Wychwood announce major wave of 2026 line-up

Wychwood Festival has unveiled a major wave of artists for its 20th anniversary celebration, as the beloved family-friendly event prepares to return to Cheltenham Racecourse from 29–31 May 2026.

Leading the celebrations, indie favourites Kaiser Chiefs will headline Saturday night, with legendary folk-punk outfit Levellers closing the festival on Sunday. Across the weekend, Wychwood will present its most expansive and diverse programme yet, featuring an impressive mix of established stars and crowd favourites including Feeder, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Boney M, The Pigeon Detectives, Newton Faulkner and Chesney Hawkes. Together with an array of emerging artists and unexpected additions, the lineup reflects the eclectic spirit that has defined Wychwood for two decades.

For the first time, the festival will extend to four days, opening on Thursday to offer festivalgoers an even longer weekend of music and camping. Dutty Moonshine Big Band will headline the inaugural Thursday evening, setting the tone for an extended anniversary celebration. With further acts and the Friday night headliner still to be announced, Wychwood 2026 is already shaping up to be its biggest edition to date.

The Sunday finale will see Levellers bring their distinctive catalogue of politically charged folk-punk to the Cotswolds, while Feeder’s anthemic alternative hits and Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s infectious disco-pop promise standout moments across the weekend. Boney M will deliver a dose of disco nostalgia, complemented by singalong sets from The Pigeon Detectives, Newton Faulkner and Chesney Hawkes.

Beyond the headline names, the lineup features respected acts such as The South, The Subways, Dub Pistols, The Wedding Present and Tankus, alongside a new generation of artists including Adult DVD, Elles Bailey, Pale Blue Eyes, Bloodworm, Hunny Buzz and Pia Rose. Continuing its commitment to local talent, Wychwood also welcomes Cheltenham band Nuns of the Tundra, whose debut album recently entered the UK Top 10.

Wychwood’s programme extends far beyond music. Returning favourites include The Horne Section, Shaun Williamson’s Barrioke and The Ogretones, alongside Hip Hop Karaoke, Mr B Gentleman Rhymer, 3 Daft Monkeys and Thrill Collins. The festival’s much-loved Comedy Tent will host nearly 20 comedians, led by Henning Wehn, with Patrick Monahan, Javier Jarquin, Jonny Awsum and Duncan Oakley among those confirmed.

Fresh from winning Family Festival of the Year at the UK Festival Awards 2025, Wychwood continues to build its reputation as one of the UK’s most welcoming festivals, offering an extensive programme of arts, workshops and family activities—free for children under 10. Set against the backdrop of the Prestbury Hills, it remains a defining start to the summer festival season and a cherished tradition for music lovers of all ages.

​wychwoodfestival.com