Wychwood Festival 2027 – Cheltenham, United Kingdom

Overview

Wychwood Festival is one of the United Kingdom’s most cherished independent family music and arts festivals, held annually at Cheltenham Racecourse in Gloucestershire. Established in 2005 by founders Graeme Merifield and Sam Shrouder, the festival has grown from a small world and roots gathering into a multi-stage celebration that welcomes an average of 12,000 to 20,000 attendees across the weekend. Described by Time Out Magazine as an excellent hybrid between the Big Chill, WOMAD and the Cambridge Folk Festival, Wychwood offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere set beneath the beautiful Prestbury Hills.

The programme features over 100 acts across four stages, including live music, comedy, circus school, cinema, workshops and family entertainment. Known for its inclusive pricing with no hidden booking fees, its strong links with NGOs such as Oxfam, Amnesty International, Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace, and its reputation as a multiple finalist for Best Family Festival at the UK Festival Awards, Wychwood marks the first weekend of the summer festival season and has become a treasured tradition for families and music lovers.

What Makes This Event Special

Family Festival of the Year Pedigree: Winner of Family Festival of the Year at the UK Festival Awards 2025 and nominated every year as Best Family Festival, Wychwood is specifically designed for families, with dedicated kids areas, accessible camping and inclusive policies.

Independent and Boutique Scale: As an independent festival running since 2005, Wychwood maintains a boutique feel despite its size. It offers big-festival thrills with intimate community atmosphere, where attendees can drive onto the campsite to unload gear and enjoy a laid-back experience.

Four Stages of Diverse Music: The lineup spans indie, rock, pop, disco, punk, folk, world music and dance, with programming that balances legendary heritage acts and contemporary breakthrough artists.

Arts and Workshop Programme: Beyond music, the festival delivers more than 100 workshops for all ages, comedy from names such as Bill Bailey, talks and debates, circus skills, dance classes, arts and crafts, silent discos and wellbeing sessions.

Value Inclusive Pricing: Wychwood tickets are advertised with no additional booking fees and no hidden extras to pay on site. Children under five go free but must register, and payment plans are available starting from low monthly installments.

Stunning Racecourse Location: Set in the countryside of Gloucestershire at Cheltenham Racecourse, the site offers rolling hills, open skies and easy access from across the UK, with its name deriving from the ancient forest that once covered large parts of Oxfordshire.

Lineup / Featured Artists

The 2027 edition follows the record-setting 20th anniversary year that featured Kaiser Chiefs, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Levellers as headliners, alongside Everything Everything, Feeder, Maximo Park, Boney M, The Pigeon Detectives, Chesney Hawkes, Newton Faulkner, The Twang and The Wedding Present.

First 2027 Headliner Announced: The Human League have been confirmed as the Saturday night headliner. The 1980s synth-pop group, known for the global hit Don’t You Want Me and nine studio albums across more than 45 years, will bring their electric dreams production to the main stage. Their announcement was made dramatically during the 2026 festival when a plane flew over the site towing a banner reading Don’t You Want Me Baby! See you in 2027.

Expected Lineup Format: Based on recent editions, the main stage will present three headline acts across the weekend, one per evening, supported by special guests. Previous headliners have included Ocean Colour Scene, The Coral, Seasick Steve, Lightning Seeds, Sister Sledge, Craig David Presents TS5, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Kaiser Chiefs, Levellers, Birdy, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Boney M.

Across The Stages: The second stage and smaller tents host indie anthems, punk vs disco themed nights, folk legends, world music award winners and emerging local talent. Comedy stages feature established and breakthrough comedians, while the workshop tents host music, dance and arts facilitators.

Final Lineup: The full 2027 programme with over 100 acts will be revealed in phases via the official website and social channels, with final headliners and day splits announced closer to the event.

Event Experience

Wychwood is designed as an immersive boutique music and arts weekend where families can camp together and enjoy a full festival journey without the intensity of larger events.

During the day, families explore the kids area with circus school, face painting, storytelling, craft workshops and interactive theatre. Adults can join music workshops, yoga, dance classes, talks and debates hosted in partnership with NGOs. The four stages run continuous live music from late morning through to headline sets in the evening, with silent discos continuing after main stage curfew.

The site is family-friendly with safe, flat camping fields, dedicated family camping zones, quiet camping options, boutique camping and campervan pitches with electric hook-up. You can drive onto the campsite to unload, making arrival easier for families with equipment.

Evening entertainment includes main stage headliners beneath the Prestbury Hills, second stage indie and pop shows, comedy in the dedicated comedy tent, cinema screenings and the Punk vs Disco late-night party where revellers choose between anarchist punk and dancing queen disco.

Food traders offer diverse options from wood-fired pizza to global street food, and bars serve local ales, ciders and cocktails. The festival promotes sustainability with reusable cup schemes, recycling initiatives and charity partnerships.

Date & Schedule

Event Dates
4 – 6 June 2027

Schedule Overview
Friday: Campsite opens from morning for weekend camping ticket holders. Arena opens in afternoon with main stage support acts, second stage programming, comedy and workshops. Evening headline show on main stage followed by late-night silent disco and comedy.

Saturday: Full day programme from late morning with over 100 acts across four stages, including kids entertainment, circus school, workshops, talks and debates. Afternoon main stage sets leading to Saturday night headline performance by The Human League. Late-night Punk vs Disco party and silent disco.

Sunday: Family day programme with workshops, circus, kids activities, acoustic sets and final main stage headline show in evening, closing the festival with a community finale.

Thursday Add-On: The 2026 edition introduced a new Thursday add-on camping option allowing early arrival and additional entertainment, which is expected to return for 2027 due to popular demand. Check official website for Thursday entry details and pricing.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Location & Venue

Wychwood Festival takes place at Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 4SH, United Kingdom. The racecourse is situated on the outskirts of Cheltenham beneath the Prestbury Hills, offering panoramic views of the Cotswold countryside.

The venue layout includes four stages including main stage, second stage, comedy and workshop tents, plus dedicated areas for kids, circus school, cinema, NGO village with Oxfam, Amnesty International, Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace stalls, food and drink traders, craft market and healing area.

Camping fields surround the arena with options for general camping, family camping, quiet camping, boutique camping with pre-pitched tents and furnished options, campervan and caravan pitches with and without electric, and park and pitch facilities for those driving onto site.

The racecourse provides permanent infrastructure including hard standing roads, toilet blocks, accessible facilities and ample parking close to camping fields.

Event History

The Wychwood Music Festival was launched in 2005 by music and festival enthusiasts Graeme Merifield and Sam Shrouder who wanted to create an event that was both intimate even with an average of 20,000 attendees and thrilling like a big festival. The inaugural edition featured over 40 bands and DJs over three stages, including world music award-winning artists, folk award winners and rock legends such as Alabama 3 confirmed as the Sunday headliner.

From its early years, Wychwood established strong links with NGOs and ethical causes, with charities benefiting from collections and awareness activities. The festival was nominated Best Family Festival in the UK Festival Awards every year, building a reputation as a family favourite.

Over its history, the festival has hosted diverse lineups including Ladysmith Black Mambazo, UB40, Boney M, Bill Bailey performing comedy in 2016, Sister Sledge, Ocean Colour Scene, The Coral, Seasick Steve, Lightning Seeds, Kaiser Chiefs, Craig David, Levellers, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and many more.

The 2025 edition marked the 20th anniversary of the festival founded in 2005, with early bird tickets priced at just over one hundred pounds and payment plans offered. The 2026 edition celebrated the 20th edition with a record 12,000 festival-goers, its first Thursday opening, running from May 28 to 31, and winning Family Festival of the Year.

Looking forward, the festival continues to evolve while maintaining its core values of family friendliness, musical diversity, ethical partnerships and unbeatable value.

Getting to the Event

By Car: Cheltenham Racecourse is located just off Evesham Road, easily accessible from the M5 motorway. Follow signs for Cheltenham Racecourse and then Wychwood Festival parking. You can drive onto the campsite to unload all your gear before moving your car to the designated car park, a key convenience for families.

By Train: Cheltenham Spa railway station is the nearest mainline station, approximately 3 miles from the racecourse. Shuttle buses and taxis operate between the station and the festival during arrival and departure periods. Direct trains run from London Paddington, Bristol and Birmingham.

By Bus: National Express and local bus services serve Cheltenham town centre with connections to the racecourse. Festival shuttle information is published on the official website.

By Coach: Official coach travel and car share schemes are promoted via the festival website to reduce environmental impact.

On Site: The site is relatively flat with hard standing paths suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Accessible camping and viewing platforms are available with advance booking.

Parking: General parking is included with weekend camping tickets in many tiers, with separate campervan and caravan parking areas. Park and pitch options allow you to camp next to your vehicle.

Where to Stay Nearby

On-Site Camping: Most attendees camp on site with options including general weekend camping, family camping, quiet camping for those seeking less noise, boutique camping with pre-pitched tents, furnished bell tents and glamping pods, and campervan and caravan pitches with electric hook-up. Under 5s go free but must register.

Boutique Camping Upgrades: Boutique camping upgrades provide luxury tents, bedding, furniture and dedicated reception areas for a more comfortable experience.

Off-Site Accommodation: For those not camping, Cheltenham town centre offers hotels, bed and breakfasts, guesthouses and self-catering apartments within a 10-minute drive of the racecourse. Options range from budget chains to luxury spa hotels.

Nearby Towns: Gloucester, Tewkesbury and the Cotswold villages offer additional accommodation with good transport links to Cheltenham.

Local Hotels: Hotels near Evesham Road and Prestbury Road are particularly convenient for the racecourse, with some offering festival shuttle services.

Things to Do Before or After the Event

Cheltenham Town: Explore Regency Cheltenham with its promenade, Montpellier Gardens, independent shops, cafes and restaurants. The town is known for its festivals, architecture and vibrant culture.

Cotswold Countryside: The racecourse sits on the edge of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Enjoy walking trails on Cleeve Hill, the highest point in the Cotswolds, and scenic drives through villages such as Winchcombe, Stanton and Broadway.

Sudeley Castle and Gardens: Visit historic Sudeley Castle near Winchcombe, with gardens, ruins and exhibitions.

Gloucester and Tewkesbury: Nearby cathedral cities offer historic attractions, river walks, museums and markets.

Local Farms and Markets: The region is known for local produce markets, farm shops and traditional pubs that showcase Gloucestershire food and drink.

Family Attractions: For families extending their stay, nearby attractions include Cotswold Farm Park, Sandford Parks Lido and various nature reserves and play centres.

Restaurants & Dining Nearby

On-Site Food Village: Wychwood offers a diverse food village with street food traders, wood-fired pizza, vegan and vegetarian options, global cuisines, children’s meals and local ales and ciders. All traders are curated to provide quality and value.

Cheltenham Dining: Cheltenham town centre provides extensive dining options including contemporary British bistros, Indian, Thai, Italian, Middle Eastern and Japanese restaurants, plus traditional pubs and gastropubs along Montpellier and the Promenade.

Near the Racecourse: Pubs and restaurants along Evesham Road and Prestbury Road serve hearty meals, Sunday roasts and family-friendly menus convenient for pre-festival dining.

Local Produce: Gloucestershire is known for its cheese, cider and local meats, with many on-site traders sourcing locally.

Coffee and Breakfast: Independent coffee shops in Cheltenham offer specialty coffee and breakfast options ideal for families heading to the festival or recovering after.

Ticket Information

Tickets are available via the official website https://wychwoodfestival.com/ with no additional booking fees and no hidden extras to pay on site. All pricing below converted to USD using approximate rate of £1 = $1.27. Pricing is based on official 2026 and 2027 announcements.

Weekend Camping Tickets:
Early Bird Weekend Camping Adult: $152 USD based on £119.50 early bird 2026. Limited quantity with payment plans starting at $14 USD per month.
Tier 1 Weekend Camping Adult: $164 USD based on £129.50.
General Weekend Camping Adult: $171 USD based on £135 general price, previously $184 USD based on £144.50 when 90 percent sold out.
Weekend Pass Without Camping: Starting at $171 USD based on £134.50 weekend passes start excluding camping.
Concession Weekend Camping: $140 USD based on £110 concession rate for students, over 65s and those on qualifying benefits.
Teen 10-15 Years Weekend Camping: $83 USD based on £65, and Tier 1 at $82 USD based on £64.50.
Child 5-9 Years Weekend Camping: $32 USD based on £25.
Under 5 Years: Free but must register for safety and capacity management.

Day Tickets:
Adult Day Ticket: Starting at $57 USD based on £45 starting price for day tickets, rising to $72 USD based on £57 for later tiers.
Child Day Tickets: Proportional pricing with teen and child reductions.

Add-Ons:
Thursday Add-On Camping: Additional fee for early arrival on Thursday, introduced in 2026 and returning due to demand. Price approximately $32 USD to $51 USD based on £25 to £40.
Boutique Camping Upgrade: From $127 USD to $255 USD based on £100 to £200 depending on tent type.
Campervan and Caravan Pitch: From $102 USD to $165 USD based on £80 to £130, with electric hook-up at higher rate.
Park and Pitch: Allows camping next to vehicle, priced similarly to campervan pitches.

All tickets are inclusive with no booking fees. Payment plans available.

Tips Before You Go

Take Advantage of Drive-On Unloading: One of Wychwood’s unique family-friendly features is the ability to drive onto the campsite to unload all your gear before parking. Use this to save carrying equipment long distances, especially with children.

Book Early for Best Price: Early bird tickets at $152 USD sell out quickly and offer the best value. Tiered pricing increases as the event approaches, with weekend camping tickets reaching over 90 percent sold out in previous years. Payment plans help spread cost.

Pack for All Weather: As a UK summer festival set in countryside, prepare for sun and rain. Bring waterproofs, wellies, sun protection, warm layers for evenings and sturdy footwear for walking between stages and camping fields.

Plan for Family Needs: If attending with children, book family camping for a quieter area, register under 5s for free, bring ear defenders for young children near stages and explore the kids area, circus school and workshops designed for all ages.

Use Inclusive Pricing Wisely: Since tickets have no booking fees and no hidden extras on site, budget for food, drink and merchandise inside the festival without unexpected charges. Bring reusable water bottles to use free water points.

Explore Beyond Music: Wychwood is more than music. Schedule time for comedy, talks, workshops, healing area and NGO village to fully experience the festival’s community and ethical ethos.

Official Event Information

Official Website: https://wychwoodfestival.com/

Contact Email: info@wychwoodfestival.com

Location: Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 4SH, United Kingdom, beneath the Prestbury Hills.

Founders: Graeme Merifield and Sam Shrouder, 2005 to present, Years Active 2005 to present.

Genre: Family Music Festival with rock, pop, disco, punk, folk, world music, dance and comedy.

Capacity: Approximately 12,000 to 20,000 attendees across weekend with four stages and over 100 acts.

Policies: Family friendly with under 5s free, concessions available, accessible facilities, no booking fees, no hidden extras, drive-on unloading, payment plans, NGO partnerships with Oxfam, Amnesty International, Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace.

Socials: Official Instagram, Facebook and X via website links for lineup announcements and festival news.

Attendee Experiences

Bijou Glastonbury Feel: Once dubbed bijou Glastonbury by The Independent, attendees consistently describe Wychwood as a smaller, friendlier alternative to major festivals with excellent music curation and community spirit.

Family Friendly Atmosphere: Families praise the safe, welcoming environment, dedicated kids areas, circus school and workshops that keep children engaged while adults enjoy headline acts. Many families return annually as a treasured tradition marking the start of summer.

Diverse Lineup Enjoyment: Visitors highlight the eclectic mix where they can see legendary acts such as Boney M, Kaiser Chiefs and Human League alongside emerging indie bands, folk legends and world music, all within a short walk between stages.

Value and Organisation: Reviews emphasize great value for money due to inclusive pricing with no booking fees, easy drive-on unloading, clean facilities and helpful stewards that make the weekend stress-free.

Scenic Setting: Attendees love the setting beneath the Prestbury Hills at Cheltenham Racecourse, with sunny memories, open skies and beautiful countryside that enhances the relaxed summer vibe.