A spectacular two-day festival of performance, art, music, food and drink at Waddesdon Manor.
Inspired by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild’s (1839-1898) annual summer garden party – known as The Baron’s Treat – this 2025 counterpart promises a feast of pop-up theatre and musical performances, culinary delights, wine tastings and family activities galore.
During the late 19th century, Baron Ferdinand hosted legendary ‘Saturday to Monday’ house parties at the Manor, which became synonymous with lavish entertaining. Now, this June, visitors can experience the opulence of Waddesdon as Ferdinand’s guests once did—roaming the beautiful, manicured gardens, exploring the Manor’s sumptuous interiors and treasure-filled rooms and enjoying first-class entertainment.
Summer Fest will see the North Front of the house transformed with flowers and garlands, long tables for picnicking and spaces throughout the gardens for performances creating the perfect setting for a weekend of culture, music and interactive theatre by top artists from across the UK. Among the weekend’s highlights will be Motionhouse’s internationally acclaimed show, WILD (on 21 and 22 June) making its debut at Waddesdon with an awe-inspiring fusion of circus and dance. There’s also a chance to show off your best box step as the Ragroof Tea Dance invites guests to delight in some old-world elegance and waltz their way through the weekend.
On Sunday (22 June) Mr. Wilson’s Second Liners bring a rip-roaring mash-up of New Orleans jazz meets 90s club classics to this leafy corner of Buckinghamshire. Elsewhere, expect to encounter a variety of other extraordinary performing artists and musicians, who will surprise and delight including; Bicycle Bistro, Kitchen Wonder Products, Toast, The Dragon and The Pop-Up Barn Dance. Highlights among the roaming acts include Highland Harvest, Lobster a la Cart, Cake Ladies, French Fancies and the splendidly named, Gastro Goblins.
Food and drink lovers will also find plenty to whet the appetite. Meet local artisan producers at the Artisan Market, treat yourself to delicious snacks and nibbles from a selection of the finest street food traders and enjoy a cheeky tipple at one of the pop-up bars and for an added touch of elegance over the weekend, guests can enjoy a wonderful Garden Party themed afternoon tea in the Manor Restaurant.
For families, there’s a wealth of fun and creative experiences to keep everyone happy. Guests of all ages can unleash their inner Banksy and help street artist Scott Walker to create a huge new mural, children can decorate and plant their own flowerpots to take home, and visitors can also join the Junkyard Orchestra.
Listings
Summer Fest: Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 June
Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0JH
Prices (including House admission): £29 Adult, £17 Child / £15 Adult, £10 Child (National Trust & Art Fund members).
Further Information: Summer Fest | Waddesdon Manor