Wychwood Festival

Wychwood Festival 2026

Wychwood Festival 2026 takes place from 29-31 May at Cheltenham Racecourse, Gloucestershire. This family-friendly open-air event offers live music, comedy, and creative activities in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.

Music

Enjoy a diverse lineup across multiple stages featuring folk, rock, pop, and world music with performances throughout each day and night.

Comedy & Entertainment

Catch lively stand-up comedy, improv shows, and outdoor cinema screenings under the stars.

Family Activities

Children’s zones include puppet theatres, treasure hunts, creative play areas, and a Children’s Literature corner with storytelling, author visits, and workshops.

Food & Drink

Sample a variety of street food with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options alongside artisan crafts and refreshing drinks.

Atmosphere

The festival features a friendly community spirit with accessible facilities, relaxing spaces like the Healing Garden, and evening acoustic sets perfect for winding down.

Cheltenham is conveniently located just off the M5 motorway (junctions 10 and 11), making it easy to reach by car from anywhere in southern England. The town is well signposted from the A40 (running east-west) and the A38. For example, London is about 100 miles away and Birmingham/Bristol roughly 60 miles away via motorway routes. National coach services (such as National Express) run regular routes to Cheltenham’s central bus station from major cities. Once in town, a taxi or local bus can take you straight to the racecourse entrance. If you drive, ample parking is available at Cheltenham Racecourse itself.

The nearest train station is Cheltenham Spa, with direct trains from London Paddington (around 2 hours) and from cities like Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff and Manchester. From Cheltenham Spa station it’s a quick taxi ride or short local bus trip into town or directly to the racecourse. The town’s bus network (Stagecoach services) offers frequent routes – just check the schedules for lines stopping near the racecourse. On busy weekends, special festival shuttle buses may run from the station or town centre to the racecourse to make travel easier.

For visitors flying in, Birmingham Airport is the closest major airport (about one hour’s drive or train ride from Cheltenham Spa). Bristol Airport is around 1.5–2 hours away by road. London Heathrow and Gatwick airports are about 2–3 hours away, but trains and coaches provide connections to Cheltenham as well. For example, a train via Birmingham New Street can link Birmingham Airport to Cheltenham Spa, and National Express coaches run from Heathrow and Gatwick to Cheltenham. Once in Cheltenham, ample taxis and local buses can bring you quickly to the racecourse.

Cheltenham and the nearby Cotswolds offer a wide range of accommodations. In town you’ll find family-friendly hotels, comfortable guesthouses and cozy B&Bs within easy reach of the racecourse and the town centre. Quaint country inns and self-catering cottages in nearby villages provide peaceful rural stays. Caravan parks and campsites are also available for those who prefer a camping experience. Festival weekends are popular in Cheltenham, so it’s wise to book your lodging well in advance. Many local hotels and inns offer special weekend packages or early-bird deals for event dates. Checking Cheltenham tourism sites and festival guides for recommendations will help you find the best place to stay. With lodging sorted early, you’ll be free to focus on enjoying the festival fun!