Towersey celebrates its 50th anniversary this August (Thursday 21 to Monday 25 August 2014) with what promises to be a very special five-day event. Acts announced today taking part in the festival’s half-century birthday celebrations are folk legends Richard Thompson, Seth Lakeman and Lau.

They’ll be joined by Norma Waterson, Eliza Carthy and Martin Carthy, Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker, Georgia Ruth, Dick Gaughan, John Smith, Nancy Kerr and James Fagan, The Urban Folk Quartet, and many more, including The Bootleg Beatles, who’ll be headlining the opening night spectacular.

It was way back in 1965 that locals, looking for ways to fund urgent renovations to the village hall, decided to launch a festival. From a one-day event, it was soon expanded to three days and a major, arts festival was born.

Music has always been at the heart of the festivities, but the modern day Towersey Festival also embraces poetry, comedy, theatre, circus performers, visual arts, films, workshops, dances, storytelling and great food.

Towersey’s Children's Festival is a major attraction, featuring everything from drop-in craft activities to baby reflexology, while other highlights include Shooting Roots, a programme of activities dedicated to, and run by, young people, and a Real Ale and Cider Festival, featuring a range of artisan beers and ciders, many from the surrounding area.

“We’re very proud indeed to be celebrating Towersey Festival’s Golden Jubilee,” says Festival Director Joe Heap, whose grandfather was one of the festival founders. “The annual event has grown considerably since those early days, but it remains one of the most welcoming and friendly festivals in the UK.

“We’re looking forward to marking 50 years with some very special guests and announcements, and also welcoming friends both old and new.”

A cornerstone of British music since the 1960s, guitarist and songwriter Richard Thompson found fame as co-founder of Fairport Convention. His songs have been recorded by such acts as The Corrs, REM and Elvis Costello with The LA Times describing him as “the finest rock songwriter after [Bob] Dylan and the best electric guitarist since Hendrix.” He was made an OBE in 2011.

Over the last decade, Seth Lakeman has released a string of critically acclaimed albums, including the Mercury Prize nominated Kitty Jay. 2014 sees the violinist and multi-instrumentalist release his sixth studio album, Word Of Mouth (out Feb 3).

A stunning live act, three-piece Lau have won the Best Band title at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards four times (2008, 2009, 2010, 2013), their subtle blend of traditional instruments with loops and effects pushing the folk genre into new exciting directions.

Tickets for the full festival start from £55-£120, with under 5s free. Camping available. Day tickets (Fri-Mon) £10-£40.

For further information and ticket links click here.

Towersey Festival 2014 taking place between Thursday 21 August to Monday 25 August 2014 at Various venues, Towersey, Oxfordshire.

Until 31 May 2014:
Weekend Season (non camping): £120 adult; £105 concession; £84 youth; £55 child; free under 5s.
Weekend Season (with camping): £145 adult; £130 concession; £109 youth; £55 child; free under 5s.
Day Tickets (Fri) £30 adult; £20 youth; £10 child; free under 5s; (Sat/Sun/Mon): £40 adult; £30 youth; £20 child; free under 5s.
From 1 June 2014:
Weekend Season (non camping): £135 adult; £105 concession; £95 youth; £55 child; free under 5s.
Weekend Season (with camping): £160 adult; £130 concession; £120 youth; £55 child; free under 5s.
Day Tickets (Fri) £30 adult; £20 youth; £10 child; free under 5s; (Sat/Sun/Mon): £40 adult; £30 youth; £20 child; free under 5s.
Showground day tickets (only available on the gate): £8 adult; £3 concessions; under 5s free.
Camel Camp: luxury Camel Camp Touareg tents also available for up to 6 people. See website for details.
Discounts: Buy 10 Adult Full Weekend Season tickets for the Price of 9.
Car Parking: Free.