctuary for music seekers and families alike, sparking those soul-stirring moments where melody meets meaning.

Beyond the music, you’re fueling a post-pandemic revival that nurtures regional artists and breaks stigma through Tough To Talk ties, turning your weekend into a ripple of resilience and rhythm. Whether chasing rave refrains or savoring spoken verse, the festival’s blend of intimacy and intensity delivers transformative highs—ideal for June getaways where community chords resonate long after the encore.

Date & Duration

• Dates: June 12 – June 13, 2026
• Duration: 2 days (main event), with build-up from May 22

Venue / Location

• Main venue: The Leys Recreation Ground, a spacious greenfield site perfect for stages and crowds with easy town access.
• Additional venues: Witney town center spots for build-up gigs, including pubs, squares, and local businesses.
• Main event Google location address: The Leys Recreation Ground, Burford Road, Witney OX28 6DX, England

Ticket Information

• Tickets are sold online via the official website (witneymusicfestival.com); early bird for 2026 releases soon—pre-book recommended as events sell out.
• Admission is paid for main event, free for under-14s; build-up gigs often free or low-cost.
• Ticket pricing in USD only: Weekend passes range from $30 to $45 USD.
• Minimum and maximum tickets pricing: Minimum $30 USD (early bird general admission); maximum $45 USD (VIP weekend pass).
• No lottery system; first-come, first-served with family bundles for 4+ via site.
• Special seating or VIP options: VIP at $45 USD includes priority entry, lounge access, and exclusive views; standard general admission for flexibility.

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@witneymusicfestival.com (general inquiries, tickets, and volunteer support).
• Phone: Not specified; use email or website form for responses within 48 hours.
• Website: https://witneymusicfestival.com (full program, bookings, and updates).
• Social Media: @WitneyMusicFestival (Instagram for lineups, photos, and announcements).
• Key Staff: Stuart Foster (Founder, contact via email for programming queries).
• Press/Volunteers: Press to info@witneymusicfestival.com; volunteer opportunities via website (TBD for 2026, English support available).

Getting There

• Nearest airports: Birmingham Airport (BHX), 40 miles away (50-minute drive via M40); London Heathrow (LHR) for internationals, about 60 miles (1-hour drive or train).
• Public transport: Trains from London Paddington to Oxford (1 hour via GWR), then bus to Witney (20 minutes); local buses connect Oxford to The Leys.
• Driving: Access via A40/M40, with free parking at The Leys and nearby town lots; SatNav postcode OX28 6DX.
• Cycling/walking: Witney’s paths are bike-friendly; racks at ground; Oxford station to venue via bus/walk 30 minutes.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly grounds with ramps; taxis from Oxford ($40 via apps); contact for priority parking.

Accommodation Options

• Budget stays: Premier Inn Witney (town center, from $80/night, breakfast included); hostels like Witney YHA ($50/night dorms).
• Mid-range: The Fleece (historic inn, $100–130/night, family rooms); Blue Boar Inn ($110/night, parking).
• Luxury: The Lamb Inn (boutique, $150+/night, spa options); Crescendo Restaurant with Rooms ($140/night, gourmet).
• Festival packages: Bundled stays via VisitCotswolds.com with B&Bs; camping at nearby Witney Lakes ($60/night pitches).
• Booking tips: Reserve early for June; check oxfordshire.gov.uk for deals.

Reviews

• Town-tuned triumph—dance delirium met heartfelt hymns, family fusion of frenzy and feels that floored us.
• Greenfield glory post-build-up buzz; poetry punctuating the pulse, a post-pandemic postscript of pure joy.
• Cotswold crescendo perfection—rave refrains and rock reveries, blending local lore with luminous legacy.