After a spectacular debut in 2025, Found Festival is set to return to the scenic Claydon Estate, Buckinghamshire, for the August Bank Holiday weekend in 2026. Following a three-day celebration of music, culture, and community, organisers have announced a limited number of early bird tickets frozen at 2025 prices, alongside a new tiered ticketing system to ensure accessibility for all.

A Shining Debut in 2025

Born from the 60-year legacy of Towersey Festival, Found Festival’s first edition brought together grassroots talent and cultural discovery in a family-friendly setting. The event delivered on its promise of “head-turners, not headliners,” with standout performances across Americana, folk, world music, comedy, and wellbeing experiences.

Highlights included:

• Elles Bailey delivering soaring country soul.

• Talisk impressing with jaw-dropping virtuosity.

• The Longest Johns bringing rousing sea-shanties.

• Honeyfeet captivating with soulful ferocity.

• Comedy from Robin Ince, Marcel Leconte, and rising star Chelsea Birkby.

• Family fun with Professor Elemental’s steampunk antics and Nutty Noah’s acrobatic storytelling.

Beyond the stages, the festival site came alive with Ceilidhs, dance and craft workshops, circus artistry, stone-carving demos, nightly fire shows, silent discos, and a dedicated wellbeing programme featuring yoga, breathwork, and a wood-fired sauna overlooking the estate’s lake.

Building for 2026: Accessible Ticketing

Co-director Joe Heap reflected:

“Found is an event built with love, creativity, and a whole lot of hard work. We’re delighted with how our first year has gone, despite the challenges. It’s increasingly hard to run an independent festival, and none of it would have been possible without the incredible support of our community.”

To ensure Found 2026 remains accessible, a tiered ticket system has been introduced:

• Supporter Tier: Pay a little more to help subsidise reduced tickets.

• Standard Tier: Covers the base cost of producing the event.

• Supported Tier: A subsidised rate for those needing financial help (released once enough Supporter tickets are sold).

Only 300 early bird tickets are now available — with camping included — at 2025 prices, plus reduced caravan-pitch rates and unchanged hook-up fees. Interest-free instalment plans will also launch at the end of September.

Dates and Tickets

Found Festival 2026 takes place Friday 28th – Monday 31st August 2026 at Claydon Estate, Buckinghamshire.
️ Tickets available now via Gigantic.

Whether you’re drawn by grassroots music, family-friendly creativity, or the wellbeing sanctuary by the lake, Found Festival 2026 promises another unforgettable summer celebration.

This autumn, step into the world of Downton Abbey as The Ivy Marlow Garden celebrates the cinematic release of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale with an elegant limited-edition menu. Launching on 3rd September 2025, the specially curated menu will be available across The Ivy Collection restaurants nationwide*, inviting guests to dine like the Crawleys in true aristocratic style.

A Taste of the 1930s with an Ivy Twist

Inspired by the refinement of 1930s dining and the glamour of the Crawley family, the Downton Abbey at The Ivy menuis priced at £27.95 for two courses or £34.95 for three courses. Guests can expect dishes steeped in heritage, luxury and comfort, all reimagined through The Ivy’s signature touch.

Highlights include:

• Starters:

  • Severn & Wye Smoked Salmon with brown bread, lemon and butter

  • Salade Du Verger with figs, pecans, truffle vinaigrette and whipped feta

• Mains:

  • The Ivy Shepherd’s Pie – slow-braised lamb and beef with Cheddar mash

  • Grilled Lemon Sole on the Bone with beurre noisette, capers and lemon

  • 21 Day Aged Sirloin Steak with peppercorn sauce

  • Braised Duck Curry blending British tradition and global flavour

  • Garden Vegetable Curry – a vibrant vegetarian option

• Desserts:

  • The Ivy Chocolate Dome with honeycomb and caramel sauce

  • Orchard Apple Tart with Calvados – flambéed for a dramatic finish

  • Caramelised Crème Brûlée – a comforting classic

Raise a Glass to Downton Abbey

To elevate the occasion, guests can toast with The Ivy Guest Champagne or indulge in The Gilded Peach Cobbler – a 1930s-inspired cocktail crafted from sloe gin, Crème de Pêche, Beesou honey aperitif, pineapple syrup, and Champagne. A drink worthy of the grandest Downton dinner party.

Don’t Miss the Grand Finale

Sean Burbidge, Executive Chef at The Ivy Collection, shared:

“We’ve taken great joy in creating dishes that reflect the elegance of the era, inspired by the film’s characters, 1930s flavours, and even dishes once served at The Original Ivy. We hope each plate transports guests into the world of Downton – with all the charm, nostalgia and indulgence that entails.”

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Crawleys or simply seeking a luxurious dining experience, this limited-edition menu offers the chance to relive the grandeur of Downton Abbey — one plate at a time.

Book Your Downton Abbey Dining Experience

Available from 3rd September 2025 at The Ivy Marlow Garden and participating Ivy Collection restaurants nationwide*.
️ Book your table here: Downton Abbey at The Ivy

*Menu available at all Ivy Collection restaurants except The Ivy Dawson Street, Dublin. The Original Ivy (West Street, London) will offer a bespoke menu.

Follow The Ivy Collection on Instagram: @the_ivy_collection

We get it—it’s still autumn, and the last thing on your mind might be mince pies and fairy lights. But Christmas at Waddesdon Manor (running 22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026) is no ordinary festive event. It’s an immersive, artful celebration of light, music, European charm and seasonal joy—all set in one of Buckinghamshire’s most stunning locations.

If you love Christmas and crave experiences that go beyond the usual markets and mulled wine, Waddesdon Manor’s Grand Festive Tour is calling your name.

Explore Europe in Lights at Waddesdon Manor’s Grand Festive Tour

The theme for 2025 is inspired by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild’s European travels—and his beloved dog, Poupon. With cutting-edge projection mapping lighting up the Manor’s historic façade, you’ll be transported across Europe in a visual journey featuring Paris, Vienna, Venice and more.

The show unfolds on the North Front with a continuous 25-minute immersive display that bathes the landscape in colour, music, and wonder. This is one for your camera roll—and your memory bank.

Step Into a Christmas Fantasy Inside Waddesdon Manor

Inside the house, selected rooms have been transformed into lavish tributes to Baron Ferdinand’s favourite European cities. Each space blends the Manor’s historic decor with bespoke Christmas styling and immersive storytelling:

• Venice in the East Gallery

• Paris in the Dining Room

• Geneva in the White Drawing Room

• Bavaria in the Billiard Room

• Vienna in the Breakfast Room

The experience wraps up with a giant snow globe installation, offering a magical finale to an already spectacular journey.

Discover the Best Christmas Light Trail in Buckinghamshire

Outside, Waddesdon’s light trail winds through illuminated woodland with new installations and returning favourites. It’s designed to surprise, delight, and immerse you in Christmas magic.

Look out for:

• A tunnel of lights

• An 8-metre tall Pole Tree glowing with festive patterns

• Interactive displays that respond to sound and movement

• Giant golden gift boxes made for festive selfies

• The return of the shooting star installation, a fan favourite from 2023

It’s a perfect evening stroll for couples, families and anyone looking for a dose of winter enchantment.

Shop Unique Christmas Gifts at Waddesdon’s Artisan Market

From 22 November to 14 December, Waddesdon’s popular Christmas Market takes over the South Front of the Manor. This is your go-to spot for discovering handmade gifts, local produce, and festive foodie treats.

Complete your visit with a stop at the Wine and Gift Shop, or explore the Christmas Shop in the Powerhouse for decorations, tableware, toys, and stocking fillers.

Christmas Fun for Children at the Coach House

One of the most charming parts of Christmas at Waddesdon is the Coach House display at the Stables. Created by local school children, this year’s theme is ‘Sounds of the Season’, exploring festive music and carols through imaginative, heartwarming installations.

It’s an unmissable stop for families, filled with creativity and holiday cheer.

Enjoy Festive Afternoon Tea or a Five-Course Christmas Feast

Dining at Waddesdon is just as spectacular as the decorations. Treat yourself to a Festive Afternoon Tea in the Manor Restaurant, or go all in with a five-course Festive Feast Dinner on select December dates (5, 12, and 19). Each dinner starts with canapés and sparkling wine in the wine cellar, followed by seasonal dishes paired with Rothschild wines.

If you want to extend the experience, book a stay at The Five Arrows Hotel (packages from £175 include event tickets), or head to The Bow for a cosy drink, hearty winter menu, and four-course Christmas Day lunch (£90pp).

Host a Stylish Private Christmas Event at Waddesdon

Planning a festive gathering or end-of-year celebration? Waddesdon offers unique venues across the estate, from the historic Manor and Dairy to the contemporary Windmill Hill. Whether it’s an elegant dinner, private hire, or lively Christmas party, these spaces bring festive flair and sophistication in equal measure.

Plan Your Visit to Waddesdon Manor’s Christmas Experience

Event Dates: 22 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Location: Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
Tickets: From £13 (adults) / £6 (children) – must be booked online in advance
Opening Times: Grounds: 12noon–7pm / House: 12.30pm–7pm
Late Night Openings: Saturdays – 22 & 29 Nov, 6, 13 & 20 Dec (Grounds until 8pm)
Book now at: www.waddesdon.org.uk/christmas

Don’t Wait for December – Book Your Christmas Experience Now

If you’re looking for a festive day out that blends history, art, luxury and seasonal charm, look no further than Waddesdon Manor’s Christmas celebration. It’s not just an event—it’s a destination. And it sells out fast.

Start planning now, beat the December crowds, and experience Christmas at its most magical—right here in the heart of Buckinghamshire.