Location: Chew Valley Lake | Dates: August 2-4
Tucked away in the serene Mendip Hills, right on the shores of the shimmering Chew Valley Lake, Valley Fest has grown into a staple of the UK festival scene, especially for those in the know. What started as a small local event is now celebrating its tenth year, attracting a dedicated following while still maintaining the charm of a hidden gem. But with its soaring popularity, it won’t stay a secret much longer. The festival may be compact, but its impact is immense—delivering an unforgettable fusion of live music and culinary excellence.
Just a short drive from the lively streets of Bristol and Bath, Valley Fest proudly draws upon its local heritage, showcasing the best of Bristol’s music scene alongside the finest Somerset food. Whether you’re after charcuterie, cider, street food, or gourmet feasts, this festival serves it up with a distinctive West Country flair.
So, how did our first experience at Valley Fest measure up? Let’s dive into the details.
The Arrival
For those familiar with the winding country roads of Somerset, the journey to Valley Fest feels like second nature. For the rest of us, well-placed signs and a few detours make the trip fairly straightforward. From the moment we arrived, it was clear we were in good hands. The warm welcome from the parking attendants set the tone for the weekend, a blend of efficiency and that signature West Country friendliness. After a short walk through the fields and up a slight incline, we passed through security with minimal fuss, ready to explore what would be our home for the next three days.
Once inside, the festival opens up like a hidden treasure trove. Cresting the hill, we were greeted with a stunning view—Chew Valley Lake glinting under the summer sun, the main stage perched on the lakeside, and the whole festival spread out like a giant playground for adults and kids alike. It was immediately clear why Valley Fest has earned a reputation as one of the UK’s most picturesque festivals.
Getting the Lay of the Land
Our first mission was to get our bearings, and what better way than a full circuit of the site? Valley Fest has an emphasis on food, and the variety on offer was nothing short of spectacular. Whether you’re a committed carnivore or a dedicated vegan, the range of choices means you could eat something different for every meal over the entire weekend. As we strolled past tantalizing food stalls, it became evident that this festival is a true haven for foodies.
And then there’s the drink. Valley Fest excels here too, with bars conveniently located near the main stages and activity hubs. The selection of local beers, ciders, and wines was impressive, and the lack of queues was a welcome relief—no one wants to spend their festival time waiting for a drink, after all. Even the toilet situation, often the bane of festival-goers, was manageable. With well-placed composting loos and sensible timing, you could avoid the usual festival frustrations and focus on the fun.
Unleashing Your Creativity
Valley Fest is as much about creativity as it is about music and food. The festival encourages festival-goers of all ages to tap into their creative sides with a wide range of workshops, talks, and activities. From nature-themed sessions led by The Somerset Wildlife Trust to hands-on workshops like metalworking and eco-friendly crafts, there was no shortage of opportunities to learn something new or simply enjoy a break from the music.
Kids were particularly well catered for, with the Woodland Tribe area giving them the freedom to build their own adventure playground. Over the course of the weekend, we watched as this project grew into an impressive structure, the pride of every young builder involved.
If that wasn’t enough, there were also chances to dive into the arts with carnival mask-making, aerial display lessons, and even Samba music workshops. The festival’s dedication to blending with its natural surroundings and fostering creativity was a standout feature.
Focus on Well-being
For those looking to relax rather than create, Valley Fest’s well-being offerings were a perfect antidote to the usual festival chaos. Imagine sipping a local craft beer in a hot tub while live music drifts over from the main stage—yes, that’s a thing here, and it’s as blissful as it sounds. Alternatively, the braver souls could plunge into an ice bath, while others opted for yoga, Pilates, or even a session with the farm fitness team to stretch out those festival kinks.
What struck us most was the inclusive atmosphere—people of all ages and walks of life came together to enjoy a bit of “me time,” whether that was in a yoga class or just lounging in the sun, soaking up the good vibes.
Gourmet Delights
If there’s one thing Valley Fest does exceptionally well, it’s food. The festival’s reputation as a gourmet destination is well-earned, offering a culinary experience that could rival any top-notch restaurant—or even a five-star cruise. With a lineup of OBE & MBE -recognized chefs like Thomasina Miers, Romy Gill, and Pegs Quinn, the food offerings were nothing short of spectacular. Whether you were in the mood for BBQ demos or Michelin-quality dining, there was something to tantalize every taste bud.
The highlight for many was the Chilli Eating Competition, which drew huge crowds and provided some of the festival’s biggest laughs. Hosted by The Clifton Chilli Club, it was a wild mix of bravery and hilarity, with the audience cheering on the contestants as they battled the heat.
Musical Highlights
But let’s not forget the music, which is, after all, the heart of any festival. Valley Fest has built a solid reputation for championing the local music scene while also drawing big-name acts that make the line-up truly impressive.
Friday Picks
Tankus The Henge kicked things off in style with their high-energy, genre-defying performance. This band is a festival favorite, and they delivered a show that set the tone for the weekend—a perfect blend of musical talent and showmanship.
The Feeling headlined Friday, bringing a wave of nostalgia that had the crowd singing along from start to finish. Their set was the perfect close to the first day, leaving everyone with that warm, feel-good festival buzz.
Arcadia’s steampunk spectacle was also in full effect by Friday night, with fire, smoke, and lasers lighting up the night sky. This was the place to be for anyone wanting to dance into the early hours, with top DJs and awe-inspiring performances keeping the energy levels high. Accompanied by some of the best jaw dropping extreme cabaret you will ever see in the form of Danny The Fire Performer and The Lords Of Lightning
Saturday
Saturday saw the genre-bending collective Nubiyan Twist take the stage, blending global grooves with soul, jazz, and electronic beats. Their set was a masterclass in musicianship, drawing in a crowd that was ready to dance.
Da Fuchaman, with his infectious reggae vibes, brought the feel-good factor to new heights. His performance was a celebration of positivity, leaving everyone grinning from ear to ear.
The day ended with Tinie Tempah headlining, and he did not disappoint. His set was a powerhouse of energy, with the crowd feeding off his every move. It was a headline performance in every sense—dynamic, engaging, and unforgettable.
Sunday
As the sun set on Sunday, Sophie Ellis-Bextor took the stage and delivered a performance that was pure magic. The golden light over the lake provided a stunning backdrop as families danced together, lost in the moment.
Finally, Sister Sledge Live featuring Kathy Sledge closed the festival with a disco-infused celebration that had everyone up and dancing. It was the perfect way to end the weekend, with the iconic “We Are Family” resonating through the crowd—a fitting anthem for a festival that feels as much like a community as it does an event.
Final Thoughts
Valley Fest delivered on every front. From the jaw-dropping scenery and gourmet food to the eclectic music lineup and welcoming atmosphere, it was a weekend that ticked all the boxes. Whether you’re a local or traveling from afar, this festival offers something truly special—an experience that lingers long after the last note has played and the final tent has been packed away.
With its growing reputation, Valley Fest is on the cusp of becoming a major player in the festival scene. But even as it expands, it’s clear that it will remain rooted in the values that have made it so beloved: community, creativity, and a true celebration of everything that makes the West Country unique.
In short, Valley Fest is a must-do for any festival lover—just make sure you get your tickets early, because it won’t stay a secret much longer.
Valley Fest itself takes a well earned fallow year in 2025, after 10 years of expansion and entertainment we think the rest in justified, but early bird registration for 2026 is already a go at the link below.
@thebristolnomad / @bristolnomad_gigphotography
Role: Photographer / Reviewer / Interviewer
Chief, the one that bugs the team for team for their reviews and images. Creator and founder of The Bristol Gig Guide. Can usually be found swamped in admin or getting cramp kneeling at the front of a gig.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Gig Reviews, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots, Videography work, Interviews and Touring
First attended gig: Republica, circa 1996.
First gig shot: Hands Off Gretel, at The Louisiana!
Dream gig: Huge metalhead and my ultimate dream gig would be shooting my heroes Slipknot at a huge stadium gig, or as festival headliners. And to experience shooting a headline tour outside the UK
