Into The Wild

For five magical days over the late-August Bank Holiday weekend (Friday 27th – Tuesday 31st August 2026), the Sussex countryside is transformed by Into the Wild — an enchanting playground of art, music and outdoor adventure. Held at Chiddinglye Farm near East Grinstead (West Sussex, postcode RH19 4QS), this immersive festival welcomes visitors of all ages. Free-spirited families, adventurous friends and solo wanderers will feel at home here. Rolling meadows and woodlands come alive with live music stages, creative art installations and communal campfires. From dawn until dusk, there is always something new to discover under the open sky.

Sound literally fills the air as multiple stages echo with world music, folk, jazz, electronic beats and more. Discover lively live bands playing in the sunshine, energizing drum circles in the fields, and soulful acoustic sets by firelight. Unexpected performances add to the fun – imagine local acrobats or flaming cabaret acts mingling with the crowd, and joyful DJ dance parties bursting into the night. Each evening, the “Moon Stage” becomes a focal point: gather around a glowing campfire with new friends as musicians strum guitars and sing lullabies under the stars. With so many sounds to enjoy, there is always a new rhythm to move your feet.

Beyond the music, Into the Wild invites exploration and creativity with over 200 unique workshops and activities encouraging you to try something hands-on. Picture yourself learning archery or fire-making in a sun-dappled clearing, weaving baskets from foraged reeds, dancing in a forest rave or greeting the sunrise in a morning yoga class. Children are especially welcome with a dedicated kids’ area full of storytelling, nature crafts and playful learning games. Meanwhile, adults can enjoy a soothing retreat in the festival’s healing zone – joining a guided meditation circle, receiving a woodland massage, or soaking in a herbal sauna by the trees. The sense of discovery here is endless: every corner offers a chance to learn a new skill or simply relax and recharge.

Delicious food from around the world and unique finds make every mealtime an adventure: feast on spicy curries, barbecue grills, Middle Eastern mezze, homemade breads, farm-fresh salads and decadent desserts (with vegetarian and vegan options always available). Between bites, wander market stalls filled with handmade clothes, jewelry, art and eco-friendly wares. Pick up a quirky souvenir or a crafted gift to remember your trip. Nearby, a friendly bar keeps drinks flowing – enjoy local ales, fruit juices or hot tea as you swap stories with fellow festival-goers. From sunrise coffee to late-night snacks, every bite and sip nourishes body and soul in nature’s embrace.

At night, campers fill the fields and make new friends by flickering campfires. Many choose to stay on-site (in tents, campervans or even luxury glamping pods), ensuring you can leap right back into the next day’s fun without missing a beat. Alternatively, the nearby town of East Grinstead offers cozy B&Bs and friendly hotels for anyone seeking a roof over their head. Whether you sleep under canvas or under a roof, the feeling is the same: the air is full of laughter and friendship. Strangers become neighbors as everyone dances, dines or simply stargazes together under the big sky.

Into the Wild is more than just an event – it’s a five-day celebration of life, creativity and connection. You might find yourself learning an ancient folk dance one afternoon, telling stories around a campfire that night, and quietly absorbing the magic of a forest sunrise the next morning – all in the same weekend. When it’s time to go home, you’ll carry songs in your heart, new skills in your pocket, and a bundle of friends by your side. So pack your sense of wonder and join us in East Grinstead; we can’t wait to share this unforgettable late-summer experience with you.