Audi Presents Wilderness will return to Cornbury Park for its landmark 15th edition in 2026, unveiling one of its most ambitious line-ups to date – led by Scissor Sisters, The Last Dinner Party, Carl Cox, Soulwax, Baxter Dury and Saint Etienne.
Taking place at the Oxfordshire nature reserve, the festival will also host a major takeover titled Sisters: curated by Annie Lennox, raising funds and awareness for the global feminist organisation The Circle.
The 2026 edition promises its trademark fusion of world-class music, long-table feasting, late-night revelry, debate, wellness and immersive art installations. Organisers describe it as a place to “find your wild”, where headline chefs, dancefloor icons, theatre-makers and thinkers converge across woodland stages and hidden venues.
In a festival first, Annie Lennox will curate a unique programme bringing together hand-picked performers to support women’s rights through The Circle, the charity she co-founded to support women and girls facing gender-based violence and economic injustice worldwide.
Main stage highlights
New York pop provocateurs Scissor Sisters return after their first live shows in 12 years, bringing flamboyant glam-rock theatrics and stadium-ready anthems.
The Last Dinner Party complete a full-circle moment, stepping up to headline after first appearing on the Stargazer stage in 2022.
Electronic titan Carl Cox will perform both a rare funk and soul set at The Atrium and a headline special on the Wilderness Stage. Belgian outfit Soulwax return with material from their seventh studio album All Systems Are Lying, while Baxter Dury and Saint Etienne – currently on their ‘farewell tour’ – round out the headline bill.
Further highlights include The House and Garage Orchestra, The Hot 8 Brass Band, Janet Kay and Carroll Thompson as the ‘Queens of Lover’s Rock’, and London duo Good Neighbours.
Across the Fields
Across the estate, festival favourites return:
- The Atrium hosts orchestral tributes to The Beatles and participatory favourite God’s Jukebox.
- The Riddle, a secret walled garden venue, features Luke Howard (Horse Meat Disco), Sinego and Dave Lee among others.
- The Valley welcomes Groove Armada for a DJ set alongside Olive F and Delilah.
- The Dive champions underground live acts including PleasureInc., Sleeping Together and King No-One.
- The House of Sublime presents queer-centric cabaret, including the Southbank Centre’s KUNSTY Takeover and The Cocoa Butter Club.
Feasting remains central to Wilderness, with Long Table Banquets hosted by chefs including Atul Kochhar, Margot Henderson OBE and Mike Davies. The Forest Feast and Lakeside Chef’s Table also return.
Wellness programming at The Sanctuary spans yoga, meditation, HIIT and spa experiences, while The Forum welcomes speakers including Sathnam Sanghera, Oli Dugmore, Roxy Dunn and Kojo Koram.
Family programming, artisan markets and outdoor pursuits across the Wychwood Forest complete the offering.
Ticket information
- PayPal Presale: Friday 27 February, 10.00am
- Audi Presents Wilderness Presale: Monday 02 March, 10.00am
- General Sale: Tuesday 03 March, 10.00am
Further announcements are expected throughout the year.
