Towersey Festival Bids Farewell with Final Lineup

This weekend marks the end of an era as the Towersey Festival takes its final bow, closing the curtain on the UK’s longest-running independent music festival. After 60 years of celebrating roots and folk music, the beloved family-run festival will host its last event at the Claydon Estate in Buckinghamshire from Friday, August 23, to Monday, August 26.

Faced with ongoing financial challenges, the organizers made the difficult decision to conclude the festival’s storied run, making this year’s event a poignant milestone. To mark the occasion, Towersey has assembled an impressive lineup featuring over 100 artists across 10 stages.

Headlining the final festival are some of the biggest names in the folk and rock scenes, including the legendary Billy Bragg and acclaimed singer-songwriter Seth Lakeman. The Staves, a renowned female folk-rock trio, will also grace the stage, alongside Scottish folk rockers Tide Lines and American singer-songwriter Pokey LaFarge. Adding to the festivities, the godfathers of punk folk, Oysterband, are set to deliver a career-spanning set that promises to be a highlight of the weekend.

Towersey’s roots run deep, with a legacy that stretches back to 1965 when it was founded by Denis Manners MBE, a full five years before Glastonbury first opened its gates. Over the decades, the festival has become a cherished fixture in the UK’s music scene, known for its warm, community-focused atmosphere and dedication to folk traditions.

As the festival community gathers one last time, there’s a sense of nostalgia in the air. Towersey Festival has been more than just a music event; it’s been a cultural institution, a place where generations have come together to celebrate the power of music to unite and inspire. This final edition is set to be a fitting tribute to that legacy, ensuring that Towersey’s influence will be felt long after the last note is played.