Keane Return for Cornbury’s Sweet 16 & The Specials Open the Party!

Festival Crowd Header
Lineup Poster

Six years after their sensational performance at Cornbury, award-winning pop rockers Keane return to headline Cornbury’s 16th Festival on Saturday 6 July.

Cornbury will be one of Keane’s first appearances since band members took a break at the end of 2013 to work on other projects, so their appearance will be a huge crowd-puller.

Formed in 1995, all four of Keane’s albums have debuted at No. 1 in the UK charts, with 2004’s Hopes and Fears remaining one of the UK’s best-selling albums of all time. 

‘Keane are our all-time favourite headliners at Cornbury so of course I’m completely thrilled that they’ve chosen to include us as part of their return’ says festival founder Hugh Phillimore.

Phillimore has also confirmed that The Specials will top the bill on the opening day of the Festival, Friday 5 July. The legendary British Ska band have just returned to the UK Album Charts with their first new record in 38 years, and are currently on a sold-out UK tour. Rounding off the Festival on Sunday 7 July are true musical legends, The Beach Boys.

‘I think it’s one of our best line-ups ever’ says Phillimore, ‘the combination of Keane, The Specials and The Beach Boys is pretty huge for us – and we’re also delighted to have our new friends, and national treasures, The Hairy Bikers returning with their fabulous Festival Feast. Last year we sold every seat in the restaurant – it was totally delicious and the feasters’ feedback was incredible.’

Hairy Bikers Si King and Dave Myers have been cooking together for more than 20 years, travelling the world in the pursuit of great food. The stars of a string of hit television shows, and regulars on BBC One’s Saturday Kitchen, they have become the UK's most popular cookery writing duo.

The rest of the packed music line-up will be announced in early March.

Cornbury Music Festival is a lovingly crafted, top-notch open-air party held in the stunningly beautiful Great Tew Park near Chipping Norton in the heart of the Cotswolds. It’s a unique hybrid of premium music festival and quintessentially English village fete with a rock ‘n’ roll twist, a farmer’s market with a dancefloor. There is always something for everyone with a fantastic line-up over four stages, fantastic food offerings, a comedy stage, a creative kids’ zone, a traditional funfair, an exclusive VIP area, and beautiful campsites nestled in the estate’s rolling hills.

The Festival is very much a family affair. The Kids’ Zone is right in the middle of the festival, in sight of the main stage, so families can drop in and out whilst seeing all the festival highlights; and, unlike other festivals, all activities are free with something for all ages on the go all the time. Entrance for under-threes is free, and quieter camping options are at the same price as general camping tickets.

Cornbury Music Festival runs from 5-7 July at Great Tew Park, near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.

Published on 07 February 2019 by Ben Robinson

Recent News More news

  • Lauren Spencer Smith Announces Headline Tour Across Europe

    Breakout artist Lauren Spencer Smith is set to embark on a 29-date tour across Europe, UK, Australia, and New Zealand with her upcoming album 'The Art of Being a Mess.' The tour kicks off in Madrid on September 3 and includes stops in major cities like Paris, London, and Berlin. Find out more about

  • Bristol's SIMPLE THINGS Announces First Names for 2025 Festival

    Simple Things Festival in Bristol unveils the initial lineup for its 11th edition, showcasing a diverse range of musical talents ranging from post-punk to hyper-pop. Learn about the curated event's details and key performers.

  • MUSE to Headline Open'er Festival 2025 in Poland

    MUSE, the iconic rock band, is announced as the headliner for Open'er Festival 2025 in Gdynia, Poland. Alongside other talented artists, this year's lineup promises an unforgettable experience for music lovers. Learn more about the festival and how to secure your tickets.

  • Into The Wild Festival 2025: Celebrating Music, Nature

    Into The Wild Festival returns to Chiddinglye Estate in Sussex from August 21-25, 2025. Experience five days of music, arts, and reconnection with nature in a soulful celebration of conscious living.

Upcoming Festivals Browse all

  • Shetland Folk Festival

    1 May - 04 May 2025

    The Shetland Folk Festival is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organisation which organises an annual festival across multiple venues in the Shetland Islands. 

  • WestWorldFest

    2 May - 04 May 2025

    WestworldFest is a unique and exciting three-day UK festival that launches on the Bank Holiday Weekend between the 2nd and 4th of May 2025. This safe and exhilarating event celebrates all the best Gen...

  • The Magic Teapot Gathering

    2 May - 05 May 2025

    The Magic Teapot Gathering is an all-acoustic music festival in a beautiful campsite in Somerset. In addition to the live performances by the Magic Teapot crew, the festival also features one headline...