Save the date!
July 29th and 30th 2023
Riverside Festival is Charlbury’s free music festival.
We have grown into the largest FREE music festival in Oxfordshire and beyond. 
We have over five thousand people enjoying great music over the two days, set on the picturesque Mill Field ‘island’ on the outskirts of Charlbury Oxfordshire.
With over 30 bands playing across the three stages; from rock, indie, folk and blues there is something for everyont to enjoy. We have an amazing variety of food, craft and children’s entertainment stalls, making, in our opinion, this the best family event Oxfordshire has to offer.
Important information
First, though… we are volunteers
Riverside is a volunteer run event, ALL the organisers, bar staff and – most importantly – the bands do it for free, none of us gets paid (though we might have a beer later) because we love it, we hope you do too.
We run the whole thing on Karma and gaffer tape. That and the profit from the bar, merch sales and the support of Charlbury Town Council. Many thanks to them.
We are also supported by many friends and neighbours who pitch in or help out by lending / lugging stuff or by advertising in our “amazing value” programme. Thanks to all of them, and thanks to you for reading this.
Tickets
To help everyone cope with the cost of living crisis we’ve managed to keep this year’s festival free again as is has been for 25 years. To help us cope with the cost of living crisis, please buy stuff. A drink, a t-shirt or one of our …”amazing value” programmes…We won’t shake a bucket at you, but you can donate at the bottom of this on this page or, on your way home, throw your money down the toilet…
Parking
There is plenty of parking at the train station car park opposite the festival site, just search for Charlbury Train Station in your sat nav or bang in OX7 3HH.
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Riverside is a free festival but since we deal with up to 5000 people a day, we have the full range of facilities we need to make your visit as safe and comfortable as possible.
So we have a range of food and drink vendors including vegetarian and vegan options. We provide a good number of toilet facilities and have 2 full bars offering alcoholic and soft drinks as well as ample access to free drinking water (bring a refillable please, save on plastic). We are very pleased to announce that Hook Norton Brewery will be supplying us with their excellent real ales, ciders and lager. Plus we will have wine by the glass and (recycled plastic) bottle. There’s tea and coffee and even CBD cocktails for those who want to stay off the pop but still get involved. Naturally there’s Pimms, fizz, and our fabulous gin bar. |
Kids’ StuffThere are loads of FREE children’s activities, with both programmed and turn up & go stuff to do. Plus various kid focussed traders, from face painting to toys. |
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Green Field
There are numerous craft demos, from on-site bronze axe casting to willow weaving and stone masonry. Keep your eye on the black(smith’s) board for times.
Wellness Tent
Hectic few years? Come down, chill out, feel good, find peace, find your Zen in our new Wellness Tent.
FREE taster sessions in a range of holistic and alternative therapies, all with expert local practitioners.
Pilates, reflexology, reiki, crystal healing, breathwork, meditation and sound therapy.
Saturday: 2 til 3pm – Pilates with Alex Tainsh 3 til 4 pm – Reflexology and Indian head massage with Beth Astle | Sunday: 1 til 2: Pilates with Alex Tainsh 2 onwards – Reiki, crystal healing, breathwork, meditation and sound therapy – The Centre and Jo Keatley |
All the sessions are free – but you’ll need to sign up, so come down and see us.
Traders
We have a load of local traders selling interesting, handcrafted and generally-good-for-you gear. Keep em peeled as you stroll up the field, there’s bound to be something that catches your eye.
Opening TimesSaturdayGates open: 12.00 First Band: 14.00* Gates close: 22.00 Sunday Gates open: 10.00 First Band: 12.00* Gates close: 20.00 *Second Stage will start at 1pm each day – or maybe earlier if they are ready |
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