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Gearing up for the ultimate retro party? Chilfest 2026 invites you to an unforgettable two-day festival in the picturesque Chiltern Hills countryside near Tring, Hertfordshire. Taking place on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th July, this open-air event brings together fans of 80s and 90s music for non-stop fun. Colorful stages and vibrant lights provide the perfect backdrop for dancing under summer skies with friends and family. Whether you grew up belting out classic pop anthems or are discovering them for the first time, Chilfest’s joyous atmosphere and nostalgic energy will make you feel right at home. As dusk falls, the main stage lights up under the stars, keeping the party lively well into the night.
Chilfest’s lineup promises a thrill for every retro music fan. Friday night is packed with high-energy bands that pay tribute to iconic 80s and 90s artists, getting everyone on their feet and singing along to beloved hits. Saturday then escalates with big-name headliners and original stars performing the classic tracks that defined a generation. From synth-pop and new wave to rock anthems and indie classics, every corner of the musical spectrum is covered. Expect the entire crowd to come alive as people dance and sing together to these unforgettable songs. Whether it’s the opening chord of your favorite riff or a chorus everyone knows, those goosebump moments of live music magic are what Chilfest is all about.
The fun at Chilfest goes beyond the big stage. In between sets, the festival field is a buzzing village of activity. An array of food trucks and vendor stalls offers everything from gourmet burgers and street food to local ales, craft beers and refreshing drinks. Cozy picnic spots and scattered lounge areas let you kick back under the sun. Chilfest is very family-friendly too – there’s typically a special kid zone with rides, games or creative activities to keep younger guests entertained. All around, people mingle on the grass, swap festival stories at the bar tents, and make new friends over their shared love of music. The stunning green hills of the Chilterns provide a relaxed backdrop, so whether you’re leaping into the air or lounging with a cool drink, the camaraderie is spot-on.
In short, Chilfest is a celebration of great music, nostalgia, and summer fun. It’s the kind of festival where you laugh with friends, reconnect with treasured memories, and create new ones – all to the soundtrack of your favorite era hits. Many people treat it as an annual tradition, returning year after year in outlandish retro outfits or glittery costumes. With its warm, welcoming crowd and nonstop feel-good entertainment, Chilfest truly shines as a summer highlight. So dust off your dancing shoes, pack the neon gear (and maybe some sunscreen!), and come join the party under the stars in Tring this July. See you on the dancefloor!
By Car: Chilfest’s site at Cow Lane (postcode HP23 5NS) is easy to reach by road. Use the A41: if coming from London/M25 take the A41 northwest toward Aylesbury/Tring, or from the M1 take the A41 south toward Watford/Tring. Follow the Chilfest signs to find the parking areas. The main car park (run by the local sports club) is accessed via Station Road, and there is a separate VIP parking entrance off the top of Cow Lane. Parking fees apply on site. Try to arrive early on festival days to avoid congestion on the narrow country lanes, or consider car-sharing and taxis to save time.
By Public Transport: The nearest train station is Tring (Station Road, HP23 5QR), about a mile from the festival field. Regular services connect Tring with London (Euston) and Birmingham (West Coast line) as well as local towns. From London it’s roughly a one-hour train ride. Once at Tring station, you can take a short taxi or even walk (about 20 minutes) to the site. Local buses also serve Tring and the surrounding villages. For example, Arriva’s 500/501 routes link Tring with Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted and Aylesbury, while buses 61/62 run between Dunstable, Aylesbury and Tring. Check current timetables, as weekend service frequencies may vary.
By Air: The closest major airport is London Luton (about 30 minutes by road). Other options include London Heathrow (around 1 hour via the M25) or Stansted (approx 1¼ hours). From each airport you can hire a car or use public transit to reach Chilfest. For example, from Luton Airport take a shuttle or train to Luton Airport Parkway, then train to Tring (changing at Harpenden or London). Similarly, Heathrow Express or the Underground connects you to central London for onward trains. Planning ahead is recommended, especially if you need to coordinate flights and festival arrival times.
Accommodation: The local area offers plenty of places to stay. Tring and nearby towns have a range of hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses. Upscale options include the Pendley Manor Hotel (right on Cow Lane, HP23 5QY) and the Holiday Inn in Aylesbury (about 20 minutes away), while smaller inns and bed-and-breakfasts can be found in villages like Berkhamsted, Wendover and Aston Clinton. Book your room well in advance, as summer weekends fill up fast. If you prefer camping, there are campsites and glamping sites in the Chilterns (for example Town Farm in Ivinghoe or Mount Pleasant Farm in Bedfordshire). Many festival-goers mix it up – staying in town but carpooling or taking taxis out to the site each day.
Name | Star | Distance | Prices From | |
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Pendley Manor Hotel | 0.9 ml | £52.93 | Book | |
Champneys Tring | 2.0 ml | £99.00 | Book | |
Innkeeper s Lodge Aylesbury (East) Aston Clinton | 2.7 ml | £72.00 | Book | |
Red Lion Wendover | 4.0 ml | £59.00 | Book | |
West Lodge Hotel | 4.0 ml | £55.00 | Book | |
Chartridge Lodge | 4.1 ml | £54.00 | Book | |
Innkeeper s Lodge Aylesbury (South) Weston Turville | 4.3 ml | £55.00 | Book | |
The Pennyfarthing Hotel | 4.4 ml | £104.00 | Book | |
Kings Arms | 4.6 ml | £89.00 | Book | |
Olympic Lodge | 6.1 ml | £65.00 | Book | |
Origins at The White Lion | 6.3 ml | £79.00 | Book | |
Bellows Mill | 6.4 ml | £60.00 | Book | |
Missenden Abbey Conference Centre | 6.4 ml | £55.00 | Book | |
Boxmoor Lodge Hotel | 7.8 ml | £65.00 | Book | |
Alexandra Guest House | 8.5 ml | £40.00 | Book |
Cow Lane, Tring, HP235NS