Please note that our enquiries phone line will be closed on the following dates: 5 & 8 May. If you have an enquiry, please expect a response the following day.

What's On

Outdoors

Summer Fest

Sat 21 & Sun 22 Jun

Grounds
Adult £29, Child £17 National Trust/Art Fund Member Adult £15, Child £10

Ticket includes House admission

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Summer Fest Go to... Performers Food & drink Family Fun The House Top

A two day festival of performance, art, music, food and drink set against the magnificent backdrop of Waddesdon Manor.

Summer Fest is Inspired by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild’s annual garden party – The Barons Treat. Ferdinand also hosted his ‘Saturday to Monday’ houseparties at Waddesdon and the Manor became synonymous with lavish entertaining.

Throughout the day enjoy pop-up theatre & performance, culinary delights, wine tastings and family activities. Experience all Waddesdon has to offer as you roam the grounds and explore the Manor, just as Ferdinand’s guests did in the 19th century.

Baron's Treat c. 1880 © National Trust / Waddesdon Manor

The North Front has been transformed with flowers, long tables and benches for everyone to enjoy. Have a picnic or take a seat to sample some of the delicious food and drink on offer from one of the handpicked artisan food and drink stalls featured. See a range of extraordinary performances and join in activities for all the family.

Mr Wilson's Second Liners at Summer Fest

Performers

Wild

WILD by Motionhouse

A highlight of this year is a spectacular performance by circus dance company Motionhouse, who bring their internationally acclaimed festival creation WILD to Waddesdon for the first time.

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Ragroof Tea Dance

Step into a world of vintage elegance as the Ragroof Tea Dance waltzes its way to Waddesdon. So don your finest vintage attire, bring your dancing shoes, and trip the light fantastic with us for an afternoon of pure dancefloor bliss!

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Mr Wilsons Second Liners (Sun only)

A rabble of mischievous northerners, Mr Wilson’s Second Liners form a traditional New Orleans Second Line. The vision is an anarchic, street extravaganza, bursting with colour and sound, rallying impromptu raves on street corners and rousing audiences young and old into a joyful frenzy.

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Throughout the grounds, extraordinary performing artists and musicians from around the UK will surprise and delight all day long.

Shows: Bicycle Bistro | Kitchen Wonder products | Toast | WILD by Motionhouse | The Dragon | The Pop up Barn Dance

Roaming Acts: Highland Harvest | Lobster a la Cart | Cake Ladies | French Fancies | Gastro Goblins

Music & Dance: Ragroof Tea Dance | Mr Wilsons Second Liners (Sun only) |The Charlalas (Sat only) | Granny Turismo | Winchendon Brass quintet (Sat only)

Chilli Fest

Food & drink

Food and drink

Enjoy delicious food and drink throughout the weekend.

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Artisan Market

Shop from a hand picked selection of local and artisan traders from around Bucks, Beds and Herts.

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Street Food Traders

Feast on delicious hot food from various street food traders.

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Pop-up Bars

 

afternoon tea

Afternoon Tea

The Manor Restaurant

Elevate your visit to Summer Fest with a Garden Party themed Afternoon Tea in the Manor Restaurant.

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Pimm's and Cocktail Bar

Manor Terrace

Cool down with a drink from the Manor Terrace Bar.

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Wine Tasting

Wine Cellars

A relaxed and informal tasting in the Cellars, with experts from our wine shop on hand to guide and advise you

Family Fun

Family Fun

Enjoy enchanting and creative workshops suitable for all ages.

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Grow Your Own

with Makendoo

Decorate a plant pot and plant your choice of seed to take home.

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Doodlejam

with Scott Walker

Get involved in a giant piece of artwork created with artist Scott Walker.

Junkyard Orchestra (1)

Junkyard Orchestra

The Junk Orchestra’s tuneful soundgarden will be joining us this year in the shape of upcycled musical flowers to be discovered on our grand lawn. Families can create their own gentle melodies to soundscape our wonderful activities.

The House

Discover Waddesdon Manor

Immerse yourself in the world of Waddesdon Manor this Summer Fest.

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Free access to the House

Step into the shoes of Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild’s 19th century guests by exploring the Manor over the Summer Fest weekend. No tickets or reservations required but there may be a wait at busy times.

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Handling Sessions

Learn about the history of dining and entertaining at Waddesdon by discovering objects from the Collections at free Handling Sessions.