Supergrass join bands for Wilderness festival in Oxfordshire Cotswolds

AN expanse of ancient woods, hidden valleys, rich meadow, and secluded pools, Cornbury Park is among Oxfordshire’s most beautiful corners.

A protected landscape in a quiet corner of the Cotswolds, just outside Charlbury, the country estate is, for most of the year, left almost entirely to its resident sheep, deer and assorted wildlife.

This weekend, however, this bucolic scene is taken over by an elegant, freewheeling creative gathering widely regarded as the country’s best festival – Wilderness.

More than just a music event, Wilderness is a celebration of art, culture, performance, good living and the natural world, all to a fabulous soundtrack –which this year features feelgood dance-pop act Basement Jaxx, Brit Award-winners Wet Leg, French dream-pop duo Air, rave masters Orbital and Oxfordshire musical heroes Supergrass.

Then there is Annie Mac, Jalen Ngonda, Confidence Man, Bear’s Den, DJ Yoda, Georgia, Rosie Lowe, Nubiyan Twist, The Jungle Giants, Afriquoi, The Bootleg Beatles and Gentleman’s Dub Club.

And that is barely scratching the surface.

Music aside, revellers can expect to be entranced by circus, dance, talks, drama, wellbeing and therapies, a spa and endless opportunities for feasting.

It is a winning formula which has established it as a highpoint in the summer festival season.

Supergrass

At a time where other music events are struggling to survive, Wilderness continues to thrive, evolve and grow. All of which is no surprise to the creative soul in charge of putting it all together, Rory Bett, CEO of festival supremos MAMA.

“At most festivals people come in peace and leave in pieces, but we are the opposite; you can come in pieces but leave in peace.”

Rory has been busy helping his team put the finishing touches to the the festival which is designed to fit around the enviable landscape of its bucolic site – with its rolling acres, scattered woods, endless lawns and glistening lakes – with the historic Cornbury House at its heart.

“I am super excited for lots of reasons,” he said before the gates opened to this weekend’s spectacular – which runs until Sunday.

“It has been a difficult year, with the cost of living and other things, but I am very grateful that people love Wilderness and how it remains deep in their souls.”

Rory continues: “I think we have a fantastic line-up this year. We have amazing headliners, with Air, Orbital, Supergrass, Wet Leg, Basement Jaxx, Aurora and Berlioz.

The future looks bright at Wilderness. Picture by Tim Hughes

“But that is only part of it. There are lots of new features and venues, with a new Jump Yard area and a new set-up in the House of Sublime burlesque venue and the Valley.”

The Valley is a highpoint of the festival and unlike anything anywhere else. A steep-sided mini canyon hemmed in by forest is transformed into a late night rave venue lit by lasers and featuring a clutch of leading DJs.

“We are very happy with the look and feel of the site,” says Rory.

“It is going to be a great weekend – and I can’t wait to greet the people who make it what it is.

“Wilderness at its heart is a music-led arts and culture festival with acts from around the world, but we try to maintain the experimental quality of the event too.

“We are a festival that attracts and celebrates and entertains people who have the right attitude to life – and who are willing to throw themselves into the experience with a bunch of like-minded people.

“We are doing everything we can to allow people to escape and find themselves here. There are things to make people laugh, sing, celebrate and even cry.”

Eccentric and fun: Wilderness. Picture by Tim Hughes

A case in point is the now-traditional God’s Jukebox session on Sunday evening for which festival goers request songs with deep connections or that remind them of significant moments in their lives – either joyous, poignant or downright heart-breaking. The tunes are then performed by an orchestra and guest singers to moving – and frequently tear-jerking – effect.

“God’s Jukebox is one show I never miss,” says Rory.

“It is so special and designed for Wilderness. It is the heart of the festival – and there is never a dry eye in the house

Rory is proud that the festival has remained staunchly egalitarian.

He says: “I think we are one of the only festivals of this nature that doesn’t do VIP areas.

“We feel we can’t ask people to come together and celebrate together if they are segregated at a price point.”

He adds: “You can have a great time on your ticket.

“If you do want something special you can book a banquet or dinner at a chef’s table or a spa treatment, but that is not an intrinsic part of the party.

“Just come and be the most ‘yourself’ you have ever been.

“Don’t lean back, lean in!”

(Image: Tim Hughes)And he paid tribute to Cornbury Park and its glorious setting, saying: “We celebrate this stunning landscape and are grateful to the people here for welcoming us every year and for putting up with us!”

The festival team remain deeply proud of their unique event.

They said: “Wilderness is a gathering of some of the most incredible artists, musicians, producers, performers, thinkers, teachers, writers, chefs and creators currently working on planet Earth – and of course, a union of the wonderful, wondrous Wilderness community.

“The music and arts extravaganza prides itself on the vast scope of its programme, truly offering something for everyone.

“You’ll find an all-guns-blazing tour of the arts – from woodland theatre to immersive performances.”

Wilderness Festival is at Cornbury Park, near Charlbury until Sunday, August 3. Details from wildernessfestival.com