This was The Brit Fest 2026

By Jenny, Days Out & Meals Out

Our second year bobbing away to old-school British music while stood in a field in Ashley... and yet again, another reason why Cheshire is such a great place to live.

The whole festival has such a relaxed, feel-good atmosphere. Everyone is just there to have fun. Friday’s theme was Hippy Peace & Love, and so many people fully embraced it with colourful outfits, tie-dye, flower power and plenty of 70s vibes.

We had VIP tickets this year, which gave us access to a fantastic tent beside the main stage with picnic tables, lots of space to set up your own chairs and, new for this year, the option to stand right at the front of the stage.

The line-up was basically my husband’s dream. The music he grew up listening to, the bands whose posters were on his bedroom wall and songs he still knows every word to.

However, we kicked things off with my favourite, James Walsh from Starsailor. It was my fourth time seeing him and he never disappoints. As the first act of the day, the crowd was still finding their feet, but he kicked the day off brilliantly and I would love to see him with a later slot because he performs so effortlessly.

The rest of the line-up included The Farm, Sleeper (where me and my husband couldn’t resist heading to the front!), Stereo MCs, Peter Hook & The Light, Cast, with Happy Mondays closing the night.

The biggest surprise of the day was an intimate acoustic set from inside the VIP tent. I’d never heard Chris before Friday (much to my husband’s amusement as he was one of the reasons he was so excited about the tickets!), but I’m now a huge fan and now looking at where he is playing next.

Make sure you put next year’s dates in your diary – 12th to 15th July 2027 – and watch out for when tickets are released.

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