As summer solstice draws closer, us Londoners are looking for ways to make the most of these deliciously long days. And what better way to celebrate the extended sunlight hours than escaping to the Cotswolds for a day or two of food, drink and excellent entertainment? Less than 90 minutes away from London, the festival promises to fulfil all your Summer dreams.
On June 17 & 18, the Summer Festival at Daylesford farm will mark the celebration of Daylesford Organic’s 20th anniversary. And as a special treat for you Secret Londoners, we’ve got a discount code that’ll save you 20% on tickets until June 16! But this is no run-of-the-mill Summer Festival! Keep reading to discover the extraordinary activities they have in store…
Explore an irresistible offering of food and drink
Undoubtedly one of Daylesford’s greatest attractions, the artisanal produce at the festival is second to none. Feast on flame-grilled organic meat from the fire pits and indulge in scrumptious treats from Daylesford’s own bakery, patisserie and creamery. There’ll also be a host of food trucks and drinks carts, including Smoke & Braai and Della Vite to explore. And don’t forget to raise a toast with a delicious craft beer, organic wine or homegrown festival cider!
Attend the Summer Solstice Banquet
What better way to make the most of our lovely long evenings than with a special Summer Solstice Banquet? Extend your stay into Saturday evening and enjoy a delicious feast, joined by TV chef Clodagh McKenna.
Relax and rejuvenate with a wellness session
Take a moment to find your inner calm with a mid-festival wellness session. From yoga, pilates and stretch to dance psychotherapy and cacao ceremony – there’s something for everyone (including puppy yoga!).
Catch the JCB Dancing Diggers
The original, world-famous JCB Dancing Diggers will be giving a spectacular choreographed performance over the weekend. Be sure not to miss their debut at Daylesford farm! Each day there will be two performances from 11-11:20am and 2:30-2:50pm. And ensuring all the family is entertained for the entirety of the festival, there’ll also be a number of outdoor games and activities. From vintage car displays and fairground rides to floristry and craft workshops, there’s something for everyone. There’ll even be Shetland pony walks, face painting, storytelling and animal meeting for the kids!
Partake in sky-high hot air balloon escapades
Soak up the gorgeous countryside in all its glory from 20 metres above the festival site in a hot air balloon! You can choose and purchase your time slot on the day, then take to the skies in a tethered balloon for a bird’s eye view.
Join an expert panel talk
The festival will host a series of fascinating panel talks from an array of guests across the weekend. Giles and Mary of Gogglebox fame will be discussing the peaks and troughs of countryside living. Campaigners Tait Miller and TikTok’s Martyn Odell will weigh in with their views on the future of food. Learn how to improve your wellbeing with psychotherapist Julia Samuel, and pick up some fascinating tips on nutrition and gut health from nutritionist Rhaya Jordan.
Scoop up some new skills in cookery school
Over Saturday and Sunday a host of fantastic chefs will be giving demos in the Market Garden. Swing by and tap into a wealth of expert knowledge from the likes of Romy Gill and Lucy Lord. From butchery to wild cooking and gut health, The Cookery School Tent has everything covered.
Enjoy back-to-back live entertainment
No knees-up is complete without some stellar entertainment, and the Summer Festival at Daylesford is no exception. At the new Orchard Sounds area, guests can enjoy back-to-back live music and comedy.
Show off your pet’s star quality in the dog show
If your pooch is still a bundle of energy after puppy yoga, why not enter them into the Daylesford Dog Show? With Christopher Biggins and Richard E. Grant as the hosts, categories include Dog Most Like Its Owner, Best Dressed Dog, Scruffiest Dog and Dog With The Waggiest Tail. Just show up with your pup half an hour before your category begins – no need to register!
Go for gold in a summer competition
Fancy yourself a dab hand in the kitchen? Or perhaps you’ve been blessed with green fingers. Whatever your talent, the Summer Festival at Daylesford might just be your time to shine. Judges include Ruthie Rogers, who will be handing out prizes for the following categories:
Saturday
- Best decorated cake (Daylesford 20th Anniversary theme)
- Best elderflower cordial
- Best summer fruit jam
- Best farmhouse loaf
- Best wildlife drawing (children only)
Sunday
- Best victoria sponge cake (decorated to celebrate the coronation)
- Best homegrown rose
- Best homegrown vegetable
- Best sourdough loaf
Get creative in the craft corner
Aside from all the delicious produce to fill your pantry with, you can also make some lovely non-edible souvenirs to take home. Try your hand at flower crown making with Daylesford’s expert florists, as well as botanical screen printing, natural cloth dying, colour painting and more. You can also admire a variety of art in the 20th Anniversary Gallery, as well as installations from local artists. Keep your eyes peeled for the Nila Tree of Hope installation!
Level-up your Festival experience with a luxurious add-on
Make it a day (or an entire weekend!) to remember with a 20th anniversary Summer Festival Hamper, brimming with irresistible treats. Tuck into a feast of sweet and savoury organic delights, accompanied with refreshing organic rosé and non-alcoholic bubbles!