‘Poshstock' will go out with a bang, says founder of Cornbury Music Festival

For 13 years Cornbury Music Festival has been a highlight of Oxfordshire’s summer. A fun-loving, if polite, gathering dedicated to great music, comedy, food and drink, and having lots of fun – but without scaring the horses.

Today the man who set it up, Hugh Phillimore, announces the first details of next year’s 14th gathering – and, in a bombshell, reveals it will be the last.

“Well, 14 is my lucky number,” he smiles. “I just thought I’ve had a really good go, and although it’s lovely, it’s tough to put together and I want to go out with a bang next year.”

Starting life at Cornbury Park, the event rapidly acquired a reputation as a rarefied gathering, attracting then-Prime Minister David Cameron and his family most years, along with TV presenters, actors and members of the Royal Family

Its well-heeled clientele, country house surroundings, Pimms and champagne bars and VIP area earned it the nickname ‘Poshstock’.

It left Cornbury Park in 2010 after going into liquidation, owing creditors almost £1.5m, moving to Great Tew, near Chipping Norton, the following year, with Hugh running it alongside 3A Entertainments.

Over the years it has played host to the likes of Paul Simon, Tom Jones, Robert Plant, Blondie, Elvis Costello, Bryan Ferry, Hugh Laurie, Martha Reeves and Van Morrison. Its main stage has also featured captivating sets by the late Humphrey Lyttleton and Amy Winehouse.

However, despite coming close to breaking even, it has failed to turn a profit, and, with a heavy heart, Hugh has decided to cut his losses – though not before putting on the biggest show yet.

“Onwards and upwards!” he laughs. “I’m going to pull out all the stops with the biggest headliner ever.

“I can’t possibly reveal who yet though. All I’ll say is that I have been trying to book this artist for 20 years and have really worked hard – so fingers crossed this will happen. The rest of the line-up; is coming along too.”

He said the finale would be a celebration rather than a wake, adding: “It’s sad but I hope everyone supports us.

“We’ll have great music, fireworks and lots of fun. I’m even hoping Hook Norton Brewery make us a special Finale or ‘Fine-ale’ beer. It’s certainly not doom and gloom. It’s a chance for us to say goodbye to the people of Oxfordshire.”

He goes on: “We’ve had a fantastic run and are very proud of the lovely event we’ve created.

“We’ve hosted a marvellous annual party for our loyal audience – the odd royal, multi-generational families, aristocracy, prime ministers, film stars, farmers, rockers, and ladies who make exceedingly good cakes.

“We have found ourselves in the centre of a wonderful community and are proud that we’ve been able to benefit many local causes over the years.

“Cornbury has never been about money, but it is a struggle being one of the few last independent festivals in Oxfordshire, and when the weather is bad, or if there’s something big on the telly, we don’t sell any day tickets.”

While being fond of the ‘Poshstock’ label and embracing Cornbury’s lack of ‘coolness’ compared to other festivals such as The Big Feastival at Alex James’s farm in Kingham, or Wilderness (which took over Cornbury’s old home at Cornbury Park), Hugh admitted competition was stiff in what has become a crowded market.

“Everyone loves coming, but it has never been cool,” he says. “Other festivals have a younger, cooler crowd and Cornbury is a bit more sedate.

“There are a lot of festivals, many on our doorstep and most are run by major companies, so if they make a loss they can take it. I refused to cut corners though, even after losing a lot of money. I have always wanted it to be as good as it can be.

“Cornbury is so loved it’s ridiculous. We had one arrest in 13 years and people hand money into lost property. The people here have always been great, and I have tried my best to ensure a great experience for everyone.

“Putting on 14 festivals is having a pretty good shot at it and I’ve just about been able to pull it off, but if it was making hundreds of thousands, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.

“In 2005 we lost half a million quid. It was only because an oligarch asked me to organise a party with Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera and Enrique Iglesias that I could pay off Cornbury’s losses.

“It has all been a huge gamble. It’s basically putting all your money in a field and setting fire to it.”

Hugh, 56, will continue to run his Sound Advice business, which arranges parties for the rich and famous – including the Prince of Wales’s 50th birthday party and Prince William’s 21st. He will also continue his work with the Cheltenham Jazz Festival, but admits he wants to spend a little more time with his family.

He says: “I missed my daughter’s first four birthdays and I’ve realised I need to spend a bit more time with her. I need a tiny bit less stress in my life.

“Our London office closes in July as the lease is up, so it seems a good time to downsize a bit.

“Last year I did 80 gigs, which is what I’ve been doing since I was 19.

“I put on my first gig when I was 16 and have done 40 years of it.

“It can be difficult putting everything together and making everything work. Then there’s health and safety; it’s an enormous undertaking, but I have an amazing team – so let’s have one last hurrah!

“I am more excited about this next one than I’ve ever been. We will have a great time.”

Is there a chance the festival could continue in new hands? “ I’m always open to offers,” he laughs.

“Yes, if a rich oligarch wants to take it, I’d be delighted. Alternatively, if someone wins the Lottery they are welcome to give me a call. But that’s unlikely, and that’s not what I’m trying to do. And I’d definitely like a break.”

So what have been his highlights? “Joe Cocker giving me a bear hug in 2005,” he sighs. “And Amy Winehouse was amazing. Then there was seeing the Prime Minister going mad for Keane. And Van Morrison was also great.”

Now all eyes are on next year’s line-up. “We’re going out with a bang,” he says. “There will be big acts and really fun things – and we are going to throw our hearts into it. It will be the best celebration.”

Cornbury Festival takes place from July 7-9, 2017. Earlybird tickets go on sale at 9am tomorrow.

Go to cornburymusicfestival.com