What to Bring

What shall I bring to the festival?

A very good question! Luckily, we’ve got lots of suggestions about this:

FANCY DRESS
WATER BOTTLE – reusable, to fill up from the water point on site… let’s save on plastic!
A FIVER – for a Magical Mug. All drinks from the Magical bar will be served in a beautiful Magical Mug, yours to keep for a fiver. Hurrah for no single use plastic!
SUN CREAM
RAIN MAC and WARM JUMPER – it can get cold at night!
WELLIES – just in case.
DEBIT CARDS/ contactless phone
CAMPING CHAIR – an area of the festival field will be available for camping chairs, allowing visibility of the stage (there will be a standing area in front) and the amazing Cotswold views.

Do I need to bring wellies?

We suggest yes, or some waterproof cowboy boots! If it rains and you do not have your wellies (or good quality, waterproof boots), you may get soggy feet! If you do have your wonderful wellies, your toes will be toasty, your legs will be dancing, your heart will be light and your face will have a beaming smile as you strut-your-stuff at the main stage. In your face, rain!

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, this event is dog friendly. Please be mindful of guests who may not be as dog-keen as yourself, and ensure that your pet is kept on a short lead and you have plenty of poo bags. Please be mindful also of your dog’s festival experience, they may not be too keen on being close to the stage or the campfire.

What Should I Wear?

Get ready to embrace the spirit of the country and wear whatever makes you feel your best! Whether that means donning your favourite cowboy boots, a classic pair of denim jeans, or a head-to-toe outfit that’s bursting with country flair, anything goes at Summer Sundown. Think western hats, flannel shirts, and anything that makes you feel like you’ve stepped straight out of Dutton Ranch.

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not add some sparkle or bright colours that you wouldn't usually wear? We love seeing festival-goers in fun, attention-grabbing outfits that add to the festive atmosphere. And don’t forget, there will be an interactive line dancing session each day, so let your imagination run wild! Whether you want to be a rootin tootin cowboy, a sequinned cowgirl, or a saloon bar damsel, this is your chance to shine.

We also encourage up-cycling your wardrobe—bring out those fancy dress items you’ve been saving for a special occasion and give them a new twist with a country theme. The more creative, the better!

This is a family festival so we would like to discourage the use of any toy or imitation guns in your costumes. Save some space in your holster for your phone instead – you will need it for plenty of pictures!

Related FAQs

How big is the festival and what can I expect?

Cotswold Farm Park is thrilled to host *Summer Sundown*, a country music festival that brings the charm of the American South to the heart of the Cotswolds. This micro-festival, intimate and full of character, welcomes no more than 2000 guests, making it a perfectly sized event for those who love to dance, connect, and enjoy a laid-back family festival atmosphere.

At *Summer Sundown*, you can expect an authentic country experience, with live cover bands playing all your favourite country hits. The festival is a haven for those who appreciate the finer details: think space to dance under the open sky, friendly festival-goers decked out in their best country attire, and plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the theme.

The festival grounds are filled with fun activities, including axe throwing, country-themed photo ops, and a BBQ that would make any cowboy proud. Our saloon bar offers a range of drinks to keep the good times rolling, with no sponsors or corporate gimmicks to detract from the experience—just a warm, welcoming community of like-minded people coming together to enjoy the music and festivities.

*Summer Sundown* is still in its early years, making this a special time to be part of something that’s growing and evolving. Run by the Cotswold Farm Park team, we aim to create a fun atmosphere, where this festival is all about creating unforgettable memories and spreading joy. So dust off your cowboy boots, grab your hat, and join us for a weekend filled with country spirit, glitter, and plenty of smiles!

What age group is *Summer Sundown* targeted at?

The Summer Sundown is a festival for all ages! It’s family friendly and great for kids too – we want to inspire the little nippers to be social, creative and celebrate life – why should just the adults have the fun?

How many stages/areas are there at *Summer Sundown*?

The main stage and arena – catch the big cover bands and the country dancers here
Chill by the Campfire – a pop up stage featuring our favourite local acoustic artist and entertainers
Western Games – Have a go at Axe Throwing, a Rodeo Bull Ride (Sat & Sun only), Coconut Shy
Selfie stations – to capture your fancy dress efforts we have a number of selfie stations ready for you to capture some memorable snaps!

What time does the music and entertainment start and stop?

Friday

Arena open 4pm – 9:30pm

Saturday

Arena open 9:30am – 9:30pm

Sunday

Arena open 9:30am - 4:30pm

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Can I stay at Cotswold Farm Park?

Unfortunately, we have sold out of camping and glamping for weekend. However, our friends at Far Peak Campsite have plenty of availability, they accept tents, touring caravans and motorhomes and they are just 8 miles away. When booking, please enter ‘SUMMER SUNDOWN’ in the comments box so that they know you have come from us.

Website here: www.farpeakcamping.co.uk

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/66opMtmzrfTMvs7g6

If I am staying on-site at Cotswold Farm Park, are festival tickets included?

Yes, they are included with camping passes for all guests with booked and paid for pitch night places. If you wish to invite any guests along, they will need to purchase their own festival tickets.

Can I go back to my car for more stuff after I have entered?

Yes, apart from alcohol. Your wristband will be checked on re-entry to the site.

Can I drive off-site during the festival?

Yes. Please be mindful of local residents when leaving the site and also bear in mind that you may not be able to park in the same spot when you return.

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We have invited a select range of partners and activity providers and we are not accepting stalls or traders at this event. In future years we may consider this as the event develops.

which will contain the full timetable) so you know exactly where you want to be and when!

Will strobe lighting be used at the festival?

No, we will not be using strobe lighting at the festival. This decision is made to ensure the event is accessible and enjoyable for everyone, including those with neurodivergent conditions or medical sensitivities that can be triggered by strobe effects. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all our guests feel comfortable and safe.

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Will there be electricity on-site?

The site has electricity to power the stages, lights, food vendors etc, but there will be no provision for plugging in your mobile phones or other electric devices. We will accept contactless payment and encourage lots of photo’s and videos – so please make sure you bring sufficient battery packs to keep your phone topped up.

Glasto’ and spend less time washing and more time dancing, that’s entirely up to you!

I have a disability. How accessible is the festival site?

The festival site is comprised of a grass field with a stoney gravel path going through the middle. The site is generally sloped and mostly accessible over grass. This may be challenging to access if the weather is particularly wet, however the hard path will enable access to the key features as well as allowing visibility of the main stage. An accessible toilet is located onsite. We offer a free ticket scheme for registered carers and personal assistants.

We want to give a *Summer Sundown* welcome to our deaf and disabled customers. If you have any queries or requests relating to accessibility, please do contact us in advance to ensure we can make any necessary arrangements. We will aim to respond within 5 working days.

E-mail: hello@cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk

Can I bring a buggy?

Yes of course.

Are there baby changing facilities

Yes, there will be a space available for this in the toilet area

What’s your environmental policy?

We’re committed to running an ethical, sustainable event that minimises any negative impact on the environment. This includes the following:

The electricity for the event is powered with support from our 100kw on-site solar panel installation. On a sunny day, this provides up to 100% of our electricity needs. If it is cloudy or during the evenings, the supply reverts to the grid.
The backup generators are powered by biodiesel.
All catering packaging is recyclable
Reusable plastic bar cups will be available to purchase, save space in the recycling bins and keep a memento of the event!

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What food will be available at the festival?

A variety of delicious vegetarian and vegan food will be available, menu below:

Can I bring my own food?

We kindly ask that no outside food or picnics be brought to our event. This policy is in place to help us manage any potential allergens on our site effectively and ensure the safety and enjoyment of all our guests. By controlling the food served at the event, we can better cater to a variety of dietary needs and reduce the risk of allergic reactions, creating a safe environment for everyone.

The only exceptions to this would be for specific baby/young child food or where a dietary requirement would be too specific to accommodate. Our friendly admissions team will be happy to discuss this with you at the point of bag check.

We are pleased to offer a wide range of delicious food and drink options on-site, specially curated to enhance your event experience. Our vendors are prepared to accommodate various dietary requirements, so everyone can find something to enjoy.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us make the event safe and enjoyable for all.

Can I bring my own drinks?

No – this is a licensed family friendly event. All bags will be searched at entrance, if you have alcohol it will be confiscated or you will be asked to return it to your car.

Gas stoves are permitted, but must be raised off the ground and used OUTSIDE of your tent.

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Can I pay for food & drinks with my bank card?

Yes – this is a cashless event. Card or contactless payments will be accepted for food and drink purchases

All activities and games can be paid for using our token ‘Buffalo Bucks’ system. These will be made available to purchase in advance in bundles, and available to purchase on site.

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Will my festival ticket be mailed out in advance?

No. You will require an e-ticket and this will need to be shown on entry to the festival which was sent through our ticket system straight after you made payment online. Save the trees and display these on a mobile device instead of printing the ticket!

Can I get a refund for my ticket if I can’t make it?

All tickets (and other rewards and products) are non-refundable.

Can I buy a day ticket?

Yes! Both individual day and weekend tickets are available.

Do tickets include entry to Cotswold Farm Park

No, the event is outside of Cotswold Farm Park. If you wish to visit both, you will need to purchase tickets for Cotswold Farm Park separately. At the festival, by the time you have had something to eat and drink, enjoyed the interactive activities, watched our musicians and got interactive with the shows, we don’t feel you will have sufficient time to do both. The Farm Park is open most of the year, so if you do wish to do both, perhaps save the Farm Park for another date.

BUY FARM PARK TICKETS HERE

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Where is the festival held?

*Summer Sundown* is held at Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. GL54 5FL. Parking is available on site, however we would strongly encourage lift sharing where possible.

How do I get to and from the festival?

We are not on a public transport route. Please use our postcode GL54 5FL (double check your satnav brings you to us, this is a new postcode and some older systems do not recognise it)

What’s the nearest train station to the festival?

The nearest train station is Kingham which runs on the Worcester to London Paddington line. It is a 20 minute drive, we recommend booking taxi’s or private hire drivers well in advance as there is no taxi rank at the station.

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