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2 July - 05 July 2026
Minety Music Festival returns from 2nd to 5th July 2026, transforming a sleepy corner of the Wiltshire countryside into one joyful celebration of summer music, community and countryside fun. Nestled in the gentle hills of the Cotswolds, the festival site at Hornbury Hill in Minety buzzes with excitement as families, friends and music-lovers gather for four days of unforgettable entertainment. Now in its eighth year, Minety Music Festival is known for its welcoming, friendly atmosphere and an incredible line-up of talent across multiple stages. Set on grassy fields surrounded by rolling farmland and old oak trees, the festival has the relaxed feel of a village fair – with big festival energy to match.
Over one hundred bands and performers take to the stages at Minety, offering something for every taste. From foot-stomping rock and indie to mellow folk, soul and acoustic sessions, and even a bit of funk and jazz, the weekend’s lineup is a joyous mix that keeps ears happy from morning till night. A main covered stage means the music goes on rain or shine, while smaller stages and open-air acoustic areas let acts get up close with the crowd. Many performers are from the local towns and nearby regions, showcasing hometown talent alongside an occasional exciting headline act. Festival-goers can dance to uplifting anthems, sway to singer-songwriters under the evening sky, or discover a new favorite band in the sunshine.
Minety Music Festival prides itself on being a great day (and night) out for all ages. Little ones have a whole world of free activities to explore in the KidZone – from inflatable adventures and circus skills workshops to storytelling sessions and craft stalls. Teenagers have their own Teen Tent, complete with comfy chill-out spaces, music jam equipment and video games. Parents can relax at picnic spots or the main arena, confident that the kids are enjoying a safe, supervised environment nearby. The festival’s emphasis on community and kindness means newcomers feel at home quickly, with old friends and new swapping stories over a cold drink as the sun sets on another fun day of music.
No festival experience is complete without great food and drink, and Minety delivers on all fronts. A wonderful selection of street food and artisan stalls lines the main arena, serving up everything from gourmet burgers and wood-fired pizzas to curries, vegan treats and tempting sweet desserts. Local craft beers, real ciders and refreshing cocktails flow from well-stocked bars – including a popular gin & prosecco bar and a tiki-style cocktail tent for sipping something tropical. As twilight falls, focus shifts to the marquee dance floor or laid-back beer gardens, where friends old and new gather to swap festival tales. First-timers and regulars alike often remark that each year the Minety Food Court gets even better, with delightful new flavors to sample alongside old favorites.
When the music winds down each night, camping under the stars is just steps away. The festival campsite buzzes with the merry chatter of tents, campervans and festival-goers gathered around campfires. A carpet of wildflowers and a sparkling night sky make waking up here extra special. For early risers, friendly volunteer-led yoga sessions or quiet sunrise acoustic performances provide a gentle start to the day. For those seeking a bit more comfort, local B&Bs, country inns and glamping options can be found a short drive from the festival gates. Wherever they stay, guests love returning each evening to the warm and relaxed festival vibe, which makes Minety Music Festival feel like a home from home – albeit one where the house beat doesn’t stop!
More than just a party, Minety Music Festival is a community celebration with a cause. This volunteer-run, not-for-profit event raises funds for local charities such as the Wiltshire Air Ambulance, Naomi House & Jacksplace Hospice, Combat Stress and more. Every ticket plays a part in keeping these charities flying, caring and aiding those in need. Revelers often say that giving back makes the music taste sweeter here – there’s a special feeling knowing your weekend of fun is helping others. Friendly volunteers and organizers are easy to spot in their festival T-shirts, reminding everyone that this is a festival truly by the community, for the community.
With great acts, fabulous food, and plenty of free fun for kids, Minety Music Festival is the perfect soundtrack to your summer. Pack your wellies and sunhat – Minety is ready to roll out a welcoming lawn and tipsy good times beneath the July sky. Whether you come to dance or relax, you will create memories that last a lifetime, surrounded by new friends in a truly beautiful setting. Don’t miss the next unforgettable chapter in this heart-warming Cotswolds celebration from 2nd to 5th July 2026 – gather your crew, grab some tickets early, and come join the party!
Traveling to Minety is easiest via major transport hubs. The nearest airport is Bristol Airport (around 45 minutes by car), with flights from across the UK and Europe. London Heathrow and Birmingham Airport are also about 1.5 hours’ drive away for more flight options. From any of these airports, car hire or supervising taxi can whisk you directly to Minety. Alternatively, take the train: the nearest large station is Swindon (about 20 minutes by car). Swindon sits on the Great Western Railway line with direct trains from London Paddington (around 1 hour) and regular connections to Cheltenham Spa and Gloucester. From Swindon station, it’s a short taxi ride or local bus (check schedules in advance) for the final 20-minute leg to the festival site.
If you prefer public transport, coaches and local buses serve the region. National Express coaches run to nearby Cheltenham and Gloucester, where you can catch a local bus or taxi on to Minety (note: weekend service can be limited). Within the local area, buses such as the 93A and C54 run through Minety village. Many festival-goers find it easiest to share a taxi from Swindon or Cheltenham for the final stretch, as rural buses often run sporadically. The upside is a scenic drive through rolling Cotswold hills, so make time for the route!
Driving to the festival is straightforward by road. Minety is conveniently close to the M4 motorway: exit at Junction 16 and follow the brown festival signs or local directions toward Minety and Malmesbury. The postcode SN16 9QH will guide most GPS devices directly to the entrance gate. If you’re coming from the north or Midlands, the M6 to M5 to M4 route is direct; from London or the East, simply take the M4 westbound. On the final approach, note that countryside lanes may be narrow and slower, so plan a little extra drive time. On-site parking is typically available (often included with ticket price), with volunteers guiding cars to the nearest fields.
There are plenty of accommodation options around Minety. Many visitors choose on-site camping, pitching tents or parking campervans right next to the festival grounds (book camping passes early as these sell fast). For a roof over your head, nearby Malmesbury (a 10-minute drive) offers historic inns and B&Bs – for example, the famous Old Bell Hotel. Swindon has hotel chains and budget lodgings convenient for travel, while nearby towns like Tetbury, Cirencester or Cheltenham offer charming guesthouses and pub rooms. Even historic Bath (about 30 minutes’ drive) can be an option. Wherever you stay, it’s wise to book early, since the Cotswolds fill up in summer. If you’re traveling from far away, consider breaking your journey – perhaps with an overnight stay in London or another big city en route – so you arrive refreshed and ready for the fun.
Name | Star | Distance | Prices From | |
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Old Bell Hotel | 0.5 ml | £89.50 | Book | |
BEST WESTERN Mayfield House Hotel | 3.2 ml | £43.00 | Book | |
The Great Tythe Barn Accommodation | 4.3 ml | £55.00 | Book | |
Snooty Fox | 4.4 ml | £55.00 | Book | |
The Close Hotel | 4.4 ml | £90.00 | Book | |
The Ormond At Tetbury | 4.5 ml | £61.95 | Book | |
Priory Inn | 4.6 ml | £79.00 | Book | |
Hare and Hounds Hotel | 5.2 ml | £89.00 | Book | |
Stanton Manor Hotel | 5.4 ml | £58.00 | Book | |
Travelodge Chippenham Leigh Delamere M4 Eastbound | 6.1 ml | £41.00 | Book | |
The Holford Arms | 6.3 ml | £120.00 | Book | |
Travelodge Chippenham Leigh Delamere M4 Westbound | 6.4 ml | £42.00 | Book | |
Neeld Arms | 6.9 ml | £75.00 | Book | |
The Jolly Huntsman | 6.9 ml | £65.00 | Book | |
The Garden House | 7.0 ml | £55.00 | Book |
Hornbury Hill, Minety, SN169QH