Cornbury Festival 2018

Those who call Cornbury Festival 'Poshstock’ may have been prompted to do so by its tagline 'England's most civilised gathering.' Or maybe by its location: Oxfordshire’s chocolate-box-pretty Tory stronghold, the Cotswolds. Or perhaps it’s the attendees - David Cameron, Andy Coulson, Rebekah Brooks and the rest of the Chipping Norton set are Cornbury Stalwarts. It could also be the festival itself: three days of top-notch performances, ‘glamping’, spa treatments, posh loos and unusually gorgeous food.

The festival is joyously unencumbered by any particular genre bias, and the 2018 line-up is just as varied as one would expect. Headlining are alternative reggae UB40, painfully emotive Alanis Morisette, and the jazz favourite Caro Emerald. Elsewhere on the bill are British rock band Squeeze, gospel singer Mavis Staples (whose last album was only released a couple of months ago), and pop favourite Pixie Lott.

In terms of accommodation, there's something to suit every taste, from fans of the great outdoors to lovers of creature comforts. You can rough it, so far as that is possible at Cornbury, in the main campsite, or choose its ‘Quieter’ counterpart. But the festival does a stellar line in ‘Glamourous Camping’ so it seems silly not to browse the various packages on offer. If you’re glamping at Cornbury, you’ll have to choose between Podpads, (a kind of glorified garden shed, though infinitely chicer), Tangerine Fields’ Boutique Bell Tents, Cloudhouse’s yurts, Greg’s Gypsy Caravans, or Hearthworks tipis.

The 'Poshtock' treatment doesn't end with spa treatments and posh loos for adults. Whilst mum and dad are off getting a massage, kids are more than catered for in the Children’s Zone. Last year's workshops included music lessons and magic shows, while arts and crafts activities spanned painting, knitting, banners and bunting. Something for everyone (who owns a black cocker spaniel called Rufus).