Wood festival in Oxfordshire is 'perfect' with music, fun and sun

Festival-goers were treated to three days of live music, dancing, craft sessions and workshops, and almost perfect weather for the nature-themed gathering at Braziers Park, Ipsden, near Wallingford, last weekend.

The festival, set up by musician brothers Robin and Joe Bennett, prides itself on its environmental credentials. Held among the Chiltern woodlands, much of the site, including its stage, is crafted from local timber and electricity is generated by solar panels and even bicycle power.

The crowd were treated to almost continuous sunshine, though Friday’s audience were sent running for cover when thunder and torrential rain briefly hit the site.

Highlights included sets by folk star Katherine Priddy; country dance aficionados The Ramshackle Ceilidh Band; Americana acts Ida Mae and Pete Gow & The Siren Soul Orchestra; and singer-songwriter Danny Wilson who performed with festival founder Robin Bennett.

Robin and Joe Bennett of the band The Dreaming Spires. Picture by Tim Hughes

The festival came to a rousing close on Sunday night with a headline show by the Bennett brothers’ band The Dreaming Spires.

Robin said: “It has been fantastic and we are really pleased with how it went.

“It was a gloriously sunny weekend, aside from that short downpour on Friday. Highlights included music from Ida Mae and Simeon Hammond Dallas, talks by Robin Ince and Peggy Seeger, and there were all kinds of fantastic workshops and activities.

Oxford's Shaktikitchen crew were serving delicious vegetarian food. Picture by Tim Hughes

“We are looking forward to doing it all again next year.”

Regular festival goer Lucy Silver, from north Oxford, said: "It was absolutely perfect. Wood is a precious festival which all the others should try and learn something from. 

"It's small and friendly but the music is still great and there's loads to do.

"The only sad thing is that I have to wait a whole year to get back to it again!"