After six decades of enchanting audiences with world-class folk music and a family-friendly atmosphere, Towersey Festival took its final bow this August Bank Holiday weekend.
The much-loved family-run festival, known for its deep community roots and eclectic musical line-up, concluded with a celebratory 60th anniversary edition from 23rd to 26th August at the Claydon Estate, Buckinghamshire.
From Village Fete to Iconic Festival
Towersey Festival began humbly in 1965 as a one-day event to raise funds for Towersey’s decaying Memorial Hall, founded by Denis Manners. The event featured folk singing and morris dancing, attracting local residents and raising significant funds. Due to its success, it expanded into a three-day festival the following year.
Over the years, it grew into one of the UK’s most beloved independent music festivals, hosting international and homegrown folk talent, attracting over 10,000 attendees annually. Initially held in the Oxfordshire village it was named after, Towersey eventually moved to larger venues, including Thame Showground and, more recently, Claydon Estate.
The festival’s journey reflects its ever-expanding reach, while maintaining its core values of music, community, and family. Towersey’s unique blend of folk music, cultural activities, and family-friendly entertainment has made it a cherished annual tradition for thousands.
Star-Studded Line-Up for the Final Year
The 2024 festival was a fitting finale, headlined by renowned acts such as Billy Bragg, Seth Lakeman, and Oysterband, ensuring that its musical legacy ended on a high note.
Fans can enoyed performances from The Staves and London African Gospel Choir, who reimagined Paul Simon’s Graceland. These artists joined a long list of legendary performers who have graced Towersey’s stages over the years, including Bellowhead, The Proclaimers, and Eliza Carthy.
A Cultural and Community Legacy
Since its inception, Towersey Festival has been more than just a music event. It has played a vital role in the local community, raising funds for village projects, supporting the arts through its charity, and fostering generations of music lovers. Festival-goers have long regarded it as a place where friendships are formed, children can play safely, and families create lasting memories.
Festival Director Joe Heap, the grandson of the original founder, Denis Manners, reflects on the festival’s enduring sense of community: “Towersey has always been about family, music, and togetherness. It’s been amazing to see new generations come together to enjoy it, and we hope its legacy will continue long after the final year.
View this post on Instagram
Why 2024 is the Last Year
The decision to end the festival has been a deeply emotional one for the organisers, describing the final edition as a celebration of everything Towersey has stood for; music, community, and cultural enrichment.
The message given in the website said:
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we have made the decision that Towersey Festival 2024 will be our last. Like so many other independent and grassroots festivals, we have faced too many forces outside of our control which have made it increasingly difficult to operate and survive.
We would not have got to 60 years without the support we’ve received from customers, supporters, partners, suppliers and funding, and for this we are truly grateful.
We’re proud of the massive contributions Towersey has made to charities, local causes, tourism and emerging artists. More importantly, we believe festivals like Towersey are crucial for creating better communities and societies and for finding hope and humanity in an otherwise challenging world. Our thoughts go out to the other 35+ festivals who have already cancelled this year along with our hopes that we can collectively find a way to come back stronger one day.
Towersey Festival’s final year was bittersweet for the many who have cherished its unique blend of music, family fun, and cultural activities over the years. For six decades, it has brought joy to thousands, making its mark as a beloved fixture in the UK festival scene. Towersey will be remembered not just for its world-class performances, but for it’s impact on the local community.
