CORNBURY Festival is set to return next year, after a wave of demand from fans led to a change of heart from event founder and organiser Hugh Phillimore.

Firmly believed by all involved to be the last ever Cornbury Festival, July 2017’s Fabulous Finale was a huge success with sell-out crowds enjoying a sunny weekend in the company of Bryan Adams, Jools Holland and the Kaiser Chiefs.

Locals, regulars and even new comers not wanting to miss out on their last chance to enjoy this popular ‘festival come celebrity village fete’ turned out in force to enjoy one last festival.

A wave of good feeling and support persuaded Hugh Phillimore not to give up the challenge after 14 years, but to continue with the festival in the heart of the Cotswolds, affectionately known as ‘Poshstock’.

Hugh said: "So many people have sent messages since July - our audience love the event and want it to keep going. Literally hundreds of our supporters, together with bands, agents, managers, sponsors and media partners telling me I shouldn’t let such a jewel in the festival calendar end.

"The festival market has become a tough playing field over the last few years and very saturated, which lead partly to my decision to leave whilst we were on a high, however the response has been so overwhelming with support for Cornbury to remain, that it has caused a rethink on my part and I can confirm that we have decided to listen to public opinion and return next year as strong as ever in July 2018.

"If people still want us here, in a way it would be foolish to stop now and 15 years does give us another great reason to celebrate."

Local schools and charities have benefitted from fundraising at Cornbury over its 14 year history.

  • The 15th Cornbury Festival, will be staged at Great Tew Park from July 13-15 2018. Further details to follow soon.