JAW-DROPPING acrobatic displays, banquets by top chefs, wild swimming in lakes and a headline show by one of the world’s most eccentric artists were among the highlights of the Wilderness festival, hailed as “wonderful” by organisers.
Actress Minnie Driver, blur bassist Alex James, TV presenter Jonathon Ross, film director Sam Mendes, and chef Jamie Oliver were among the 30,000 people who basked in glorious weather at Cornbury Park, near Charlbury, for the event, which came to a close in the early hours of this morning.
Over the course of four days, festival-goers were treated to sets by jazz-funk star George Clinton, singer-songwriter Ben Howard and Moloko singer Roisin Murphy. But it was Friday night’s show by Icelandic artist Bjork which caused most excitement and discussion, her ethereal set dividing the audience, with many hailing it as genius and others less impressed.
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A highlight for many was a lavish high-wire acrobatic display on Saturday night by Spanish group La Fura Dels Baus, which featured towering puppets and a living curtain of circus performers suspended on lines from cranes.
The event strengthened its reputation for high-end gastronomy, with banquets held by chefs Angela Hartnett, Niklas Ekstedt and Oxford’s Raymond Blanc, who brought along his team from the Michelin-starred Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons.
Festival director Jo Vidler said: “It has been an amazing weekend – and the weather has been on our side. The spectacle on Saturday night was wonderful. It was unbelievably beautiful. I had goosebumps and tears in my eyes.”
Chef James Knappett was hosting a chef’s table event overlooking the lakes. He said: “It has been great fun. It’s a lovely festival – and there is some really good food here this year.”
The festival is hosted by Lady Rotherwick, whose family own the estate. She entertained selected guests at a champagne garden party at the 17th century house on Saturday afternoon.
She said: “I love Wilderness, and this year has been amazing. It has been lovely to see so many happy people enjoying themselves – and the weather has been wonderful.”
Festival-goers included Hafwen Kaill from Headington, Oxford, who was enjoying the festival with her two children on Friday. “Wilderness is always brilliant,” she said. “And we are totally rocking.”
Also enjoying the first day was Lucinda Kennard, 31, from Brighton, whose parents live in Cumnor. She was running a hat store selling elaborate headgear. She said: “It’s an amazing festival – and what a great weekend!”
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