A new boutique festival is blooming in Oxfordshire this August, blending grassroots creativity, genre-defying music, and inclusive family fun, all set in a secret meadow location only revealed to ticket holders.
Tarantarti Party is a four-day music and arts celebration running from 8–10th August 2025, with optional early entry on 7 August and a relaxed late leave option on 11 August.
This unique gathering marks the 30th anniversary of cult folk-rave band Tarantism known for their celticskapunkfunkdubdance style, who, together with their family and friends, have lovingly created a festival that brings big energy into an intimate, inclusive space.
Meet the People Behind the Magic
At the heart of Tarantarti Party are Mel and Magnus from Tarantism, joined by their daughter Hannah, who lives year-round in a handcrafted yurt on the festival grounds. With three generations of the same family involved in organising, the event reflects a rare blend of DIY ethics, musical legacy, and community spirit.
The event is a great example of birthday planning snowballing. both Mel Rogers and Andy Brown turn 60 in the same month, and with so many friends wanting to celebrate it turned into a festival level gathering.
A Hidden Location, A Personal Invitation
The festival takes place on a private farm near Faringdon, Oxfordshire, its exact location shared only with ticket holders, adding a sense of exclusivity, safety, and intrigue. The meadows will host just 1,000 attendees, creating a personal, low-footprint experience that’s rich in creativity and care.
Travel Info: Faringdon is located between Oxford and Swindon. Nearby rail stations include Didcot Parkway, Swindon, and Oxford, all with taxi or bus connections. The band Facebook group has a post on lift shares.
Free parking and live-in vehicles are welcome on-site.
What to Expect: Four Stages, Countless Moments
Tiny House Acoustic Stage
An unplugged fireside experience showcasing folk musicians, singer-songwriters, and open mic newcomers.
Dub & Dance Arena
Late-night rhythms and high-energy rave culture with headline sets from Chris Liberator, Chris Tofu, Guy Geezer, and AON.
Disco Cabaret Tent
A shimmering marquee hosting drag shows, comedy, acrobatics, fire performances, and queer-curated cabaret. A safe, welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ communities and allies.
Dance Til You Die Stage
The main stage, where festival favourites like China Shop Bull, Los Albertos, and P.A.I.N. take the spotlight.
Top Tier bands
The festival have put together a highlight reel that will gives a great idea of what to expect for new fans, which features bands that cover the folk, dub, dance, ska and punk genre that Tarantism have been known for over the last decades.
As Mel says:
“We are so fortunate to have made so many crazy creative friends who want to celebrate our 30 year achievement. Not just musicians, but all sorts of volunteers across the whole event, and this is where we truly differ from most festivals: No corporate cynicism, just the pure joy of partying in a field with those you love!”
A Festival for Every Family
Tarantarti Party is proudly family-run and family-friendly with a beautiful “where adults dance, children play” ethos.
Activities include:
- A dinosaur caravan, teddy tent, and LEGO lab
- Craft workshops, circus school, and a teen chill-out zone
- Under-6s attend free, with trained staff creating safe, age-appropriate fun near every stage
Eco-Conscious and Creative
Sustainability is at the festival’s core:
- Solar and biofuel-powered sound and lighting
- Compost toilets, water refill stations, and recycled wristbands
- An artisan market with local makers, vintage finds, and second-hand treasures
Workshops throughout the weekend invite you to try:
- Willow weaving, clay modelling, and belly dancing
- Sewing on vintage machines, performance art, and more
Wellness in the Wild
Tucked into a quiet natural setting, the Healing Field offers:
- Yoga, meditation, sound therapy, reiki, and massage
- Mindfulness sessions to help recharge during the buzz of the weekend
Dog-Friendly and Down to Earth
From handmade bunting to fresh vegan street food, Tarantarti Party is full of heart. Dogs are warmly welcomed, there’s even a dedicated dog-walking field. Horses are also permitted (yes, really).
And at the bar? A Craft Beer Pavilion featuring Oxfordshire microbreweries, gluten-free brews, and refreshing no/low-alcohol options.
Accessibility & Inclusivity
With disabled organisers, it was always going to be made with disabled visitors firmly in mind. Tarantarti Party prioritises wheelchair access, quiet zones, sensory‑friendly areas and accessible camping.
Why you should go to Tarantarti Party
From the minds behind one of the UK’s most beloved underground bands comes a festival that’s anything but ordinary. Tarantarti Party is a lovingly crafted experience that mixes joy, expression, and a deep commitment to community.
If you’re seeking a festival with soul, one that celebrates art, family, nature, music, and queerness in equal measure, this is your invitation to buy tickets at Tarantartiparty.co.uk.
It’s clear the festival is built differently thanks to it’s birthday party origins and a plan to get good people together. It will be a inclusive festival not to be missed.
As Mel says:
For me live music is the thing really, it is where my heart is. I’m particularly thinking about places like the Greenfields at Glastonbury. When we first went there, after midnight it would be silent, and we’d all play round the fire and play music together. So many bands that I saw, like the levelers, big bands now, really started in those kinds of situations and it isn’t there to be had any more, because it’s too loud now.
Ticket Prices
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (13+) | £90 |
| Teen (11–16) | £45 |
| Child (6–10) | £30 |
| Under-6 | FREE |
| Early Entry (7 Aug) | +£25 |
| Late Leave (11 Aug) | +£30 |
| Dog Pass | £10 |
| Horse Pass | £2 |
*Parking and live-in vehicles included free.
Who is in the current Tarantism Line-up
- Andy Brown: Bass
- Rhi (AKA Brewers Daughter): Fiddle
- Mark Jones: Drums
- Mel Rogers: Vocals and tin whistle
- Magnus Martin: Vocals and guitar (also guitarist in psychedelic rock band Hawkwind)
