Cornbury Festival 2018 Overview

Cornbury Music Festival was back with a bang this year! Although 2017 was supposedly its ‘Fabulous Finale’, the spectacular festival returned to the Great Tew Park near Chipping Norton from 13-15 July for what turned out to be a truly magnificent three-day event.
Describing itself as a “country fair with a rock ‘n’ roll twist”, Cornbury is a family friendly, vibrant, charming festival which has something for everyone to enjoy. Located on gloriously picturesque rolling hills, the spacious campsite exuded a lovely warm and welcoming atmosphere, with exquisite views and plenty of friendly stewards on hand to help.
Four stages showcased a variety of artists, from big names to emerging talents. Kicking off the festival on Friday were acts such as country rockers Danny & The Champions Of The World, Italian singer-songwriter Zucchero and hip hop band Stereo MCs. Headliners UB40 rounded off the night with a medley of their hits, including ‘Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain’, ‘Midnight Rider’, ‘I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You’, and of course, ‘Red, Red Wine’.
An all-female line-up on Saturday included Scottish singer/songwriter Amy Macdonald, folk-rock chick Nina Nesbitt and reality star and country singer Megan McKenna. Pop starlet Pixie Lott wowed the crowds with her beautiful ballads ‘Cry Me Out’ and ‘Gravity’, while also working the stage with her more energetic numbers ‘Turn It Up’, ‘Boys and Girls’ and ‘All About Tonight’.
Alanis Morisette rocked out for the final act, performing classics from her international debut album ‘Jagged Little Pill’, including ‘You Oughta Know’ , ‘Hand In My Pocket’ and ‘Ironic’. Rounding off the weekend on Sunday was Dutch pop and jazz sensation Caro Emerald, pop rockers Deacon Blue and finally, headliner South London band Squeeze.
Away from music, the Berk’s Nest Comedy Emporium provided indoor entertainment from the likes of Katy Brand, James Acaster and Phil Wang. Along with an extensive fairground and a Ferris wheel, there was a designated children’s area to keep the little ones entertained. A chill-out zone came in the form of a therapy and massage area, and there were numerous stalls dotted around selling all sorts, from old-fashioned sweets and icecream sundaes to alpaca wool products and temporary tattoos.
Gourmet festival caterers offered an array of culinary delights to keep taste buds tempted all weekend, such as pizza, fish and chips, crepes, paella, pies, churros, burgers and so much more.
Overall, the festival radiated positive and relaxed vibes with enthusiastic crowds, brilliant entertainment and to top it all off, the sun shone gloriously throughout!
> Grace Montgomery