Wychwood Festival has today revealed the main body of artists set to perform at the landmark 20th anniversary edition, as the much-loved family-friendly festival returns to Cheltenham Racecourse from 29th to 31st May 2026.
Wychwood Festival has announced the main lineup for its landmark 20th anniversary edition, returning to Cheltenham Racecourse from 29th to 31st May 2026. This family-friendly festival promises its biggest evolution yet, with a mix of legendary headliners, festival favourites, rising talent, and unexpected surprises.
Headliners and Key Acts
Chart-topping indie icons Kaiser Chiefs will headline Saturday night, while Levellers close the festival on Sunday with four decades of genre-defying folk punk anthems. Other acclaimed artists joining the bill include:
- Feeder
- Sophie Ellis-Bextor
- Boney M
- The Pigeon Detectives
- Newton Faulkner
- Chesney Hawkes
The lineup also features festival favourites, rising stars, and joyful curveballs that make Wychwood unique.
New Thursday Opening and Extended Celebration
For the first time, Wychwood Festival will open on Thursday, offering four days of music and camping. Thursday night will be headlined by Dutty Moonshine Big Band, kicking off the extended anniversary celebrations. The Friday night headliner and additional acts will be announced soon, promising even more excitement.
Weekend Highlights
The festival offers a wide range of performances and experiences:
- Feeder with their alternative classics
- Sophie Ellis-Bextor and her signature disco-pop energy
- Disco legends Boney M for pure party vibes
- Crowd favourites like The Pigeon Detectives, Newton Faulkner, and Chesney Hawkes
Emerging talent will also feature prominently, including Adult DVD, Elles Bailey, Pale Blue Eyes, Bloodworm, Hunny Buzz, Pia Rose, and more. Local band Nuns of the Tundra, whose debut album hit the top 10 of the Official UK Album Chart, will make their Wychwood debut.
Festival Experiences Beyond Music
Wychwood continues to celebrate arts, comedy, and family-friendly experiences, including:
- The UK's #1 Shrek musical tribute The Ogretones
- Shaun Williamson's Barrioke
- The Horne Section from Taskmaster creator Alex Horne
- James B Partridge Primary School Bangers, Hip Hop Karaoke, 3 Daft Monkeys, Mr B Gentleman Rhymer, The X & Y, Witney Soul Club
- Local favourites Thrill Collins
The renowned Comedy Tent features nearly 20 top stand-up acts, including Henning Wehn, Patrick Monahan, Javier Jarquin, Jonny Awsum, Duncan Oakley, and more.
Family-Friendly Fun
Fresh from being crowned Family Festival of the Year at the UK Festival Awards 2025, Wychwood remains a destination for families. Activities include arts, workshops, comedy, and children’s literature across The Village Green and beyond – with free entry for under 10s.
A Message from Festival Director Graeme Merifield
“Reaching our 20th anniversary is a huge moment for Wychwood, and this lineup reflects everything we love about the festival. Opening on Thursday for the first time and expanding to four days feels like the perfect way to extend the good times and offer more to our incredible community. From Kaiser Chiefs’ anticipated debut to one of our most-loved headliners of all time, Levellers, 2026 is shaping up to be our most exciting year yet – and there’s even more still to come!”
With the Friday night headliner and additional acts still to be announced, Wychwood Festival 2026 promises a memorable celebration of music, comedy, and family fun at Cheltenham Racecourse, beneath the beautiful Prestbury Hills.
Tickets
Remaining tickets for Wychwood Festival 2026 are on sale now. Fans are advised to book early as demand rises with each new lineup drop.
Tickets: Buy Wychwood Festival 2026 tickets via the official Ticketmaster festival page.
If the button doesn’t work, use this link: Wychwood Festival 2026
Published on 06 February 2026 by UKFG
