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.

Septembersong's countryside venue is easy to reach by car. The festival is located just off the main A4074 road, a short drive from the M4 or M40 motorways. From London or the east, take the M4 (junction 13 toward Reading) and then head north on the A4074 toward Wallingford. From the Midlands or North, take the M40 into Oxford and continue south via the A34/A4074. Follow signs to Braziers Park – festival parking is available on-site for a small fee (weekend passes can often be pre-booked). Many visitors car-share or drive campervans, and once parked the festival fields are only a short walk away.

Public transport options are also available. The nearest main train stations are Oxford, Didcot Parkway and Reading, all with frequent services to and from London. From any of these stations you can take a local bus or taxi to complete the journey. A handy bus is Thames Travel's X40 route, running between Oxford and Reading via Wallingford. You can catch the X40 from outside Oxford Station or Reading Station (at stop EB), and then alight at the ‘Braziers Lane’ stop – just a five-minute walk to the festival entrance. Plan your travel ahead, as bus services can be less frequent in the evenings or on weekends.

For visitors flying in, London Heathrow is the closest major airport (about a one-hour drive). Gatwick and Stansted are further away but reachable via train into London. From Heathrow you can take the Heathrow Express or Tube to London Paddington, then a train north to Oxford, Didcot or Reading. Coaches or trains run regularly from London to Oxford or Reading (for example, National Express or Chiltern Railways). Once in Oxford or Reading, use the local connections above to reach Wallingford. It is wise to check timetables in advance and allow extra travel time, especially if you plan to arrive late in the day.

Camping at Braziers Park is included with the weekend ticket, but if you prefer an indoor stay there are many nearby options. The historic market town of Wallingford (5–10 minutes by car or taxi) has charming B&Bs, inns and guesthouses. The nearby university city of Oxford (20 minutes north) or the larger town of Reading (about 30 minutes east) offer a wide range of hotels and hostels. As a tip, book your accommodation early, since places fill up quickly around popular festivals. Finally, remember that September weather in the countryside can be changeable – pack warm layers and sturdy shoes to keep comfortable for outdoor adventures.