Sunshine Festival

Sunshine Festival 2026

From 24th to 30th August 2026, Upton Upon Severn in Worcestershire hosts the Sunshine Festival, a week-long riverside celebration set against views of the Malvern Hills.

Music

Multiple stages feature music ranging from folk and jazz to rock and pop, including local bands and visiting musicians. Evening concerts highlight headline acts with acoustic jams and dance circles lasting into the night.

Art & Workshops

Artisan stalls offer crafts and handmade souvenirs. Open workshops provide activities like painting and guitar lessons, while morning yoga sessions help set a relaxed tone.

Food & Drink

Food vendors serve fresh local produce, farm-to-table meals, snacks, and sweet treats throughout the festival grounds.

Family Activities

The festival includes a dedicated kids’ area with face painting, storytelling, crafts, juggling lessons, and puppet shows, making it welcoming for all ages.

Atmosphere

The friendly, relaxed atmosphere blends small-town charm with festival excitement, featuring riverside meadows, fairy lights, fire pits, bonfires, and communal sing-alongs.

By car, Upton-upon-Severn is very accessible via the M5 and M50 motorways. From the north, leave the M5 at Junction 7 (Worcester North) or Junction 6 (Worcester South) and follow signs to the A38 toward Upton. From the southwest, take the M50 and exit onto the B4080 toward Ham Lane. In town, a large car park on Hanley Road provides ample parking for cars and coaches, and additional parking is often organized during busy events. Driving through the Worcestershire countryside offers scenic views of rolling hills and rivers, though you may find local roads like the B4211 crowded when attendees arrive.

Public transport options include train and bus. The nearest main stations are Worcester Foregate Street and Worcester Shrub Hill (about 10 miles away) and Great Malvern (about 6 miles away). Worcester has frequent services from Birmingham and London via CrossCountry and West Midlands Railway. Great Malvern lies on the line between Worcester and Hereford. From either station, you can take a taxi or catch a local bus to Upton-upon-Severn. Stagecoach and other local buses serve Upton from Worcester and Malvern, though services may be limited in the evenings, so check schedules in advance. Taxis are generally available from the stations or can be booked in advance for your journey to the festival.

For air travelers, the nearest major airport is Birmingham Airport (BHX), approximately 60 miles away (about a 1-1.5 hour drive). Bristol Airport (BRS) is roughly 85 miles (around 1.5-2 hours by car) and Cardiff Airport about 100 miles (also about 1.5-2 hours away). London’s airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, etc.) are farther, around 100-130 miles (roughly 2.5-3 hours by road). Once in Upton-upon-Severn, visitors will find a selection of local accommodations such as inns, bed & breakfasts, and country hotels. The historic towns of Malvern and Worcester (each under 15 miles away) offer additional lodging, restaurants, and amenities. Many festival-goers also enjoy camping: on-site camping or nearby campsites can provide a comfortable outdoor stay. Because accommodations fill up quickly during this busy time, booking lodging or camping spots in advance is highly recommended.