The ALSO Festival, widely celebrated as one of the United Kingdom's most inspirational summer gatherings, has revealed the initial roster of speakers, performers, and immersive experiences for its highly anticipated 13th edition, ALSO26. This unique event seamlessly blends ideas, music, comedy, culinary delights, wellness practices, and nature, creating an unforgettable experience for attendees of all ages.
A Family-Friendly Festival in a Historic Setting
Scheduled to take place from July 10th to 12th, 2026, at the picturesque Park Farm within Compton Verney in Warwickshire, ALSO Festival has earned a reputation as one of the nation's most family-friendly festivals. With a consistent annual growth in visitor numbers, the event attracts thousands over its three-day duration, offering a wide array of activities and experiences designed to engage every generation.
Exploring the Theme of Luck and Chance
The theme for ALSO26 is Oh Fortuna, which playfully delves into the concepts of luck and chance. This thematic exploration invites festival-goers to ponder how much of our fortune is predestined and how much is influenced by random luck, setting the stage for thought-provoking discussions and creative expressions throughout the weekend.
Impressive Line-up of Speakers and Performers
Leading the distinguished line-up is Claudia Hammond, a renowned writer and BBC Radio 4 presenter, who will share psychological strategies for managing overwhelm. Tech commentator Jamie Bartlett will provide insights on effectively communicating with artificial intelligence, while investigative journalist Oliver Bullough will offer a deep dive into the global intricacies of money laundering.
Known for its curious, clever, and creative ethos, ALSO Festival collaborates with celebrated best-selling authors, revolutionary scientists, and passionate experts. This collaboration fosters an environment where ideas can flourish, all within the sublime 17th-century landscape designed by Capability Brown, encouraging a genuine reconnection with nature.
Diverse Activities and Workshops
Attendees can immerse themselves in a variety of talks, tours, workshops, and activities, including:
- A journey into the world of the Tyrannosaurus rex with Mark P Witton.
- An exploration of the flavour of quantum physics led by Professor Ben Allanach.
- A historical look at hand-reading with award-winning historian Alison Bashford.
- A glimpse into the divine beauty of space with Professor David Tong.
- A session on how mathematics shapes creativity with Marcus du Sautoy.
Additional highlights feature the Saturday Night Spectacular, which embraces the Oh Fortuna theme with lights, lanterns, and a heavenly headdress masterclass. Festival-goers can also participate in the Space Hopper Championships, join the ALSO Art Club for a state of flow, or learn the Charleston with Fiona Ring.
CEO's Vision for ALSO26
Diccon Towns, CEO and co-founder of ALSO Festival, expressed his enthusiasm: "ALSO26 opens its gates this July, inviting visitors to dive in and choose their own adventure. They can journey to the edge of human understanding in a Big SciTech session, explore the inner workings of the human mind at a Psych+ talk, delve into the written word during our Great Literary talks, discover new favourite bands in Future Music sets, or enhance their Blue Mind with time spent in, on, or by the water."
He added: "This is a hand-built, next-generation festival unlike any other in the UK. Where else can you have your ribs tickled at a super-smart comedy show, explore mythological forest installations inspired by Fortuna, the Roman goddess of fate, or learn a new skill in a workshop?"
Musical and Comedy Performances
The festival's musical offerings include the genre-defying sounds of Sheep, Dog and Wolf (Daniel McBride), known for avant-pop compositions that blend experimentalism, folk, and electronica. Tribo will bring high-energy samba drumming, while the Future Music Programme showcases up-and-coming musicians. Exceptional DJs will keep guests dancing from the lakeside Rum Bar to the straw-bale Bunker 54, culminating in Hoolla Music's Ecstatic Dance to close the weekend.
On the comedy front, multi-award-winning political comedian and activist Mark Thomas will deliver laughs, alongside lyrical wit from poet Luke Wright in Later Life Letter. Robin Ince returns to the Woods Stage, and for a touch of French flair, Marcel Lucont presents his legendary show Cabaret Fantastique and hosts a panel reflecting on 10 Years of Brexit.
Wellness and Family Activities
ALSO26 introduces its most ambitious wellness programme to date, centred around the all-new lakeside Sanctuary Sessions. Numinity, founded by sisters Melissa and Holly, offers a curated series of transformative experiences aligned with the festival's theme. These include Neural Reprogramming Meditation to rewire limiting beliefs, a Manifestation Lab for future mapping, and Fortuitous Breathwork. Guests can also try Rasa Fire Yoga, Scented Yoga, or embark on a guided Scented Walk.
Revellers can immerse themselves in the Blue Mind theory with the upgraded ALSO Sauna, now featuring Ice Baths and Cold Plunges. Water-based activities include SUP Yoga and magical Wild Swimming sessions under the stars, with guided Dusk, Dawn, and Moonlight experiences.
Families have a wealth of options, such as a Bat Walk in the Far-Out Forest or learning circus skills with Patches Circus School. Award-winning Warwickshire theatre group Playbox will host high-energy musical theatre workshops and evening storytelling. Other family-friendly activities include a Mini Beasties Safari, a Tiny Dancers Family Rave, and den-building sessions with ex-Marine Dave Hamblett. Due to popular demand, Festival Nannies return to give parents some free time to enjoy the festivities.
Culinary Delights for Food Enthusiasts
Foodies will be delighted by the culinary offerings. Syrian-born chef Imad Alarnab brings his Somerset House-based restaurant Aram to the fields for a special Sunday Long Table Lunch, alongside the Aram by Imad Deli serving incredible food throughout the weekend. River Cottage hosts a legendary Woodland Long Table Lunch, Georgia Hearn presents a demo and tasting from her book The Brunch Club and cooks up a Saturday night Feast of Fortunes. Award-winning chef James Whetlor returns for Friday night's French Bistro experience.
Ticketing and Practical Information
Tickets for ALSO26 are available online. Tier 2 Weekend Tickets are currently priced at £180 for adults, £390 for families, or £75 for volunteer tickets in exchange for working one shift. Day tickets are also offered, and children under five enter free of charge.
Parking is complimentary, with a limited number of car passes available for campsite vehicle access, as well as campervan passes for those seeking a more immersive camping experience.
