Wild swimming, Michelin-star banquets and A-list sets: Why Wilderness Festival is such a hit

We advise you clear your schedule now for next August: you’re going to want to book tickets for the ninth edition of Wilderness Festival.

This year’s three-day extravaganza saw thousands descend on Cornbury Park in Oxfordshire for probably the poshest festival going, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Olivia Colman, Sir Ben Kingsley, Millie Mackintosh and even ex-PM David Cameron.

Happy campers tucked into banquets at the Petersham Nurseries tent, pizzas at the Homeslice pop-up; watched performances from Sadler’s Wells and counted streakers during cricket matches; went foraging; listened to debates; fashioned flower crowns and wove baskets; swum off hangovers in the lake; sung Disney songs with the festival’s (incredibly impressive) live orchestra; danced the night away to Nile Rodgers & Chic and partied to Groove Armada tracks until the sun came up.

And that’s just a tiny taste of the line-up.

There’s the main stage, which this year played host to both established and up-and-coming acts including Kamasi Washington, Justice, Nile Rodgers & Chic and Bastille and a number of smaller stages that serve up brass bands, jazz and folk sounds.

Come nightfall, follow the crowd down to the valley (located a decent distance from the camping areas) for late night DJ sets from George Fitzgerald and Groove Armada.

But if music’s not your thing, you’re covered.

There’s an entire craft village for those who like getting creative; a sanctuary area – and spa – boasting an array of wellbeing activities and treatments; and numerous tents that play host to debates, live podcast recordings, quizzes, stand-up shows and more.

The Atrium stage shouldn’t be missed. Rambert, Sadler’s Wells, Ronnie Scott’s and Letters Live were just some of 2018’s hit performances.

Here, you can also take part in mass yoga classes and lie on the grass letting the sound of the live orchestra wash over you as you nurse a hangover.

The shopping option’s are impressive, too. If you neglected to bring an entire bag of sparkly garments (this is a festival where dressing up come nightfall is practically mandatory), you’ll find something you suitable in the multiple vintage tents. Independent, British brands such as Humphries and Begg also have pop-up shops to peruse.

The festival for people who don’t like festivals?

It’s easy to see why Wilderness has garnered such a cult following – go once, and you’ll probably return year after year. The list of activities really is that inclusive.

It’s clean (we challenge you to spot any litter, we really couldn’t), well-behaved, spacious, inclusive (newborn babies mix comfortably with 20something, glitter-covered ravers and OAPs) and you can actually sleep fairly well and shower daily. Plus, with countless food stands (shout out to Annie Mae’s mac n cheese), you won’t have to search for long to find meal options to suit you.

Our only complaint this year was that there wasn’t enough shade to protect revellers from the heatwave.

In a nutshell, it’s brilliant fun. We came home feeling hyped and happy yet rested and rejuvenated – which other festivals offer that balance?

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