Septembersong

Back for its second year, Septembersong welcomes music lovers to the rolling countryside of Oxfordshire as summer fades into autumn. Set in the historic Braziers Park estate in the scenic Chiltern Hills near Wallingford, this unique festival is all about celebrating song, craft and community. Picture late summer days under golden trees and cool breezes carrying music through the air. The vibe is immediately warm and friendly: camper vans scattered on the meadow, friends gathered around campfires, and the gentle strumming of acoustic guitars setting the scene. Created by the team behind the well-loved Wood Festival, Septembersong offers the same eco-conscious, communal spirit in a cozy late-season setting. It is a place to unwind, connect with nature, and enjoy soul-stirring music as the harvest season arrives.

All weekend long, there is a lineup of talented musicians to enjoy. Septembersong focuses on diverse folk, roots and acoustic music with a touch of indie and global folk influences. Past lineups have featured acts like Hayden Thorpe (formerly of Wild Beasts), folk veteran Steve Knightley, Rachael Dadd, and other soulful songwriters, all chosen for their evocative storytelling and melodies. Performances take place in a beautiful open-air barn, around the campsite, and in small woodland clearings, making for an intimate vibe – you might find yourself humming along next to a new camping neighbour or joining an impromptu jam session under the oaks. In short, the music at Septembersong feels personal and inclusive, whether it is a main-stage concert or a late-night acoustic nook by the campfire.

Septembersong is about more than music alone. In the festival's relaxed atmosphere there is time to wander and explore creative activities. A highlight is the “Old Ways” Makerspace – a craft area where local artisans demonstrate traditional skills. In the past this has included pottery, sourdough baking, willow weaving, wood carving and more, giving you a chance to try a craft or simply admire handiwork in progress. Early risers can greet the day with sunrise yoga or a barefoot nature walk, and as evening falls communal singing circles and songwriting workshops keep the good spirit alive around the campfire. Everywhere you turn at Septembersong, there is an invitation to slow down, make something with your hands, or connect with new festival friends in a peaceful way.

The festival site itself is wonderfully picturesque. Braziers Park is a wooded farm estate with open meadows and tree-lined paths. By day, you might spread a blanket on the grass with a craft beer or wander between stages to catch a favorite act, sampling delicious local food along the way. At night, fairy lights and lanterns glow in the trees and everyone gathers around the bonfire for late-night jams and star-gazing. Camping is included with the weekend ticket – you will pitch your tent amid the fields or even rent a ready-made bell tent – and wood-fired showers are available to warm you each morning. If you prefer a bed, the historic market town of Wallingford (just a short drive away) has cozy B&Bs and inns, and the nearby cities of Oxford and Reading offer larger hotels if you want more options.

All of this happens in the beauty of early autumn (in 2025 it is from Friday, 19 September through Sunday, 21 September). The timing is perfect – it bookends the festival season, arriving just as the nights begin to draw in and the countryside breaks into fiery fall colors. The result is a celebration that feels both timely and timeless: campfires under starlit skies and voices lifted in song amid the changing leaves. Whether you are a folk-music enthusiast, a craft lover or simply seeking a peaceful festival escape, you are sure to find something special at Septembersong. We hope you will join the circle for three magical days of music, merriment and community as summer quietly turns into fall.