Herts &amp; Beds


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/fOUND1-1000x667.jpg" alt="FOUND FESTIVAL" class="wp-image-94657" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/fOUND1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/fOUND1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/fOUND1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A stress-free festival doesn’t exis…hold that thought.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foundfestival.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Found Festival</a>, on the Claydon Estate near Buckingham from&nbsp;<strong>28 – 30 Aug</strong>, is ripping up the rule book and setting a whole new standard for what summer festival-ing – definitely a verb now – really should be. Given Found Festival’s impressive family-run legacy (the Eavis’ have nothing on these guys), it’s fitting that it’s at the forefront of the UK micro festival scene.</p>



<p>In a nutshell, Found cherry picks all the best elements of what makes a festival magic – headturning acts, joyful comedy, new core memories unlocked – and ditches the rubbish bits, namely endless queues, sub-par loos and forking out triple figures for a single headliner. We caught up with co-director Mary Hodson to talk secret sets and why smaller really is better.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-found-festival-has-such-a-relaxed-reputation-what-inspired-you-to-create-an-easy-festival">Found Festival has such a relaxed reputation. What inspired you to create an ‘easy’ festival?<br></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Found2-1000x667.jpg" alt="Found festival partygoers" class="wp-image-94658" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Found2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Found2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Found2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It’s very intentional. The festival actually started life in our grandad’s back garden as Towersey Festival back in 1965, so it’s always had that family, community feel. With Found, we’ve purposefully stripped everything right back and kept the festival wonderfully intimate – just 2000 people. That means it’s spacious, laid-back and instantly welcoming. We sat down to really think about the kind of festival we’d want to go to ourselves, and basically just created that!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-so-no-battling-crowds-or-schlepping-back-to-the-car-park">So no battling crowds or schlepping back to the car park?</h2>



<p>Exactly. There’s barely any queueing, even at the bar. We’ve designed everything to be very fluid and accessible, so it’s easy to go from a stage to a workshop to the glamping village, and you’re more likely to bump into someone you met earlier and have a little moment. An attendee told me last year that Found is like a family garden party; nothing ever builds into that stressful rush you can experience at bigger festivals. It’s about connection over chaos!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-made-you-rebrand-from-towersey-to-found">What made you rebrand from Towersey to Found?</h2>



<p>The festival landscape has changed massively; there’s over 400 festivals taking place in the UK now. We wanted to evolve and keep everything we loved about Towersey but give it a new identity to reflect what it’s become. It took us a long time to settle on the name, especially given Towersey’s heritage and loyal following, but it’s so right!</p>



<p>Found really is all about discovery, from finding new music to making new friends and honing new skills. Even finding yourself a little bit. The timing is perfect too; the August bank holiday weekend is the time that we’re signing off from the summer holidays and thinking about what’s next. We coined this term – “foundism” – it’s that feeling of arriving a bit frazzled and leaving like you can breathe again. We want people to take that feeling back into their everyday lives – that sense of community and calm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-the-advantages-of-being-a-micro-festival">What are the advantages of being a micro festival?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Found3-1000x667.jpg" alt="Found festival singer" class="wp-image-94659" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Found3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Found3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Found3.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We offer something more personal and carefree than the big commercial festivals, which can be pretty overwhelming at times. It’s not just about spectating; it’s about feeling like you’re part of it. Again, the layout is key and we design it to feel like a village green. That said, we do hide a few things away, like a secret stage tucked into a glade, because we want that sense of discovery too. But you’ll never feel lost, disconnected or a bit broken afterwards!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-speaking-of-which-how-do-you-make-sure-that-festival-goers-leave-restored">Speaking of which, how do you make sure that festival-goers leave restored?</h2>



<p>We have yoga, sound baths, breathwork, a sauna and even coaching sessions, but you don’t have to be a “wellness person” to join in. Just being at the festival feels restorative because of the pace and the atmosphere. Wellness is kind of woven in, even if you don’t do a single session. The natural setting helps with that.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-any-new-additions-for-2026">Any new additions for 2026?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Foundfestivaldancers-1000x667.jpg" alt="dancing at Found festival" class="wp-image-94660" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Foundfestivaldancers-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Foundfestivaldancers-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Foundfestivaldancers.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We’re expanding both wellbeing and dance. We’ve always had things like ceilidhs, but this year we’re adding ballroom workshops too, which are sought-after, possibly because people love <em>Strictly</em>! Some people come just for the awesome ballet classes too. It’s a great way to try something new without the pressure of signing up to a class at home and you don’t need to worry about having the right kit or finding someone to go along with. It’s all here!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-let-s-talk-lineup-who-are-you-excited-to-see-this-year">Let’s talk lineup – who are you excited to see this year?</h2>



<p>Our thing is ‘wall-to-wall headturners, not headliners’ – we’re all about quality and discovery rather than one big-name act, so you leave with a new favourite band. That said, [Oxford indie folk band]&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stornowayband.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stornoway&nbsp;</a>is definitely a highlight. They’ve just played to a packed out Royal Albert Hall, so we’re really excited to have them.</p>



<p>The comedy gigs are also incredible and we have a brilliant booker for those with fantastic connections. Comedians like<a href="https://robinince.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Robin Ince</a> ask to come back every year as they love performing here so much. That’s definitely a stage to turn up early to!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-are-you-keeping-the-energy-up">How are you keeping the energy up?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Girlsatfoundfestival-1000x667.jpg" alt="girls at found festival" class="wp-image-94662" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Girlsatfoundfestival-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Girlsatfoundfestival-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/Girlsatfoundfestival.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We put a lot of thought into the food offering. It’s about balance and offering choice, but not so much that you don’t know what to go for. You’ll find everything from wood-fired pizzas and proper, high-quality burgers to Greek, Mexican, Korean, Japanese and loads of Asian street food. We’ve also added more healthy options this year like Buddha bowls and lighter dishes, because sometimes you just want something fresh when you’re at a festival. On the drinks side, we’ve partnered with <a href="https://www.rebellionbeer.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rebellion </a>in Marlow, so the bars are packed with great beers, ales and ciders. Crucially, your beer will be cold and you won’t be waiting in a snaking queue for it!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-glamping-village-sounds-like-our-kind-of-place-pitch-it-to-us">The glamping village sounds like our kind of place, pitch it to us!</h2>



<p>It’s seriously special. It’s run by<a href="https://beautiful-bells.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Beautiful Bells,</a> who’ve been with us for years and genuinely treat it like a little community. They even remember returning guests and where they like to stay, who might need a plug where or who likes to pitch next to who. The bell tents are so gorgeously dressed, with real beds, cushy duvets, lanterns, rugs and lots of luxe touches. There’s a fantastic communal area in the glamping village and they add fun little touches for guests during the weekend, like surprise Pimms’ afternoons. Plus, you’re close to really good hot showers and proper flushing toilets, which, let’s be honest, makes a big difference to the festival experience.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-any-hot-insider-tips-we-should-know">Any hot insider tips we should know?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/LanternsatFoundfestival-1000x667.jpg" alt="lanterns at found festival" class="wp-image-94663" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/LanternsatFoundfestival-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/LanternsatFoundfestival-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/LanternsatFoundfestival.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The lantern parade on Sunday night is a must. People spend the whole weekend making lanterns, some are huge, some tiny, and then everyone parades them through the site on the final night. It’s honestly magical and people’s creativity is astounding.</p>



<p>Also, check out the fireside sessions in the yurt. They can be really spontaneous; sometimes artists just turn up and do a secret set to 12 people. They’re absolutely worth staying up late for. Thursday night is a real thing now too. We opened it up with a few acts last year thinking that it would be really low-key, and it ended up being amazing and actually far more popular than we’d anticipated. To the point where we should have opened all of the [very luxurious] loos. So this year we’re adding a few surprise performances, and, ahem, more loos. It’s a bit of a hidden gem if you arrive from the start.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finally-what-s-your-favourite-festival-memory-so-far">Finally, what’s your favourite festival memory so far?</h2>



<p>Honestly, just being on the campsite feels like home. I’ve been coming since I was a tiny baby and waking up, having a cup of tea barefoot on the grass, seeing familiar faces – it’s my happy place. It’s also really special doing it as a family. I run it with my brother and our sister’s really involved. I camp next to her and because we don’t live near each other, it feels all the more special. Now my daughter’s a part of it too. Her birthday is in August and she came to the festival when she was just 11 days old. That’s where my ‘village’ was, so it made a lot of sense!</p>



<p><em>Found Festival takes place at the Claydon Estate near Buckingham from </em><strong><em>28 – 30 Aug 2026 </em></strong><em>– find out more and buy your ticket</em><a href="https://www.foundfestival.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em> here.</em></a></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more-try-these">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE? TRY THESE:</h3>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/walks-near-me/lovely-local-gardens-hertfordshire-bedfordshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Local gardens and green spaces to inspire and soothe the soul</a></li>



<li><a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/cafes/farmshop-cafes-hertfordshire-bedfordshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fabulous farm shop cafés that are well worth a visit</a></li>



<li><a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/for-kids/adventure-playgrounds-hertfordshire-bedfordshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">6 epic adventure playgrounds in Herts &amp; Beds</a></li>
</ul>



<p></p>


The rise of the micro festival: What makes Found Festival so special

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