Festivals

Here in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead we are lucky to have very different types of events that fit under the 'festival' heading.  Explore a wide range of festival events taking place in 2019, from music and literature to food and drink.

Windsor Festival International String Competition 23 – 29 March 2019

Launched in memory of Windsor Festival founder Yehudi Menuhin, and the foremost competition of its kind in the world, the biennial Windsor Festival International String Competition attracts exceptional young string soloists from across the world for seven days of musical performances at prestigious venues across Windsor.

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts Quest Family Fest 07 – 21 April 2019

Quest Family Fest is a fun packed festival fortnight of new experiences for children during the Easter holidays and includes family friendly shows, films and activity clubs - plus daily craft and storytelling. Quest Family Fest offers something to do every day of the holidays, making the ideal destination for families. Take in a family friendly film, see an exciting live show or get the opportunity to try an exciting new hobby. The Café Bar is open throughout the day serving a family friendly menu, along with free parking on site and a warm welcome.

Let’s Rock the Moor 18 May 2019

Known as The Retro Festival, this family-friendly celebration of the 80s takes place at Marsh Meadow in picturesque Cookham. Let's Rock the Moor features household name headline acts, local bands, children’s entertainers, a circus, children’s rides, an 80s-themed children’s play area and multiple bars.

Maidenhead Festival 20 – 21 July 2019

For two days in July Maidenhead Festival comes to Kidwells Park.  It's a free, family-focussed event featuring music, a beach, fairground, stalls and side shows and if you're lucky you might spot a friendly clown or acrobat!

Maidenhead Festival is the biggest, regularly organised, free, public event in Maidenhead and has many benefits for the community, including building spirit and goodwill and publicising local charities and other organisations that take part. 

Ascot Festival of Food and Wine 06 – 07 September 2019

Fantastic racing is stirred with culinary attractions including stallholders, samplings and appearances from star chefs. The Gastronomes Theatre provides talks and demonstrations from celebrity chefs and culinary experts, while racegoers will be able to sample and purchase food and wines from more than 40 stalls. Find out more about Ascot's Festival of Food and Wine racing weekend.

Windsor Festival 14 – 29 September 2019

Reaching its 50th Anniversary in 2019, Windsor Festival's celebration of music, literature and the arts attracts distinguished artists from around the world to perform in prestigious venues including Windsor Castle’s Waterloo Chamber, St George’s Chapel, the Eton College Chapel and the Theatre Royal.

Windsor Fringe Festival 20 Sept – 05 October 2019

The Windsor Fringe offers a mixed programme of the arts and entertainment: music of all kinds, drama, visual arts (including photography and sculpture), film, poetry, informative walks in Windsor, gastronomy – and even conkers. Many young artists, such as soprano Dame Emma Kirkby and jazz musician Jamie Cullum, cut their teeth in the Fringe, and went on to become household names.

Cliveden Literary Festival 28 – 29 September 2019

Evoke the spirit of the great writers and potentates who stayed here and continue the tradition of the house as a sanctuary for lovers of literature. Cliveden Festival’s themes – politics and scandal; the influence of brilliant women; history in the movies and on TV; art and architecture; espionage, and the shadow of war – reflect Cliveden’s own story as a political and literary salon, a status it has kept into the 21st century.

"One of the most stimulating literary festivals going, in an unbeatable setting. An absolute treat." Sarah Waters

Autumn Racing and Ascot Beer Festival 04 – 05 October 2019

The 12th Ascot Racecourse Beer Festival in association with CAMRA; expect more than just exciting Flat racing at this extensive regional Beer Festival as you sup on an array of over 280 real ales, cider and perries.