Wilderness Festival 2024

Wilderness Festival returned to Oxfordshire over the weekend of 1st to 4th August for a eclectic mix of live performances, innovative theatre, thought provoking debates, gourmet food and wellness activities all set against the backdrop of stunning natural beauty of Cornbury Park.

Often called the UK’s poshest festival, which on the surface might be an easy call to make with its Veuve Clicquot champagne garden, long rows of banquet tables ready to serve Michelin star food and its invite only gardens, but scratch below the surface of the prim and proper and you’ll find a magical, hedonistic world where you can be whoever you want to be for a few days with zero judgement.

Each year festival goers are encouraged to join in with different outfit themes for each day, this year the wild ones were give ‘Once upon a time in the woods,’ ‘Celestial bodies’ and ‘it’s frilling.’ Think of a cosmic explosion of colour, sequins and frills all rolled up in the eccentric world of Alice in wonderland.

Friday starts at the barn stage for a Wilderness staple, The Cash Cows. This unique duo joined by a backing band is the perfect fit to get any party started. Their blend of musical talent, humour and audience engagement makes it a standout experience. Covers of songs such as ‘crocodile rock,’ ‘American pie’ and ‘don’t stop moving’ had the crowd singing and up on their feet dancing.

As the British sunshine shone down on the rolling countryside it was time to head over to the main stage for the first time for opening act Björn Again. With the audience transported back to the heyday of ABBA, the tribute band delivered an electrifying performance and had the uncanny ability to capture the spirit, look and sound of the iconic Swedish pop group. Young and old singing every word of the set which included hits such as ‘Waterloo’, ’Take a chance on me’ and ‘Voulez-vous’.

Up next is groundbreaking Dutty Moonshine Big Band. This collective have taken festivals by storm over recent years. The band includes brass, woodwinds, strings, and electronic beats that delivers an innovative sound. The crowd bouncing from start to finish, there is vintage swing followed by hard hitting bass. Great to see a band that have moved up from smaller stages at this festival and given the chance to show what they can do on a much bigger scale.

It is without question that the Friday evening belongs to one person at Wilderness Festival - Barry Can’t Swim. The Scottish music producer can do no wrong at the moment. Taking to the main stage as the sun starts to set over the sequin clad crowd he delivers a masterclass in electronic music to rapturous applause. Visuals were on point as the set seamlessly transitioned from mellow, groovy tracks to deep house.
His night isn’t finished as, hidden away in the far corner of the festival, the DJ delivers another set in the Valley until the small hours. The Valley is a natural amphitheatre that truly comes alive after dark. This time his set is much harder and a feast for the ears.

The Friday night headliner is Faithless who treated the large crowd to a euphoric journey through their back catalogue and with a few mixed in covers for good measure, playing their first run of shows since the sad passing of Maxi Jazz. All hands were in the air with big screen visuals of the charismatic frontman during hits like ‘God is a DJ,’ ‘We Come 1’ and cult classic ‘Insomnia’.
The live band treated the crowd to several covers, noticeably Fred Again… ‘Merea’ and a hard-hitting version of Joy Divisions ‘Love will tear us apart.’ Its a joyous evening and great to have them back on stage.

As the sun rises on the Saturday, there is only one way to start proceedings at Wilderness and that’s a spot of wild swimming. There are two lakes to choose from at Cornbury Park and if anyone was feeling fragile from the night before then jumping into the fresh water instantly cures any hangover.

With festival goers suitably refreshed, one of most highly anticipated slots of the weekend begins, the much-loved comedian Bill Bailey. He delivers a unique blend of humour, musical talent with witty improvised commentary. Guitar in hand, Bailey delivers one of the musical highlights, proving most mundane tasks can be a heavy metal song as he growls into his bowl of cornflakes and aggressively at his toothbrush.

With the comedy over it was time to put the dancing shoes back on for The Craig Charles Funk & soul show. Charles’s deep passion and enthusiasm for this genre shine through as he blends classic funk and soul with modern twists. Smiles on all faces at the end of the set and Charles comes down the front to take a selfie with the crowd.

The Teskey Brothers from Melbourne Australia continue the afternoon showcasing their bluesy rock, putting on a captivating show. Frontman Josh Teskey has commanding vocals and delivers a performance with such raw emotion and passion. During ‘Hold me’ the crowd sings back acappella which was a particularly beautiful moment of their set.

Saturday ended with the biggest crowd of the weekend at the main stage as Michael Kiwanuka gave a masterclass in soul and artistry. The 2019 Mercury Prize winner had the audience in the palm of his hand as powerful vocals and poignant songs created an atmospheric experience. Set closers ‘Cold Little Heart’ and Love & Hate’ give a beautiful intimate ending.

In the Cotswolds there are some things you can expect on a Sunday, a Bloody Mary, a spot of Cricket and for those that require confession, a trip to church. Wilderness has you covered on all fronts.
At 11am the Wilderness CC annual cricket match begins on the playing fields, and it is not one to miss. This year it is Team GB up against Team USA with Hulk Hogan, Dolly Parton taking on Eddie the Eagle and Dennis the Menace. Whilst most sporting events disapprove of pitch invasion, this is openly encouraged at Wilderness. Streakers get counted along with overs and play is paused to ensure the Hot Dog and Nigel Farage are suitably doused in condiments. Whilst both the cricket and the streaking get off to a slow start, as the day warms up a mass of naked bodies all shapes and sizes run to the crease to perform an impromptu dance to the YMCA. Bearded Kitten brings the hilarious commentary, and no one is quite sure of the score but as Wilderness CCs go it was one of the best.

Next up its a dash over to the main stage for a spiritual awakening in the form of Oh My God! It’s the Church. Fronted by the charismatic Reverend Micheal Alabama Jackson the group mix rock, soul and gospel.”” It’s a joyous afternoon as you are welcomed into the family.

As the festival closes for another year, it was time to raise the sound levels a little more and the Sunday night headliner Bicep presents CHROMA was the perfect fit. An audio-visual spectacle followed for the next hour and a half. The Belfast duo keep the party revellers dancing into the night. Hands all aloft as the set comes to an end with ‘Glue’ a tune that’s has already become a dance classic.

Final thoughts on a great weekend full of sunshine, hedonism, friendship and smiles. The team at Wilderness HQ really do go the extra mile when planning this festival. Weather you are attending Wilderness in all of its decadence or if you just want to dance until you drop with the best friends (or both) then Wilderness is the wonderland you should head to next year.