Intro to DJ (£)

Music

Curious about DJing? Join Neon Pumps for a fun and accessible introduction to the art of spinning tracks. You’ll learn the basics of mixing music and reading the room, perfect for anyone ready to test their rhythm and see where the music might take them.

ALSO Woodland Play

Young

Calling all little ALSOers. Tucked among the trees, our Woodland Play area invites children to explore through nature‑based play. Nestled among the trees, this nature-based activity invites children to explore, play, and create in a magical woodland setting.

ALSO Cycle

Experience

Cycle to ALSO! Join our team cycling to ALSO26 - there'll even be a welcome party in-festival.

Ritual Head Spa

Wellbeing

Lauren is a hairdresser, barber and holistic treatment practitioner blending relaxation, grooming and ritual-inspired scalp treatments. With years of experience in hair and client care, she creates calming spaces designed to help people slow down, reset and reconnect with themselves during the festival experience. Offering Ritual Head Spa treatments, hot towel beard trims and holistic grooming experiences, Lauren combines hairdressing, barbering, haircare and wellness into a grounded and restorative space.

ALSO Sauna & Cold Plunge Friday Pass (£)

Wellbeing

Want to unwind and rejuvenate your body and mind? Let us introduce you to the ALSO Sauna. With its beautiful lakefront setting, our sauna is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature. And with our all-new for 2026 cold plunge, you can take your Sauna Sessions experience to the next level. We have a number of sessions over the weekend meaning you could build a little Scandi experience into your time at ALSO.

The Board Game Cafe

Experience

Dominos? Check. Snakes and Ladders? Check. Cards? Check. Chess? Checkmate! Bring a coffee and get your game on in our hosted board games session, where strategy, luck, and fun collide.

How to DJ Masterclass (£)

Music

Step behind the decks in this intimate DJ masterclass with Neon Pumps. Learn the fundamentals of mixing, beatmatching and building a set that moves the dancefloor. Be quick! There are only a handful of places available.

Wild Swimming - Friday

Wellbeing

Wild swimming at ALSO is nothing short of glorious. For our afternoon lake swims, the lake is open to all, and this is the only weekend of the year you can unleash your inner swan and dip, splash or glide through this Capability Brown–designed body of water. It’s a truly wild lake and we all need many more chances to be truly wild and wet together, ALSO's wild swimming offers an unforgettable connection to nature. Swim past Monet-like water lilies as Red Kites circle overhead. In festival land, there’s simply nothing else like it. The general lake opening hours over the weekend are: Friday: 5pm - 9pm Saturday: 11am - 4pm Sunday: 11am - 3pm

Optical Illusion Workshop

Young

Prepare to have your minds amazed at this pop up interactive optical illusion workshop.

Scented Yoga & Meditation (£)

Wellbeing

Using her unique experience of both yoga and the olfactory system, this session allows the deeper exploration of your yoga and meditation practice in a new and uniquley sensory way in this advanced practice with Yoga teacher and founder of the artisan perfumery, 4160Tuesdays Sarah McCartney. Just breathe!

Tea Ceremony (£)

Experience

Take part in a tea ceremony with leading herbalist Maggie Eliana. ALSO is so proud to welcome certified Herbologist, writer, and folklorist Maggie, who has designed this exclusive tea ceremony for ALSO26. Explore the energetic actions of medicinal herbs and the heavenly properties they contain as you taste the tea Maggie blends in this session and create a bridge between mindfulness, science, folklore, and social history. This bespoke Herbal Energetics Tea Ceremony aligns perfectly with the wildly beautiful Capability Brown setting of ALSO.

Evening Sound Bath with Numinity

Wellbeing

Be taken on a guided sound journey by the incredible sisters Melissa and Holly creators of NUMINITY, a collective that fosters a space where love, acceptance and empowerment converge to facilitate profound personal transformation and who will create an exceptionally special series of sound baths at ALSO. You can look forward to being enveloped in an immersive soundscape as you bathe in their soothing harmonies, accompanied by the healing frequencies of Tibetan singing bowls, synths, flutes, drums and chimes, and all in the most beautiful setting in festival land. We love the long lingering tones of this slow down, sound experience.

Kids Scavanger Hunt

Young

Young explorers are invited to follow clues and uncover hidden treasures around the ALSO site. Our all new for 2026 scavenger hunt encourages curiosity, teamwork and a little bit of lucky discovery along the way. Don’t miss!

Intro to Stand up Paddleboarding (SUP) - Friday 18:00 (£)

Experience

Let’s SUP ALSO! Come along and join Anna from SUP Stratford for an introduction to standup paddleboarding (SUP). In this 45-minute intro session, you’ll learn everything you need to know about this SUPerb water sport so you can begin your paddleboarding adventure. This is the only time in the year it is possible to paddleboard in Compton Pools, ALSO's half mile lake designed by Capability Brown.

Evening Storytelling for Children

Young

As the day winds down and the festival lights begin to glow, join Playbox Theatre for a cosy evening of storytelling designed especially for little ones. Led by the Playbox team, this gentle session invites children to snuggle up with a teddy, get comfy, and enjoy a magical mix of bedtime stories, songs, and imagination. A calm, comforting space to slow down, listen, and drift into dreamy worlds together - the perfect end to a summer’s day at ALSO.

DJ Ben Bennett

Music

From house music to 90s and 00s dance classics, come along and dance dance dance. Expect hands-in-the-air moments and those feel good moments.

FEAR

Comedy

There is nothing to fear but fear itself. Unless you’re too afraid. Fight fear with fear , fear the fear and do it anyway. In a world where fear is peddled at us from all angles, we’re scared and we don’t know why.. or even if we’re not scared we all have a little pocket full of unnamed dread.. But is this new improved fear actually any more scary than back then? Or just better packaged? Who’s fear is it anyway? And how do we take control, so we don’t wake screaming in terror at 3.17 every morning? There is nothing to fear but fear itself. And war. And countless other annoying little terrors that make us afeared.

Manifestation Lab (£)

Experience

Welcome to Numinity's manifestation lab! A practical workshop combining visualisation, journaling, and embodiment to map out intentions. You'll learn how to align inner energy with external action, leaving with a personalised 'fortune plan'.

Fiction Prescriptions

Ideas

Sometimes, a little luck, or the right story, is exactly what you need. Enter Ella Berthoud, renowned bibliotherapist and co-author of the bestselling The Novel Cure and Fiction Prescriptions. She knows just the right book to steer your fate, flip your fortune, or give your luck a nudge in the right direction. At ALSO26, Ella will be offering a limited number of personalised Fiction Prescriptions in the Book n Shop. Swing by and see if you can bag a slot, and let her match you with the story that might just change your weekend… or your destiny. A must for all the culture seekers and curious cats who like a little serendipity with their reading.

T-Shirt Printing Workshop - Friday (£)

Young

Step into a 60 minute T-shirt painting workshop and unleash your creativity as you style your very own painted t-shirt! Each T-shirt will be a unique masterpiece, reflecting the individuality of its wearer. Age 7+.

ALSO Art Club

Experience

We love how being in a state of flow is extraordinary for your brain and for your creativity, plus research shows that actively engaging in arts puts years on your life so of course we had to curate our own ALSO Art Club has been designed as a session to help you get into your flow whilst engaging with the exceptional beauty of ALSO's Capability Brown setting. A unique and turly immersive experience, don't miss the chance to bring your morning coffee to this creative session.

Evening Storytelling for Children

Young

As the day winds down and the festival lights begin to glow, join Playbox Theatre for a cosy evening of storytelling designed especially for little ones. Led by the Playbox team, this gentle session invites children to snuggle up with a teddy, get comfy, and enjoy a magical mix of bedtime stories, songs, and imagination. A calm, comforting space to slow down, listen, and drift into dreamy worlds together - the perfect end to a summer’s day at ALSO.

SUP Yoga & Floating Meditation Friday (£)

Experience

Start your weekend with our SUP yoga and floating meditation class. Experience the world's most beautiful yoga 'studio' on the one weekend a year you can.

Handstands & Hula Hoops

Experience

Turn your perspective upside down and all around with handstands and hula hoops in a playful, relaxed space to explore, experiment, and have fun. Meet like-minded people who are keen to give it a go, share the experience, and enjoy trying something a little different together. Suitable for all levels, whether you're completely new or already have some experience.

Friday French Bistro at La Patte du Chat (£)

Food

Be transported to a Parisian bistro on your ALSO Friday as our Dining Venue becomes La Patte du Chat – Cabaret de Paris. Hosted by James Beard Award‑winning chef James Whetlor, expect classic French bistro dishes cooked with flair, ethics and seasonal integrity. Designed to be paired perfectly with Marcel Lucont’s Cabaret Fantastique, there will even be some intimate Bistro tables for two - what’s not to love?

Chloe Elms

Music

Chloe Elms is a self-taught singer-songwriter, producer, and guitarist whose sound blends soul, electronic, indie, and acoustic influences. Her recent EP Days Go By was released on RPMA Recordings in April, showcasing her love for alternative electronic sounds. Now, Chloe is working on her first album Got Me Thinking which will feature 13 tracks spanning RnB, Soul and Hip-Hop. You can catch her playing sets in London & Manchester, which often feature a mix of unreleased soul music and also live versions of her alt-house EP Days Go By. Chloe Elms forms part of ALSO's Future Music: Pathway to Success programme, supported by Arts Council England.

Mini Beasties Safari

Young

What’s hiding beneath the surface of ALSO’s lake? Join this family-friendly minibeast safari to explore the tiny creatures that live in and around the water. Perfect for all ages, it’s a magical chance to get up close to nature and discover the small wonders of the site.

Esther Manito

Comedy

Esther has been making a name for herself as one of the best acts on the UK comedy scene, with a Best Show Award at Leicester Comedy Festival, and appearances on Live At The Apollo, Comedy Central Live and Celebrity Pointless. Now she’s coming to kick off our comedy programme on Friday evening, seamlessly blending personal tales with cultural observations, to hilarious effect. “An astute observer of everyday daftness as well as being able to tackle the bigger issues with wit and guile”– The List

Tribo

Music

Hailing from Brazil, the charismatic Marcos Santana and his amazing Tribo samba drummers bring the carnival vibes to ALSO26. Get ready to dance dance dance!

Ecstatic Dance - Friday (£)

Music

Let's go ALSO! Join a liberating, high-energy dance experience with Hoolla Music and Numinity. With carefully curated music, ALSOers are invited to get out of the mind and drop into the body, moving freely without judgment. This is an opportunity to celebrate life, shake off inhibitions, and embody the feeling of abundance

Patches Circus School

Young

Roll Up Roll Up Patches is in town and she wants you to all visit her circus school. Patches will make you laugh with a silly circus show and then you will be able to try spinning plates, diablos and Juggling Fun Filled family entertainment.

Wine & Cheese Tasting Friday (£)

Food

Indulge in a classic pairing with our Wine & Cheese Tasting experience. Hosted by our award-winning cheese expert, Emma Young, you’ll sample a curated selection of wines alongside carefully matched cheeses while learning how flavours interact and complement one another.

DJ & Dance Programme

Music

As part of our exceptional DJ and dance programme, we host a number of DJ sessions to suit all dancers from the dance floor that fringes the lake at the Rum Bar to the truly transcendent late-night DJ sessions to the infamous late-night Bunker sessions - we do believe any floor can be a dance floor, let us entice you. Look out for our ALSO26 DJ and dance programme announced in May 2026.

Golden Hour Guided SUP - Friday (£)

Experience

Take to the water during the most beautiful time of day in an all-new for 26 Golden Hour Guided SUP session. Enjoy a 45-minute peaceful paddle led by SUP Stratford as the sun begins to set. Mmm. How gorgeous. How ALSO.

Mica Bernard

Music

Mica Bernard (Pron Mee-sha) is an Indie Singer-Songwriter whose powerful and warm vocal breathes a soulfulness into her Folky sound. Sunny yet stirring her lyrics are honest and invite you into a relatable, witty and heartfelt space. Taking influence from the likes of KT Tunstall, Joan Armatrading and Florence and the Machine. Mica has a background in delivering therapeutic music sessions to NICU’S (Neonatal Intensive Care Units) and has just been featured on BBC Radio 4’s Illuminated ‘Lost in Lullabies’ Documentary. That won Silver at the ARIA awards this year! The Lullaby sessions constantly inspire her to create music that connects people. As a performer Mica exudes a cool calmness that is captivating to watch. Gripping audiences in and around London and beyond including a run of sold out shows (2026) with Sofar Sounds, The Green Note and The Boileroom supporting Will Varley. ""My music is taken to the next level when you see and hear it performed live. I sing about race, love, identity, change and through all of these moments we have in life there is nothing more powerful than connection. This is why as an artist it is my priority to perform live.” Having spent 2024 finding her feet as a solo artist with plays on BBC Introducing and writing sessions in LA and Germany, she finished off her year on a German tour. This resulted in the release of ‘Sinking In’ a collaborative Folk track. Mica has now released her debut solo EP ‘To Every Dreamer” which has had multiple plays on BBC Introducing Solent. This is just the beginning for Mica as she plans to expand her work in the lullaby sector and as a songwriter/ artist, advocating for social change and improving mental health through live music. Mica Bernard forms part of ALSO's Future Music: Pathway to Success programme, supported by Arts Council England.

DJ Ferdie

Music

Friday night at the Rum Shack, DJ Ferdie serving up a genre-blending set that packs as much punch as the cocktails. The twist? You control the mix. Step up to the Wheel of Fortuna for a free spin with your round, and dictate the next musical flip. From disco to dancehall, Brit-pop to hip-hop, it’s a high-stakes musical lottery. We’re up all night, so come down, dance, and get lucky, be lucky, stay lucky.

Samfire

Music

Samfire makes confessional alt pop for people who romanticise their inner world a little too much. Her songs are emotionally restless, exploring guilt, desire, girlhood and loving deeply but imperfectly. Inspired by candlelight, coastlines and Catholic guilt, she writes the kind of songs that sit with a feeling rather than trying to resolve it. A self producing artist, Samfire is building a world that feels both ethereal and painfully human. Following support from BBC Radio 2, BBC Introducing and Record of the Day, she is currently releasing new music. Samfire forms part of ALSO's Future Music: Pathway to Success programme, supported by Arts Council England.

Cabaret Fantastique

Comedy

The Gallic misanthropist saunters back to ALSO to host another wild soirée in the Dining Tent, which becomes a Parisian bistro for the night. Imagine the Parisienne you - heading out to your local bustling French brasserie on the corner of your arrondissement. Oh yes. Then settle in for a night of smart, surreal cabaret, comedy and music, hosted by the flâneur, raconteur and bon viveur, presenting his signature blend of deadpan wit and delightful absurdity. Très ALSO.

Daily Dusking

Wellbeing

As daylight softens and evening approaches, gather by the lake for Daily Dusking as we mark the transition from day to night.

Dusk Guided Swim (£)

Experience

Explore the changing mood of the lake as daylight softens and evening settles in. This guided swim invites you into the water at its most atmospheric, led by our wild swimming expert and timed to catch the lake in early evening light.

Cacao Ceremony Friday (£)

Wellbeing

Join Numinity for an intimate ritual working with ceremonial-grade cacao which is both a natural stimulant and a profound heart-opener. Come along and sip cacao mindfully, awaken your senses and soften into the heart. With cacao’s uplifting properties, this is an ideal session for intention-setting, emotional release, and cultivating inner and outer harmony.

Bat Walk

Experience

As night falls in the ALSO site, this perspective shifter allows you to forge your relationship with the animals of the sky by discovering the secret world of ALSO's bats who move between space in our Far Out Forest. Learn to think like they do, how they navigate by sound, and deepen your relationship with the natural world. Believe us, you'll go bats for it.

Sheep, Dog & Wolf

Music

Sheep, Dog & Wolf is the solo project of multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and composer Daniel McBride. The layered, undulating sound of Sheep, Dog & Wolf has always defied categorisation. Auckland-born avant-pop polymath Daniel McBride creates mind-bending, genre-hopping compositions that meld experimentalism, math-rock, folk, electronica, and post-classical minimalism, all interwoven with McBride’s intriguingly beautiful voice - reminiscent of Anohni with notes of Moses Sumney. We can't wait.

PVA

Music

London trio PVA are a band whose music thrives on tension and release - raging yet hopeful, alienated yet joyful, dark yet radiant with possibility. Since their acclaimed debut Blush (Ninja Tune), and with their breakthrough single “Talks” earning a Grammy nomination via Mura Masa’s remix, they’ve established themselves as globally minded electronic innovators. Their highly anticipated follow-up, No More Like This, broadens their sound with experimental electronica, trip hop, R&B, and pop, exploring intimacy, art, and physicality, while crafting tracks that hit as hard on stage as they do in the studio. Fresh off a hugely successful headline tour across the UK and Europe, and after eight years of lighting up the live scene, Ella, Josh, and Louis have honed a singular, emotionally charged, and unmistakably PVA identity.

Who Nicked Jupiter

Music

As part of our exceptional DJ and dance programme, we host a number of DJ sessions to suit all dancers from the dance floor that fringes the lake at the Rum Bar to the truly transcendent late-night DJ sessions to the infamous late-night Bunker sessions - we do believe any floor can be a dance floor, let us entice you.

Late Night Live Film Score

Music

Head to the main stage for this cultural late night score. Bring a blanket and come together to watch a classic film accompanied by a live score composed and performed by musician Steve Pretty, who's work as a composer, performer and leader of Hackney Colliery Band is renowned. Expect ambient soundscapes and electronic wizardry in this supercharged immersive film experience in front of the ALSO Stage at the height of our summer.

Dance the Charleston

Experience

Dance the Charleston with Fiona Ring, dance communicator of the decade and founder of the highly innovative My Charleston, which is bringing Charleston back to dance floors one swivel at a time. Fiona will quickly get you up to speed with the basic step before turning you into the queen or king of the moves for the set dances in Club Charleston. Designed as part of our fabulous cabaret-styled Friday night, Club Charleston is one not to miss . Want to dress up? Of course you can! It’s ALSO. Grab a cocktail or mocktail, bring your swinging kicks, and get this party started.

ALSO-AOKE

Music

Grab your gang, choose your anthem and take the stage to showcase your talents to an adoring crowd. As night falls, our Dining Tent transforms into a full‑blown karaoke bar. It’s a whole lotta fun.

DJ Vertigo

Music

Don't miss DJ Steve Vertigo's legendary Bunker session this ALSO26. Wear dancing shoes!

Adult Saturday Sauna & Cold Plunge + Lake Pass (£)

Wellbeing

Looking for a way to unwind and rejuvenate your body and mind? Let us introduce you to the ALSO Sauna. With its beautiful lakefront setting, our sauna is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature. We have a number of sessions over the weekend meaning you could build a little Scandi experience into your time at ALSO. Book your Sauna ticket here and pop by the ALSO Sauna in-festival and sign up for the time that works for you. Want more more more? Grab our bundle offer, including a Lake Pass and get even more chances to dive in and swim, and SUP in our glorious half-mile wide lake. These sessions are for adults only and mean you can swim or bring your own SUP and use it in lifeguarded sessions outside our general wild swimming sessions. Book a Saturday or Sunday pass or book for the whole weekend here. Adult Lake Pass timetable: Saturday: 6am - 11am & 4pm - 7pm Sunday: 8am - 11am & 3pm - 6pm

Adult Saturday Lake Pass (£)

Wellbeing

We've created a number of additional sessions over the festival weekend to give you even more chances to dive in and swim, and SUP in our glorious half-mile wide lake. These sessions are for adults only and mean you can swim or bring your own SUP and use it in lifeguarded sessions outside our general wild swimming sessions. Book a Saturday or Sunday pass or book for the whole weekend here. Adult Lake Pass timetable: Saturday: 6am - 11am & 4pm - 7pm Sunday: 8am - 11am & 3pm - 6pm

ALSO Sauna & Cold Plunge Saturday Pass (£)

Wellbeing

Want to unwind and rejuvenate your body and mind? Let us introduce you to the ALSO Sauna. With its beautiful lakefront setting, our sauna is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature. And with our all-new for 2026 cold plunge, you can take your Sauna Sessions experience to the next level. We have a number of sessions over the weekend meaning you could build a little Scandi experience into your time at ALSO.

Wake and Wave Sound Bath

Wellbeing

Start your day with a powerful communal reset. Together we'll be guided through waves of sound from gongs, bowls, and chimes, designed to clear any energetic residue from the night before and will leave feeling grounded, uplifted, and ready for the day ahead.

ALSO Run Club

Wellbeing

Our legendary ALSO Run Club helps you start the day the very best way. Choose a guided 5k or 10k trail run through the Capability Brown‑designed grounds, a rare chance to move through one of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes at pace. With excellent company and unforgettable views, why not give it a go?

The Arrival of the Pastries

Food

The arrival of the pastries is a festival-moment not to be missed. When the herald announces the pastries have arrived fresh from the bakery - it's your cue to head to the deli where you can take your pick of freshly baked croissants, pastries, pain au chocolat, fresh bread, breakfast baps, these incredible baked goods have been freshly baked a few miles from the ALSO festival site and delivered right in to site by our award-winning local bakery.

SUP Yoga & Floating Meditation - Saturday (£)

Experience

Start your day with our SUP yoga and floating meditation class. Experience the world's most beautiful yoga 'studio' on the one weekend a year you can.

Fairytale Fiasco: A Jack and the Beanstalk Adventure

Young

What happens when a classic fairytale goes wonderfully wrong? Join author Myles and author-illustrator Evgenia for a storytelling session with a twist! We'll share a reading from the Fairytale Fiasco series, then it's your turn to get creative. Together, we'll dream up a brand new version of Jack and the Beanstalk. Your ideas make the story! There's drawing too, with Evgenia showing you how to draw your own character. Parents and guardians are welcome to join in the fun. Perfect for children aged 4–8 who love stories, silliness, and using their imagination.

Lantern Making Workshop (£)

Experience

Dive in and join the shoal! Craft a bright red Fortune Fish lantern to brighten your tent, campsite, or festival evening. Choose to join the Oh Fortuna! Saturday night procession, follow the giant float and dancers, or take it home as a shimmering keepsake. A magical, hands-on experience for all ages.

Fortune Flow Yoga

Wellbeing

Join Numinity’s energising yoga practice that explores sequences designed to invite openness, abundance, and possibility. You’ll be guided to flow with breath and movement and will leave with a sense of expanded energy and a renewed readiness for the day ahead. Mmm How ALSO.

Bushcraft & Survival Saturday (£)

Young

Bushcraftaway! Bushcraftaway! Bushcraftaway! Wild Adventures and Bushcraft supremo, Simon Birbeck leads his excellent bushcraft survival sessions this ALSO26. Be taken deep in to the ALSO woods to learn survival basics of fire, water, shelter, food when living off grid.

Qi Gong

Wellbeing

Join Qi Gong at ALSO - a morning movement practise based on a combination of Qi Gong and Tai Chi movements. Experience whole body breathing, as you move slowly through this session designed to relax the body and calm the mind all super lovely our most beautiful of locations.

Ritual Head Spa

Lauren is a hairdresser, barber and holistic treatment practitioner blending relaxation, grooming and ritual-inspired scalp treatments. With years of experience in hair and client care, she creates calming spaces designed to help people slow down, reset and reconnect with themselves during the festival experience. Offering Ritual Head Spa treatments, hot towel beard trims and holistic grooming experiences, Lauren combines hairdressing, barbering, haircare and wellness into a grounded and restorative space.

Morning Samba Drumming Workshop - Saturday (£)

Music

The incredible Samba Band Tribo encourage you to feel the rhythms of their music by joining them for a drumming workshop. Come along and be part of a drumming workshop with Marcos Santana, founder of Tribo which is an opportunity you don't want to miss. Open to all, beginner to advanced, everyone can learn how to play the authentic afro Brazilian rhythms in this Samba drumming workshop.

Fiction Prescriptions

Ideas

Sometimes, a little luck, or the right story, is exactly what you need. Enter Ella Berthoud, renowned bibliotherapist and co-author of the bestselling The Novel Cure and Fiction Prescriptions. She knows just the right book to steer your fate, flip your fortune, or give your luck a nudge in the right direction. At ALSO26, Ella will be offering a limited number of personalised Fiction Prescriptions in the Book n Shop. Swing by and see if you can bag a slot, and let her match you with the story that might just change your weekend… or your destiny. A must for all the culture seekers and curious cats who like a little serendipity with their reading.

Messy Play

Young

Calling all ALSO babies and toddlers! We want your messy selves! Come, explore and play in this sensational sensory session where you get to explore with all your senses your natural wildness through play. Bring an adult to watch your genius and your most playful attitude.

Guided Walk with Outdoor Adventure Girls

Wellbeing

Join Sophie from Outdoor Adventure Girls for a relaxed guided walk around the ALSO landscape. As you explore the gorgeous Capability Brown designed site together, this is a chance to connect and explore how adventures can shift perspective. Sophie is an adventurer, outdoor advocate and the founder of Outdoor Adventure Girls, a community dedicated to empowering women through adventure travel and outdoor experiences. With a passion for connecting people with nature and building confidence in the outdoors, Sophie has led countless expeditions and trips that inspire women to step out of their comfort zones, embrace adventure and explore the world with curiosity and courage.

ALSO Woodland Play

Young

Calling all little ALSOers. Tucked among the trees, our Woodland Play area invites children to explore through nature‑based play. Nestled among the trees, this nature-based activity invites children to explore, play, and create in a magical woodland setting.

TrAiLdAnCe (£)

Experience

Part run, part dance, part joyful rebellion. . . Join Stornoway's Oli Steadman for a TrAiLdAnCe that weaves a 5km route through the gorgeous Capability Brown landscaped site, with soulful, playful dance stop-offs that reconnect body, mind, music and nature. No dance experience needed. It's your chance to move, breathe and take part in Stornoway's mission: #FreeTheBatteryHuman.

Cookbook Tasting & Demo feat. The Brunch Club

Food

All new for 2026, kickstart your Saturday with our ALSO Saturday Morning Kitchen all served with lashings of love and a tasting demo of dreams. Join our host James Whetlor and Georgia Hearn for a morning Cookbook Demo & Tasting experience as Georgia cooks up recipes from her fabulous new book: The Brunch Club: Delicious Recipes and Hosting Tips for Feeding Friends. Featuring the Pan con Tomate with Dukkah Fried Egg, the Chocolate Crumpet Bread and Butter Pudding, all with plenty of opportunities for tasting. Don't miss!

Mid-Morning Sound Bath

Wellbeing

Pause and reset with this deeply relaxing, immersive sound bath with Helen Arlett Coe. Using crystal bowls and resonant instruments, the session creates gentle waves of sound that wash through the body.

Juggling workshop

Experience

Learn the joyful art of juggling in our lively, hands-on juggling workshop with world-record-holding cabaret and circus hero, Rod Laver. He will also be showing you the ropes (well, hoops and balls) on Saturday morning to teach you some basic skills. Rod received two standing ovations on legendary French TV show “Le Plus Grande Cabaret Du Monde” and has won a Herald Angel Award at Edinburgh Fringe, as well as medals at the Paris Variety Festival and the World Juggling Championships.

Dance ALSO

Experience

ALSO - Let's Dance. We host an open‑to‑all dance masterclass with the acclaimed choreographer Fiona Ring, uniquely designed to get your inner diva on show. Learn the moves in the festival masterclass, then you have the option to throw some shapes as part of our Saturday Night Spectacular.

The Inevitable Writing Workshop

Experience

Do you want to write, but run out of steam with your ideas? Well, now you can find out what you were going to write if only you did some writing. Using wheel-based prompt mechanisms, games, and editorial help from novelist and occasional writing teacher, Ben Pester, you will find out what you were going to write at the creative writing workshop. Gain confidence as a writer. Find the form in the fortune. See what you were going to write if only you did some writing – and then keep it going.

Everybody Loves Our Dollars

Ideas

Don’t miss Oliver Bullough, the bestselling investigative journalist of Sunday Times bestsellers MONEYLAND and BUTLER TO THE WORLD, as he takes us on a deep dive into our theme of FORTUNE for this year's ALSO Festival with his revelatory new anatomy of global money laundering, the crime that makes crime pay. Estimates of the dirty portion of world GDP have held steady at 2%-5% for decades. All efforts at legislation, diplomacy, prosecution and compliance have been a complete flop. It's not a lack of will to stamp it out. It's a lack of insight. So join Oliver as he takes us on a perspective-altering adventure through the flipside of the fortunes of the global economy - in a fun way.

SUP Sound Bath (£)

Wellbeing

Float into deep relaxation with our SUP Sound Bath Experience in partnership wit SUP Stratford. As you rest on a paddleboard in the ALSO Lake, you'll be guided into stillness by the soothing tones of singing bowls, chimes, and nature's own sounds. A gorgeous morning session fusing mindfulness and sound. Limited spaces available.

Fortuitous Breathwork with Tulsi-Neem Tincture (£)

Wellbeing

Numinity take us on a transformational guided breathwork journey using an Ayurvedic remedy. Tulsi and neem - plants traditionally associated with luck, protection, and purification are offered as a tincture to support this guided session. You'll be guided through a conscious connected breathwork session to clear energetic blockages, release emotional weight, and invite good fortune into your life.

Synchro Swimming Performance

Experience

Don't miss The Synchro StingRays performances LIVE this ALSO26! Formed just two years ago at a Synchro Taster Session led by swim coach and choreographer Ray Farr (Swim With Ray), the group quickly turned shared enthusiasm into strong friendships and standout performances. Since then, they’ve wowed audiences at events across lakes and lidos in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, from magical full moon swims and charity dos to the iconic NEC. The Stingrays enjoy splashing around, entertaining crowds - and most of all having fun. Just add water!

The Flavour of Quantum Physics

Ideas

The collisions at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN have been suggesting that our current understanding of particle physics, embodied by The Standard Model, is incorrect. Certain classes of particles are decaying into others with unexpected frequencies. In an immersive session, the extraordinary Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Cambridge, Prof. Ben Allanach goes deep into what this could mean in our weird quantum world. He'll even bring his guitar.

Foraging Guided Walk - Saturday 11:00 (£)

Experience

Outdoors Specialist and Master Herbalist, Simon Birbeck is at ALSO to take us on a foraging walking adventure. On a guided exploration of the ALSO countryside, Simon will weave in his knowledge of how our ancestors survived off the land, find out how they foraged for medicines and understand how to find alternative food sources for yourself.

Goddess Yoga (£)

Wellbeing

Reconnect with your inner strength and softness in this empowering Goddess Yoga session as you flow through movement and grounding breathwork. Guided through immersive headset audio, you’ll be able to fully tune in and connect more deeply with the experience. Suitable for all levels, it’s a supportive space to move, breathe, and embody your most radiant self. Headsets will be given out at the beginning of the session.

Outdoor Adventure Girls: In Conversation

Ideas

Adventurer and Outdoor Adventure Girls founder Sophie joins ALSO to talk about the power of stepping into the unknown. Through stories of travel, exploration and community, she shares how embracing adventure can build confidence, courage and connection with the natural world.

Raft Building (£)

Young

Learn how to escape being shipwrecked… Book your place per person, then come as a team or as individuals ready to mix in this fun, family-friendly session. Bring swimmers!

Dream Analysis (£)

Wellbeing

Delve into the wisdom of dreams in an intimate workshop with Numinity. Take a guided exploration into dreams as messages from the unconscious, offering insight, healing, and direction. Using Jungian frameworks and reflective practices, this session reframes dreams as soul-maps and portals that reveal hidden truths and illuminate the next steps in our waking lives.

The ALSO Choir

Music

Want to be part of the ALSO spectacular? You can join the ALSO Choir. ALSO knows your voice is an instrument that you carry with you everywhere so why not use it? You'll love it and we'll give you everything that you need to be a part of our big Saturday night spectacular choir, all you have to do is turn up for the rehearsal in festival. What's not to love?

Cardboard Kingdom

Young

Cardboard Kingdom is the place where creativity and imagination come together and make dreams come true! Use cardboard and recycled materials to build your rocket to the moon, escape in our tunnels, pretend you're a rabbit, a fox, a mole, an armadillo! Paint, stick, draw and build your wildest dreams. ARTLAB staff are there to help make your dreams come to life.

Book Signing and Double Talk with Oliver Bullough

Ideas

Join Oliver Bullough for the double talk and book signing. Yes, to give you just that little bit more, more, more - we'll be holding this relaxed session in Book'n'Shop so you can get your hands on the Oliver Bullough book of your dreams and get it signed.

Immune Health: A Myth-busting Guide

Ideas

Is it true that your immune system is your fortune? We are surrounded by bold claims and quick fixes for ‘boosting’ our immune health. But one thing the science is clear on is that everyone’s immune system is completely unique – what is good for one person may not work well for another. So we have invited the world-leading immunologist superstar Daniel M. Davis as he examines the effects of stress, diet, age, exercise, the microbiome and more on the immune system, punctures the key myths, sorts the fact from the fiction and equips us to make informed choices for ourselves.

Wild Swimming - Saturday

Wellbeing

Wild swimming at ALSO is nothing short of glorious. For our afternoon lake swims, the lake is open to all, and this is the only weekend of the year you can unleash your inner swan and dip, splash or glide through this Capability Brown–designed body of water. It’s a truly wild lake and we all need many more chances to be truly wild and wet together, ALSO's wild swimming offers an unforgettable connection to nature. Swim past Monet-like water lilies as Red Kites circle overhead. In festival land, there’s simply nothing else like it. The general lake opening hours over the weekend are: Friday: 5pm - 9pm Saturday: 11am - 4pm Sunday: 11am - 3pm

Foraged Fascinators (£)

Experience

To celebrate our Oh Fortuna! theme, we’ll be running foraged fascinator workshops designed so you can bring your own foraged finds or use materials we have gathered already, then wear your beautiful, transient creation for the rest of the festival!

Book Signing and Double Talk with Daniel M Davis

Ideas

Join Daniel M Davis for the double talk and book signing. Yes, to give you just that little bit more, more, more - we'll be holding this relaxed session in Book'n'Shop so you can get your hands on the Daniel M Davis book of your dreams and get it signed.

Scented Walk

Wellbeing

Harness your multi-sensory skills and tune in to the olfactory pleasures of our Capability Brown designed site in a unique guided scent walk with the leading perfumer Sarah McCartney of indie Perfume House 4160 Tuesdays. Oh yes, Sarah created a perfume based on walking around and swimming in the beautiful Capability Brown-designed lake at ALSO in the height of summer, called Damselfly Butterlily - which is an explosion of heady summer scents, so there is no one better to guide you on the scented world of ALSO.

How to Talk to AI (And How Not To)

Ideas

Hundreds of millions of people now talk to AI like ChatGPT every day. They organise their finances and holidays, ask advice, seek therapy and find love – via machines. Almost overnight, chatbots are transforming society, politics and business. This is one of the biggest and fastest technological changes in history – but most people still don't really understand how AI works, how to make the most of it – or what the dangers are. As some people use it to turbo-charge their productivity at work, others are falling into dangerous conspiracies, delusions and psychosis. In How to Talk to AI, award-winning tech commentator Jamie Bartlett takes us inside the machine: showing how we can stay in control of our powerful new companions, even as they are changing the way we live, feel, and think.

Beauty of the Beasts: Rethinking Nature's Least Loved Animals

Ideas

Don’t miss zoologist and author Jo Wimpenny LIVE at ALSO26, as she is in conversation with Stornoway's Oli Steadman, as she brings Beauty of the Beasts, the subject of her brilliant new book, to the stage and explores why it’s time to rethink nature’s most misunderstood creatures. She’ll delve into the behaviours we use to villainise animals, revealing how these species not only benefit humanity but are far more intelligent and complex than we’ve ever imagined. From wasps that provide free pest control and snakes whose venom may cure cancer to the deep social bonds of crocodiles and vultures, come along and find out why, in an age of catastrophic biodiversity loss, we need to appreciate these animals for what they are and the vital roles they fulfil for all life on Earth.

Cookbook Tasting & Demo: The Indonesian Vegetarian Table Book

Food

Acclaimed chef Petty Elliott brings the vibrant flavours of Indonesia to ALSO with a live cooking demo and tasting. Discover plant-based dishes from her brilliant new cookbook. The Indonesian Vegetarian Table Book, while learning about the spices, traditions and stories that shape Indonesian vegetarian cuisine. Don't miss this fabulous session with plenty of tasting opportunities available!

Intro to Stand up Paddleboarding (SUP) - Saturday 12:00 (£)

Experience

Let’s SUP ALSO! Come along and join Anna from SUP Stratford for an introduction to standup paddleboarding (SUP). In this 45-minute intro session, you’ll learn everything you need to know about this SUPerb water sport so you can begin your paddleboarding adventure. This is the only time in the year it is possible to paddleboard in Compton Pools, ALSO's half mile lake designed by Capability Brown.

The Quest for El Dorado

Ideas

Talking of Fortune - to celebrate our 13th year of ALSO Festival we are all going on a quest for El Dorado, the Legendary City of Gold, yes we will all be in the hands of maritime archaeologist David Gibbins and join him in a deep dive into Sir Walter Ralegh’s search for El Dorado, the legendary City of Gold. The Quest for El Dorado, offering his exceptional new story of one of history’s most enduring myths. Drawing on contemporary sources and his own research, David tells a story of exploration and plunder, shedding new light on Ralegh’s famous voyages.

DJ Ben Bennett

Music

From house music to 90s and 00s dance classics, come along and dance dance dance. Expect hands-in-the-air moments and those feel good moments.

Book Signing and Double Talk with Jamie Bartlett

Ideas

Join Jamie Bartlett for the double talk and book signing. Yes, to give you just that little bit more, more, more - we'll be holding this relaxed session in Book'n'Shop so you can get your hands on the Jamie Bartlett book of your dreams and get it signed.

Signs, Symbols & Synchronicity

Wellbeing

How can signs and symbols shape our inner and outer worlds? Drawing on Jungian psychology and myth, Numinity helps you to recognise the symbolic language life uses to communicate with us. Together we’ll explore how synchronicities can act as guideposts, nudging us towards alignment with our deeper destiny. You'll leave with practical tools for spotting and interpreting personal symbols - cultivating trust in the great unfolding.

River Cottage Long Table Woodland Lunch (£)

Food

Join River Cottage for a Woodland Long Table Lunch all about celebrating the summer with a three-course menu made from fresh organic ingredients, all set in a gorgeous woodland glade.

Fortuna Folds Young Edition

Young

Spin the wheel of luck with Sara Veal, Happiness Facilitator, storyteller, and founder of Sirena Curiosa. In this fun family workshop inspired by Fortuna, the Roman goddess of good fortune, you’ll learn how to fold a magical paper fortune teller and fill it with silly predictions, lucky challenges, and mysterious messages. Then it’s time to test your luck with friends and family and see what fortunes unfold! A playful mix of creativity, storytelling, and festival fun. Aimed at 5-15, accompanying grown-ups welcome. Materials included.

David Bowie: A spiritual meditation on his music and creativity

Music

Head to the ALSO Bar for an exploration of the spiritual threads running through David Bowie’s music and creative life. Peter Omerod reflects on how Bowie’s work continues to inspire curiosity about life’s biggest questions.

Grayson Perry in Conversation

Ideas

This ALSO26, the Turner Prize-winning, BAFTA-winning artist, performer and broadcaster Grayson Perry headlines this year’s programme. Taking to the ALSO main stage, on ALSO Saturday, Grayson will be exploring the ALSO26 theme, Oh Fortuna!, in a special in-conversation event. Expect a thought-provoking dive into the forces that shape our lives from status and masculinity to class, art and identity. Don’t miss!

The Psychology of The Traitors

Ideas

From lying and deception, empathy and theory of mind, parasocial relationships, unconscious bias and intuition, group behaviours, to why The Traitor’s is such compelling viewing. Don’t miss The Psychology of The Traitors with award-winning neuroscientist and psychologist, Catherine Loveday, and award-winning writer and broadcaster, Claudia Hammond.

The Origin of the Pieces

Music

Don't miss The Origin of the Pieces podcast LIVE at ALSO26. Steve Pretty (composer, performer and leader of Hackney Colliery Band) and his musical guest takes you on a Darwinian voyage of discovery through the evolution of music, from our earliest ancestors right through to the cutting-edge organic speed chill-hop Gabba scene. Combining ancient instruments with the latest electronics, he tells the story of one of mankind’s oldest obsessions. Part storytelling, part primary school music lesson for adults, and part stadium-rock-band-gig-performed-by-one-man-on-a-small-stage, Steve promises to change the way you hear music forever. But, you know, in a good way. 'Endearing, charming, intelligent… I left better informed and happier about the world’ - Whatsonstage

Gold from Newton's Apple

Ideas

This ALSO26, author and visual research artist, Nabil Ali takes us on a deep dive into the fascinating history of natural pigments and dyes drawn from plants and ancient recipes. From medieval manuscripts to the bark of Newton’s famous apple tree, discover how artists have transformed humble natural materials into extraordinary colours through craft, curiosity and a touch of alchemy.

Laughter Yoga

Wellbeing

Harness the contagious power of laughter to shift energy and elevate mood. Through playful movement, breathing exercises, and group laughter practices that leave participants joyful, energised, and connected.

SLAGS

Ideas

Join BAFTA-nominated, BIFA-winning screenwriter and best-selling novelist, Emma Jane Unsworth and us for ALSO’s Big Summer Read! We’ll be taking a tour of Emma’s brilliant novel SLAGS - one of Vogue’s Books of the Summer, one of The Guardian’s Novels of the Year, and the paperback was picked for WH Smith’s Travel Book Club in January 2026 - a love letter to the 90s, a deep dive into boyband obsession, and a whisky-fuelled road trip that goes wrong for two messy sisters approaching midlife. Come along and join us. And of course, there will be plenty of time for fun questions.

Guided SUP Safari - Saturday (£)

Experience

Explore ALSO from a whole new perspective in a guided paddle boarding session with SUP Stratford's Anna. You'll experience a relaxing paddle visiting the more secluded areas of the lake and taking in the abundant wildlife and natural surroundings in ALSO's half mile wide lake designed by Capabiltiy Brown.

Foraging Guided Walk - Saturday 14:00 (£)

Experience

Outdoors Specialist and Master Herbalist, Simon Birbeck is at ALSO to take us on a foraging walking adventure. On a guided exploration of the ALSO countryside, Simon will weave in his knowledge of how our ancestors survived off the land, find out how they foraged for medicines and understand how to find alternative food sources for yourself.

DJ Ben Lewis

Music

Ben Lewis is a DJ/musician/producer based in Leeds. His genre-fluid vinyl only sets cover a vast musical landscape, taking in psychedelia, folk, dub, jazz, house, techno, electro, global grooves and Krautrock. As a DJ he has residences at Outlaws Yacht Club and Acid Test in Leeds and Carnival of Light in Sowerby Bridge, as well as regular sets in Manchester where he strives to surprise and delight audiences with his eclectic selections. He produces analogue electronic music under the name UFO Club, with releases on Holy Crow, Invisible Inc, Duro. @ufo_club_leeds

Tiny Dancers Family Rave

Young

Big beats, little feet. Tiny Dancers brings a full-scale family rave-up deep into the forest. Expect big tunes, games, dances and a chance to show the grown-ups how it’s done.

Book signing with Grayson Perry

Ideas

Want more more more? Head to the Dining Tent to get your hands on the Grayson Perry book of your dreams and get it signed by the Turner Prize-winning, BAFTA-winning artist, performer and broadcaster himself!

Ten Colossal Construction Projects That Will Change Our World

Ideas

Fred Mills, the creator of The B1M, the world’s biggest construction YouTube channel (nearing 3.9M subscribers) is LIVE at ALSO26 to take us on a front-row journey inside the megaprojects reshaping civilisation and carving out the future. Fred gives an all-access journey to a fascinating, fact-packed guided tour around the world, shining a spotlight on the incredible feats of engineering that serve as new chapters in the story of what’s to come.

Lucky Charm Making Workshop (£)

Experience

Calling ALSO Kids! Join ArtLab for a creative, uplifting workshop where you’ll craft a one-of-a-kind lucky charm! You’ll make your charm choosing from a selection of colourful gems, add an Eye of Horus at its heart (symbolising protection and good fortune), and then complete the charm with a colourful tassel. Whether you hang it on your keys, wear it as a necklace, or add it to a bracelet, your charm will carry both a story and a little luck!

Ecstatic Dance - Saturday (£)

Music

Let's go ALSO! Join a liberating, high-energy dance experience with Hoolla Music and Numinity. With carefully curated music, ALSOers are invited to get out of the mind and drop into the body, moving freely without judgment. This is an opportunity to celebrate life, shake off inhibitions, and embody the feeling of abundance

Yoga for Teens

Wellbeing

Designed especially for ALSO's 11–21-year-olds, this session with Olivia from YogaBright blends movement, story and calm exploration. Bring a mat, picnic blanket or fashionable hammam towel, and get ready to explore classical story through yoga.

Make Your Own Perfume (£)

Experience

Create your own signature scent with artisan perfumer Sarah McCartney of cult fragrance house 4160Tuesdays. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the secrets of perfume composition and craft a scent of your dreams to take home on a scented porcelain disc - made specially to hold fragrance by Les Parfumables in Limoges.

Book Signing and Double Talk with Fred Mills

Ideas

Join Fred Mills for the double talk and book signing. Yes, to give you just that little bit more, more, more - we'll be holding this relaxed session in Book'n'Shop so you can get your hands on the Fred Mills book of your dreams and get it signed.

Chance Based Art

Young

What happens when you let fate make the creative decisions? In this playful art workshop, chance becomes the artist. Roll your dice to choose colours, spin a wheel to select materials, and draw unexpected prompts from a hat as you build a unique multi-media canvas.

Curious Cheese Pairings (£)

Food

Expand your palate with our all-new-for-26 Curious Cheese Pairings, a tasting session exploring unexpected and delightful flavour combinations with our expert, The Cheese Explorer's Emma Young. From sweet and savoury contrasts to unusual accompaniments, you’ll discover new ways to enjoy cheese while learning the stories behind each pairing.

Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World

Ideas

We're told productivity is all about single-minded focus, hard grind and big goals. Deviating from the linear path means failure. The problem: it's not true. In this transformative talk, award-winning neuroscientist Anne-Laure Le Cunff reveals the easier, proven method to achieve our ambitions: an experimental mindset. Ditching out-dated notions of chasing success, Anne-Laure is at ALSO26 to share the joyful power of 'tiny experiments' in which goals are discovered, pursued and adapted on your own terms.

False Starts and Surprises

Ideas

Join BAFTA winning Stratford-based artist Greg McLeod for a fun and fascinating discussion about the life and death of ideas! With decades of experience in animation, writing and storytelling, Greg offers a unique glimpse into the unpredictable, mysterious nature of creativity, sharing personal anecdotes and lessons learned throughout their careers. Find out where his ideas come from, how they evolve and why some progress and why others fail to materialise into anything at all.

ALSO Art Club

Experience

We love how being in a state of flow is extraordinary for your brain and for your creativity., plus research shows that actively engaging in arts puts years on your life so of course we had to curate our own ALSO Art Club has been designed as a session to help you get into your flow whilst engaging with the exceptional beauty of ALSO's Capability Brown setting. A unique and turly immersive experience, don't miss the chance to bring your morning coffee to this creative session.

Masterclass: Learn how to harness AI in an interactive session

Ideas

Join Jamie Bartlett - the award-winning tech commentator - for an interactive masterclass on how to harness AI. This is one of the biggest and fastest technological changes in history – but most people still don't really understand how AI works, how to make the most of it – or what the dangers are. Come along and join the masterclass, and plenty of time for questions.

Mama Oh No

Music

Mama Oh No are a family 4-piece from Norfolk, England. Taking inspiration from Old Soul, Blues, and surf music, the band delivers their own unique blend of swampy guitar, clanging bass, fuzz and spring reverb. The Gascoigne family band is Jack, (Vocals & guitar), Issy (Bass) and Tordi (Vocals, Keys & Omnichord), and Jack’s partner Rhi Swift (Drums). Mama Oh No forms part of ALSO's Future Music: Pathway to Success programme, supported by Arts Council England.

Matt Morgan’s ALSO Tug of War

Experience

Gather your teammates and head to The Henge for the return of the ALSO Tug of War hosted by our hostess with the mostest, Matt Morgan! Put your strength, teamwork and determination to the test as teams go head-to-head in a battle for glory. Whether you're competing or cheering from the sidelines, it’s designed to be a whole lotta fun for all ages. The question is: who will be crowned the ALSO26 Tug of War Champions?

DJ Vertigo @ The Rum Shack

Music

Dive into the sound of summer with DJ Steve Vertigo's all-new 2026 Balearic beats at the Rum Shack.

Synchro Swimming Performance

Experience

Don't miss The Synchro StingRays performances LIVE this ALSO26! Formed just two years ago at a Synchro Taster Session led by swim coach and choreographer Ray Farr (Swim With Ray), the group quickly turned shared enthusiasm into strong friendships and standout performances. Since then, they’ve wowed audiences at events across lakes and lidos in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, from magical full moon swims and charity dos to the iconic NEC. The Stingrays enjoy splashing around, entertaining crowds - and most of all having fun. Just add water!

Venetian Cocktail Tasting (£)

Ideas

Take a fascinating history of drinking in one of the world’s most iconic destinations with award-winning drinks and travel writer, Susan L. Schwartz. Since its foundation in the year 421 AD, Venice has perfected the art of living well. Its merchants brought back seductive wines, explorers wrote of invigorating drinks, and visitors added their own traditions. All the ingredients for a great cocktail. This ALSO26, Susan will be blending stories of mixology, local ingredients and the personalities behind the bars, transporting readers to Venice's vibrant neighbourhoods and iconic watering holes, with plenty of opportunity for tasting.

Book Signing and Double Talk with Anne-Laure Le Cuff

Ideas

Join Anne-Laure Le Cuff for the double talk and book signing. Yes, to give you just that little bit more, more, more - we'll be holding this relaxed session in Book'n'Shop so you can get your hands on the Anne-Laure Le Cuff book of your dreams and get it signed.

Elfonomics

Comedy

Join award-winning comedian Elf Lyons and her father, the economist Dr Gerard Lyons as they pull apart big money concepts to try and work out how the world works, from the serious to the silly to the downright strange in a podcast episode designed just for ALSO.

Bubbles!

Young

Big bubbles, tiny bubbles, bubbles you can chase, catch, and even stand inside! Join us for a Bubble experience you won’t want to miss. Perfect for kids (and kids at heart).

Fire Making Masterclass (£)

Experience

Master the ancient art of fire in this practical bushcraft session with UK Wild Adventures. Learn how to spark flame using traditional methods, discover the best natural materials for tinder and kindling, and understand the simple techniques that turn a spark into fire.

Adult Saturday Lake Pass (£)

Wellbeing

We've created a number of additional sessions over the festival weekend to give you even more chances to dive in and swim, and SUP in our glorious half-mile wide lake. These sessions are for adults only and mean you can swim or bring your own SUP and use it in lifeguarded sessions outside our general wild swimming sessions. Book a Saturday or Sunday pass or book for the whole weekend here. Adult Lake Pass timetable: Saturday: 6am - 11am & 4pm - 7pm Sunday: 8am - 11am & 3pm - 6pm

Overwhelmed

Ideas

All of us are familiar with the unsettling sensation of overwhelm: it’s as if there’s ever more to do, and ever less time in which to do it. The good news is, even if you can’t see it yet, there is a way out. Don't miss award-winning writer and presenter of BBC Radio 4’s All in the Mind as she presents the psychological toolkit for anyone feeling overwhelmed offering practical strategies to manage procrastination, regret, imposter syndrome, perfectionism and more.

Neural Reprogramming Meditation

Wellbeing

A subconscious journey designed to rewire limiting beliefs around luck, self-worth, and possibility. Using a blend of meditation, neuroscience-informed techniques participants are supported to shift outdated patterns and create new neural pathways that align with abundance and self-trust.

T-Shirt Printing Workshop - Saturday (£)

Young

Step into a 60 minute T-shirt painting workshop and unleash your creativity as you style your very own painted t-shirt! Each T-shirt will be a unique masterpiece, reflecting the individuality of its wearer. Age 7+.

Synchro Swimming Workshop

Experience

Ever fancied giving synchronised swimming a go? Dive into a Synchro StingRays taster session at ALSO26 and experience the fun for yourself.

Later Life Letter

Literary

Poems and stand-up with wit, pathos and silliness, from one of the most popular live poets in England. What is a later life letter? Written by a child’s social worker to be opened at an appropriate age, it details their journey from birth to adoption. When Luke Wright received his as a teenager, he didn’t think much of it. But now, married to a social worker and seeing the care she takes with these letters, he re-examines his own past – and the life he might have had. This is a frank account of what it means to be someone’s child, told by a performer who really knows what he’s doing. Expect raucous laughter, tear-stained cheeks, and a little smattering of drum ‘n’ bass.

Book Signing and Double Talk with Claudia Hammond

Ideas

Join Claudia Hammond for the double talk and book signing. Yes, to give you just that little bit more, more, more - we'll be holding this relaxed session in Book'n'Shop so you can get your hands on the Claudia Hammond book of your dreams and get it signed.

Jackson Roy

Music

Don’t miss Jackson Roy, the alias of Peckham based multi-instrumentalist Jack Chandler, LIVE at ALSO26! Exploring a world between angst-ridden alt rock and experimental folk, sewn together with electronic textures and ethereal arrangements, the Birmingham born songwriter moves freely between an exciting variety of sonic structures and stylistic cornerstones whilst crafting time, rhythm and harmony with an endearing and unassuming sophistication. We can't wait.

Saturday Aram by Imad Tasting & Demo Event (£)

Food

Join celebrated Syrian chef Imad Alarnab for a delicious tasting experience inspired by his restaurant Aram. As you sample five delicious canapés from his cookbook, Imad shares his remarkable journey, along with the stories, flavours and techniques behind Syrian cuisine.

ALSO All Stars

Young

ALSO All Stars 2026 is GO. This is your invitation to step forward, whatever your age, skill or secret skills to unleash their hidden talents at our now legendary event! YOUR FESTIVAL NEEDS YOU. Apply via this link: https://forms.gle/bVn33PE1GGHf2Pzc7 by the 7th July 2026.

Brenda's Book Club

Literary

Brenda's Big Book Club. Don't miss our Year of Reading event with Brenda!, featuring a panel of fabulous authors who will be discussing their books and creative inspiration. We'll be celebrating the joy of reading, with a helping of lively discussion with our fabulous host and panel, and there'll be plenty of time for fun questions.

Glam UP

Experience

Sustainable glitter is good for us. Anything that makes us shine like the stardust we are is a good thing in ALSO's book, so don't miss the chance to step into sparkle at our pop‑up Glitter Bar. Featuring sustainable glitter, expert application, hair braiding and get‑ready stations, Glam Up is your launchpad for ALSO’s Super Stylish Saturday Night.

Choose You

Wellbeing

A breathwork experience for softness, devotion, and the kind of self-love that feels like coming home. This is your slow, delicious exhale before the evening begins. A warm, heart-opening journey that feels like the longest hug of your life. You'll melt into your body, reconnect with yourself, and remember what it feels like to give yourself the gift of space.

Mango Django

Music

Don't miss Mango Django spinning a mix of Afro/Latin House, Nu Garage and Drum n Bass at the Rum Shack's Saturday Session. Let's go ALSO!

How Liberal Elite are You?

Ideas

This ALSO26, the Turner Prize-winning, BAFTA-winning artist, performer and broadcaster Grayson Perry headlines this year’s programme with an ALSO exclusive: How Liberal Elite are You? A fun, interactive hour where you can check your privileges. Don’t miss this extraordinary live show - a uniquely transformative performance set against the backdrop of our gorgeous half mile wide Capability Brown lake. We can’t wait.

Wine & Cheese Tasting - Saturday(£)

Food

Indulge in a classic pairing with our Wine & Cheese Tasting experience. Hosted by our award-winning cheese expert, Emma Young, you’ll sample a curated selection of wines alongside carefully matched cheeses while learning how flavours interact and complement one another.

Let the Quiet Ones Rise

Comedy

Don't miss ALSO's longtime friend, the comedian and writer Robin Ince LIVE at ALSO26 with his brilliant new collection of poems. Mixing comedy and poetry, Let the Quiet Ones Rise is all about standing up and standing out - about being a shy child into horror movies and Doctor Who, and the middle aged person who finally became strong enough to resign from the job he loved (The Infinite Monkey Cage) because he needed to speak out.

DJ & Dance Programme

Music

As part of our exceptional DJ and dance programme, we host a number of DJ sessions to suit all dancers from the dance floor that fringes the lake at the Rum Bar to the truly transcendent late-night DJ sessions to the infamous late-night Bunker sessions - we do believe any floor can be a dance floor, let us entice you. Look out for our ALSO26 DJ and dance programme announced in May 2026.

Porgy and Bess Reimagined for the 21st Century

Music

Chris Coull and his all-star quartet bring Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess to life in a thrilling jazz suite for the 21st century, bringing fresh life to one of the greatest works in American music. Expect the energy of Blue Note’s hard-bop era combined with Gershwin’s timeless melodies coupled with narrated sections outlining the libretto. With a lineup of some of the UK’s finest jazz musicians - Imogen Ryall (vocals), John Turville (piano), Simon Thorpe (bass), Matt Fishwick (drums), and Chris Coull on trumpet - you won’t want to miss it.

Saturday Night Spectacular

Experience

Our legendary Saturday spectacular is back for 2026! We'll be spinning the wheel and turning to our theme for 2026: Oh Fortuna! Together we’ll playfully explore luck and chance, to encounters that ask how much of our fortune is already written and how much we get to make ourselves. Take your chance and join us at the Lake Stage at dusk with a sundowner, as we take pre-ing at a festival to the next level. Dress in our 2026 colour palette of gold and animal print, swing your fortuna-inspired lantern or create your own foraged fascinator in one of our masterclasses and be part of the show. We have so many chances to be involved, or to let all the music, dancing and nonsense wash over you. Our programme of accompanying masterclasses and opt-in workshops, and advanced chances to get involved, launches in March 2026.

Beer Tasting with North Cotswold Brewery (£)

Food

Join a beer tasting masterclass showcasing North Cotswold Brewery, a family run craft brewery from just down the road. You'll be introduced to their fine ales including their Moreton Mile, Cotswold Best and of course their famous Shagweaver! All on tap across the weekend in our beautiful Bar - plenty of time to familiarise yourself with the whole range from ALSOs local brewer.

DJ Luke Taylor

Music

DJ Luke Taylor lands at ALSO with his Rum Shack set. Expect a helping of 80s disco, 90s soul and hip-hop classics and serious dance-floor energy. Come for one track, stay for the whole set.

Saturday Night Feast of Fortunes with Georgia Hearn - 20:30 (£)

Food

Saturday night’s Feast of Fortunes is a highlight of the ALSO weekend, and one not to leave to chance. Step into our glorious Dining Tent, transformed for long-table feasting, where we’ll come together to celebrate this year’s theme through our Guest Chef and host extraordinaire Georgia Hearn’s sumptuous three-course feast. As the wheel turns, expect a playful exploration of fortune, fate and chance, served through a feast for the senses. Audio, visual and theatrical moments weave through the evening, inviting you to consider what’s written, what’s random, and what might be just about to change. Make a note to book your place at the table and join us for this celebratory long-table dining experience.

Afriquoi

Music

Afriquoi are an underground sensation, bringing an uplifting fusion of African music and live electronics. The masterful 5-piece live show combines Gambian kora, Congolese guitar + Mandinka percussion styles with electronic music drawing on house, garage, disco, soul + jungle to create something entirely unique.

The Rosadocs

Music

Formed in 2017, The Rosadocs have grafted their way up from Sheffield’s grassroots circuit, steadily building a loyal following with their high-energy shows and emotionally resonant songwriting. Their sound – part soaring indie-rock, part gritty Northern storytelling – has already won them comparisons to Arctic Monkeys, The Killers and The Enemy, while retaining a voice and character uniquely their own. The band’s upward momentum shows no sign of slowing. With a critically praised EP out now, new music promised for 2026, a huge string of support dates with indie heavyweights, and their first ever headline UK tour on the horizon, The Rosadocs are fast becoming one of Britain’s most compelling new guitar bands.

Leogate Estate - Australian Wine Tasting (£)

Food

Take a tasting journey to Australia with Leogate Estate. Discover a curated selection of wines from one of the Hunter Valley’s most celebrated vineyards while learning about the craft and chance encounters that shape each vintage. A relaxed and flavourful exploration of wine from the other side of the world.

Daily Dusking

Experience

As daylight softens and evening approaches, gather by the lake for Daily Dusking as we mark the transition from day to night.

Bones Ate Arfa

Music

Bones Ate Arfa – made up of Bones (guitar), 8 (drums), and Arfa (bass/vocals) – have quickly carved out a loyal following, hitting over 150k TikTok followers and earning nods from Muse, Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit), SOFT PLAY’s Isaac Holman, Royal Blood, and more. With a sound described as “psychedelic street punk desert rock,” the band fuse the grit of 2000s alt-rock with melodic hooks and explosive live energy. Don't miss!

England vs Norway: Live Screening

Join us at 10pm to watch England play Norway in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals. Grab a cold one and settle in for the match with your fellow ALSOers. See you there!

Moon Yoga

Wellbeing

Move gently beneath the influence of the moon in this calming yoga session designed to restore balance and reflection and all inspired by lunar cycles and the rhythms of nature.

Weird Woodland DJ Set

Music

A DJ set with live looping and FX - with futuristic psychedelic global grooves - the in sound from way out!

Starlit Swim (£)

Experience

As night falls, experience the magic of the lake under the stars with a sensuous Starlit Swim. In this guided session with our expert swimmer, the water takes on a new stillness after dark, creating a serene and atmospheric swim unlike any other. A truly memorable way to end the day.

One Trick Donkey

Music

One Trick Donkey play and sing traditional folk music from the Balkans. Coming from near and far and based in Oxford, the Donkeys are drawn together by an insatiable appetite for the toe-tapping and sway-inducing folk music from Eastern Europe. With their own arrangements of traditional folk melodies, they offer up an enchanting musical landscape.

DJ Ferdie

Music

A genre-defying mad melange of music, DJ Ferdie takes your favourite festival field fillers on a version excursion. Expect equal parts ‘90s nostalgia and naughty basslines, bouncing from deviant disco and funk-fuelled soul to reggaeton and tropical D’n’B. Served hot, his high-energy, feel-good sets go off. Every time.

DJ Luke Taylor @ Bunker 54

Music

DJ Luke Taylor is at Bunker 54. Come for one track, stay for the whole set.

Adult Sunday Sauna & Cold Plunge + Lake Pass (£)

Wellbeing

Looking for a way to unwind and rejuvenate your body and mind? Let us introduce you to the ALSO Sauna. With its beautiful lakefront setting, our sauna is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature. We have a number of sessions over the weekend meaning you could build a little Scandi experience into your time at ALSO. Book your Sauna ticket here and pop by the ALSO Sauna in-festival and sign up for the time that works for you. Want more more more? Grab our bundle offer, including a Lake Pass and get even more chances to dive in and swim, and SUP in our glorious half-mile wide lake. These sessions are for adults only and mean you can swim or bring your own SUP and use it in lifeguarded sessions outside our general wild swimming sessions. Book a Saturday or Sunday pass or book for the whole weekend here. Adult Lake Pass timetable: Saturday: 6am - 11am & 4pm - 7pm Sunday: 8am - 11am & 3pm - 6pm

ALSO Sauna & Cold Plunge Sunday Pass (£)

Wellbeing

Want to unwind and rejuvenate your body and mind? Let us introduce you to the ALSO Sauna. With its beautiful lakefront setting, our sauna is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature. And with our all-new for 2026 cold plunge, you can take your Sauna Sessions experience to the next level. We have a number of sessions over the weekend meaning you could build a little Scandi experience into your time at ALSO.

Fortune Flow Yoga

Wellbeing

Join Numinity’s energising yoga practice that explores sequences designed to invite openness, abundance, and possibility. You’ll be guided to flow with breath and movement and will leave with a sense of expanded energy and a renewed readiness for the day ahead. Mmm How ALSO.

Adult Sunday Lake Pass (£)

Wellbeing

We've created a number of additional sessions over the festival weekend to give you even more chances to dive in and swim, and SUP in our glorious half-mile wide lake. These sessions are for adults only and mean you can swim or bring your own SUP and use it in lifeguarded sessions outside our general wild swimming sessions. Book a Saturday or Sunday pass or book for the whole weekend here. Adult Lake Pass timetable: Saturday: 6am - 11am & 4pm - 7pm Sunday: 8am - 11am & 3pm - 6pm

Classic Album Listening Club 1

Music

Bring your coffee, grab a blanket and surrender to sound. Inside our straw‑bale listening space, cocooned by four‑foot‑thick walls and powered by an exceptional sound system, you’ll hear music exactly as the artist intended. Experience deep listening with one album, no distractions, and a rare moment of calm in your week - perfect for a Sunday morning. The Classic Album Listening Club is a unique sensory experience - be part of it. Albums announced in April 26.

Crochet Club

Experience

Grab a coffee and join our Crochet Club for a creative gathering in the ALSO Bar. Whether you’re a beginner mastering the basics or an experienced maker bringing your latest project, this friendly session is all about crafting together.

Bushcraft & Survival Sunday (£)

Young

Bushcraftaway! Bushcraftaway! Bushcraftaway! Wild Adventures and Bushcraft supremo, Simon Birbeck leads his excellent bushcraft survival sessions this ALSO25. Be taken deep in to the ALSO woods to learn survival basics of fire, water, shelter, food when living off grid.

Fiction Prescriptions

Ideas

Sometimes, a little luck, or the right story, is exactly what you need. Enter Ella Berthoud, renowned bibliotherapist and co-author of the bestselling The Novel Cure and Fiction Prescriptions. She knows just the right book to steer your fate, flip your fortune, or give your luck a nudge in the right direction. At ALSO26, Ella will be offering a limited number of personalised Fiction Prescriptions in the Book n Shop. Swing by and see if you can bag a slot, and let her match you with the story that might just change your weekend… or your destiny. A must for all the culture seekers and curious cats who like a little serendipity with their reading.

ALSO Woodland Play

Young

Calling all little ALSOers. Tucked among the trees, our Woodland Play area invites children to explore through nature‑based play. Nestled among the trees, this nature-based activity invites children to explore, play, and create in a magical woodland setting.

Chanting & SOMA Breathwork

Wellbeing

Take time to breathe and add in the intentionality of sound. Yes you can literally breathe in sound with Helen Artlett-Coe this ALSO26 with her extraordinary Chanting & SOMA breathwork session designed just for the ALSO Festival.

ALSO Run Club

Wellbeing

Our legendary ALSO Run Club helps you start the day the very best way. Choose a guided 5k or 10k trail run through the Capability Brown‑designed grounds, a rare chance to move through one of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes at pace. With excellent company and unforgettable views, why not give it a go?

Ritual Head Spa

Wellbeing

Lauren is a hairdresser, barber and holistic treatment practitioner blending relaxation, grooming and ritual-inspired scalp treatments. With years of experience in hair and client care, she creates calming spaces designed to help people slow down, reset and reconnect with themselves during the festival experience. Offering Ritual Head Spa treatments, hot towel beard trims and holistic grooming experiences, Lauren combines hairdressing, barbering, haircare and wellness into a grounded and restorative space.

Messy Play

Young

Calling all ALSO babies and toddlers! We want your messy selves! Come, explore and play in this sensational sensory session where you get to explore with all your senses your natural wildness through play. Bring an adult to watch your genius and your most playful attitude.

Kids Yoga

Young

New for 2026! Join us for a fun and energising Kids Yoga session. There will be simple poses and games, encouraging children to build balance and confidence in a relaxed and supportive space. Perfect for all levels.

Cacao Ceremony Sunday (£)

Wellbeing

Join Numinity for an intimate ritual working with ceremonial-grade cacao which is both a natural stimulant and a profound heart-opener. Come along and sip cacao mindfully, awaken your senses and soften into the heart. With cacao’s uplifting properties, this is an ideal session for intention-setting, emotional release, and cultivating inner and outer harmony.

Poetry Workshop

Literary

All-new for 2026, join ALSO’s poet in residence for a poetry workshop that invites you to explore words in motion around our theme: O FORTUNA. Come along and bring a poem, a fragment, or a line or two you’re working on, and be ready to play with language in a relaxed and open setting. You’ll be guided through prompts and gentle experimentation, and there will be even time to share your work. Be part of it.

Morning Samba Drumming Workshop - Sunday (£)

Music

The incredible Samba Band Tribo encourage you to feel the rhythms of their music by joining them for a drumming workshop. Come along and be part of a drumming workshop with Marcos Santana, founder of Tribo which is an opportunity you don't want to miss. Open to all, beginner to advanced, everyone can learn how to play the authentic afro Brazilian rhythms in this Samba drumming workshop.

Pasta Play

Young

Calling all ALSO Kids! Get hands-on with real pasta dough in this playful introduction to pasta making. Learn how pasta is mixed, shaped and cooked as you create your own fun pasta forms with the team from In for a Penne.

SUP Yoga & Floating Meditation - Sunday (£)

Experience

Start your weekend with our SUP yoga and floating meditation class. Experience the world's most beautiful yoga 'studio' on the one weekend a year you can.

Tonight the Music Seems So Loud: The Meaning of George Michael

Ideas

Join bestselling author Sathnam Sanghera live at ALSO26 as he brings his brilliantly original new book Tonight the Music Seems So Loud to the stage, exploring the extraordinary life and times of one of Britain’s most beloved musical icons, George Michael. From writing some of the biggest hits of our age in ‘about an hour’ in his childhood bedroom to collaborating with legends like Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder, this is a vivid, kaleidoscopic portrait you won’t want to miss.

Bingo Brunch (£)

Food

Our legendary Bingo Brunch is in full, fabulous force this ALSO26. Expect brunch baps, Buck’s Fizz, big tunes and even bigger personalities. With DJ sets, outrageous prizes and Brenda (and Derek) delivering bingo calls like you’ve never heard before. This is the bougie bingo mash-up you need to be part of.

Playbox Theatre Workshops - 5-7 year olds

Young

Here at ALSO we really believe theatre has never been so important for us as humans. So we are so pleased to welcome Playbox - the award-winning world-class theatre for young people - into the field with a number of highly specialised, energetic, joyful and creative workshops in the performing arts. Five, Six, Seven, Eight......

Rasa Fire Yoga

Wellbeing

Relight your inner fire with Rasa Yoga. Rooted in tradition while embracing modern life, Rasa is a soulful yoga practice that weaves movement, breath, mantra and myth into a dynamic, embodied experience. This Fire class is designed to energise and invites you to move with purpose and reconnect with what fuels you.

Wild Swimming - Sunday

Wellbeing

Wild swimming at ALSO is nothing short of glorious. For our afternoon lake swims, the lake is open to all, and this is the only weekend of the year you can unleash your inner swan and dip, splash or glide through this Capability Brown–designed body of water. It’s a truly wild lake and we all need many more chances to be truly wild and wet together, ALSO's wild swimming offers an unforgettable connection to nature. Swim past Monet-like water lilies as Red Kites circle overhead. In festival land, there’s simply nothing else like it. The general lake opening hours over the weekend are: Friday: 5pm - 9pm Saturday: 11am - 4pm Sunday: 11am - 3pm

Prof. David Tong and Robin Ince

Ideas

The excellent, elegant communicator of the maths that underpins our universe, the leading UK quantum theorist, Professor David Tong, will be in-conversation with renowned comedy polymath and creator of The Infinite Monkey Cage Robin Ince, to offer us the chance to glimpse into the divine beauty of space. Don't miss the rare chance to hear from David Tong - and experience the bizarre and unusual sensation for just a moment - that the universe really does make sense. Truly far out.

The Dark Side of Wellbeing

Wellbeing

Wellbeing is one of the fastest‑growing cultural movements of our time. The global wellness economy now sits in the trillions of dollars, with sustained year‑on‑year growth as people invest more in mental, emotional, and embodied health than ever before, but with explosive growth comes complexity. Practises designed to liberate and heal can, at times, drift into unexamined power dynamics, cult‑like devotion, and ethical blind spots. From charismatic leaders to unchallenged followings, Numinity take a deep dive into how ethical lapses and power imbalances can emerge even in well‑intentioned spaces, and equip you with tools for recognising red flags, honouring intuition and never outsourcing authority.

Foraging Guided Walk - Sunday 11:00 (£)

Experience

Outdoors Specialist and Master Herbalist, Simon Birbeck is at ALSO to take us on a foraging walking adventure. On a guided exploration of the ALSO countryside, Simon will weave in his knowledge of how our ancestors survived off the land, find out how they foraged for medicines and understand how to find alternative food sources for yourself.

Classic Album Listening Club 2

Music

Bring your coffee, grab a blanket and surrender to sound. Inside our straw‑bale listening space, cocooned by four‑foot‑thick walls and powered by an exceptional sound system, you’ll hear music exactly as the artist intended. Experience deep listening with one album, no distractions, and a rare moment of calm in your week - perfect for a Sunday morning. The Classic Album Listening Club is a unique sensory experience - be part of it. Albums announced in April 26.

Fortuna Fairyhouses (£)

Young

Let imagination run wild as you build tiny fairy houses inspired by the spirit of Fortuna. Using natural and recycled materials, create miniature dwellings where luck, mischief and magic might live.

Summer Wreath (£)

Experience

Inspired by our Oh Fortuna! theme, weave your own wreath of dreams in this creative workshop with florist Sarah Cant. Using fresh British blooms and dried flowers, you’ll learn traditional weaving techniques to craft a beautiful, natural wreath to adorn your tent or take home.

Fortuna Folds

Experience

Spin the wheel of fate with Sara Veal, Happiness Facilitator, storyteller, and founder of Sirena Curiosa. Inspired by Fortuna, the Roman goddess of luck and chance, this playful hands-on workshop invites you to fold your own paper oracle – a fortune teller filled with predictions, prompts, and tiny provocations about luck, risk, and the unexpected. Are our futures already written, or do we invent them as we go? Once your oracle is complete, try your fortunes with fellow festival-goers and see where chance encounters might lead. Includes all materials and gentle creative prompts. 16+

Book Signing and Double Talk with Sathnam Sanghera

Ideas

Join Sathnam Sanghera for the double talk and book signing. Yes, to give you just that little bit more, more, more - we'll be holding this relaxed session in Book'n'Shop so you can get your hands on the Sathnam Sanghera book of your dreams and get it signed.

Intro to Stand up Paddleboarding (SUP) - Sunday 11:30 (£)

Experience

Let’s SUP ALSO! Come along and join Anna from SUP Stratford for an introduction to standup paddleboarding (SUP). In this 45-minute intro session, you’ll learn everything you need to know about this SUPerb water sport so you can begin your paddleboarding adventure. This is the only time in the year it is possible to paddleboard in Compton Pools, ALSO's half mile lake designed by Capability Brown.

Les Enfants Terribles 2 - Another Gameshow For Awful Children

Young

Marcel Lucont (Winner: Best Kids Show - UK Kids Comedy Festival) returns to test out a new set of games to reveal the true awful nature of children. “An absolute gem... If you don’t have kids, borrow someone else’s... a treat from beginning to end” ★★★★★ Edinburgh Festivals magazine. “An hour with something for everyone... the kids aren’t the only ones having a ball.... I can’t recommend this show more to kids and parents... insanely funny" ★★★★ The Scotsman. Top 10 Kids Shows of Edinburgh Fringe - Time Out, The Scotsman and Broadway World.

Playbox Theatre Workshops - 8 - 11 year olds

Young

Here at ALSO we really believe theatre has never been so important for us as humans. So we are so pleased to welcome Playbox - the award-winning world-class theatre for young people - into the field with a number of highly specialised, energetic, joyful and creative workshops in the performing arts. Five, Six, Seven, Eight......

The Brexit Effect

Ideas

Don’t miss Sir Anthony Seldon, the country's top political historian and acknowledged national authority on all matters to do with the government and No. 10, LIVE at ALSO26 with The Brexit Effect, the subject of his new book, as he assesses the impact of Brexit on the tenth anniversary of the referendum.

Guided Meditation (£)

Wellbeing

Step away from the noise of the day and settle into stillness with a calming guided meditation. Led by Sarah Reaves Towns, and guided through immersive headset audio, this gentle session will help quiet the mind, deepen the breath, and guide you into a state of relaxed awareness. Perfect for beginners and experienced meditators alike, it offers a peaceful reset for body and mind. Headsets will be given out at the beginning of the session.

Do Blue: Water, waves and wellbeing

Ideas

Surfing, swimming, fishing, we can’t help but spend time in, or near, water. And now, growing scientific evidence for blue health supports what many of us already feel: being around water is good for us. In Do Blue, Nick Hounsfield, the visionary founder of inland surfing lake, The Wave, shares his personal story of recovery through water after suffering a stroke at 46. Joined by Abby Richardson, who transformed a fear of waves into a love of cold-water dipping, their inspiring book explores the science and stories behind “blue health” and how reconnecting with water can transform wellbeing. Don’t miss the chance to hear from Abby LIVE this ALSO as she takes a deep dive into the multitude of ways to unlock the power of blue. See you at the Lake Stage!

Fortune in the Cards: Tarot & Oracle Basics (£)

Experience

A fun, beginner-friendly introduction to the world of tarot and oracle cards with Numinity. You'll learn how cards can act as mirrors for the subconscious, offering insight and fresh perspective. Learn simple ways to pull cards, how to frame powerful questions, and how to use the imagery as a tool for self-reflection and decision-making. No prior experience needed.

ALSO Art Club

Experience

We love how being in a state of flow is extraordinary for your brain and for your creativity., plus research shows that actively engaging in arts puts years on your life so of course we had to curate our own ALSO Art Club has been designed as a session to help you get into your flow whilst engaging with the exceptional beauty of ALSO's Capability Brown setting. A unique and turly immersive experience, don't miss the chance to bring your morning coffee to this creative session.

Shellectronica

Music

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of the conch Shell music with Musician Steve Pretty (composer, performer and leader of Hackney Colliery Band), Let the ethereal sounds of the conch shell transport you to distant shores as you embark on a musical voyage like no other. See you in Bunker 54 for this audio adventure.

DJ Casio Clifton

Music

Guided SUP Safari - Sunday (£)

Experience

Explore ALSO from a whole new perspective in a guided paddle boarding session with SUP Stratford's Anna. You'll experience a relaxing paddle visiting the more secluded areas of the lake and taking in the abundant wildlife and natural surroundings in ALSO's half mile wide lake designed by Capabiltiy Brown.

Patches Circus School

Young

Roll Up Roll Up Patches is in town and she wants you to all visit her circus school. Patches will make you laugh with a silly circus show and then you will be able to try spinning plates, diablos and Juggling Fun Filled family entertainment.

How We Make Memories and Why We Lose Them

Ideas

Why is it that some things are easy to remember and others are impossible to forget? Why do some memories just pop into our mind from nowhere? Why is it so easy to forget names and why are some people forever losing their keys? And what can we do to preserve our most precious memories? Neuroscientist, psychologist and long-time ALSO collaborator Prof Catherine Loveday will be LIVE at ALSO and taking a deep dive into human memory. Discover insights you may never have heard before, including some of the latest research, while also exploring the myths and misunderstandings that shape how we think about remembering and forgetting.

Sunday Long Table Lunch with Aram by Imad (£)

Food

A three-course Eastern Mediterranean long-table lunch wth Aram by Imad - the exciting new Somerset House-based eatery from Syrian-born chef Imad Alarnab, who first gained acclaim with the West End restaurant Imad’s Syrian Kitchen. Drawing inspiration from the Eastern Mediterranean – from Syria and Turkey to Cyprus and Jordan – the three-course menu balances the familiar and the unexpected. Every dish celebrates flavour, culture, and connection. Book your seat at the table and join us for this celebratory long-table dining experience.

Book Signing and Double Talk with Anthony Seldon

Ideas

Join Anthony Seldon for the double talk and book signing. Yes, to give you just that little bit more, more, more - we'll be holding this relaxed session in Book'n'Shop so you can get your hands on the Anthony Seldon book of your dreams and get it signed.

Rage Release: Catharsis

Wellbeing

Release rage in a powerful group experience that gives you permission to release suppressed emotions in a safe and guided way. Through sound, movement, and breath, you'll get to express anger, grief, or frustration that might otherwise remain locked inside. The session offers emotional clarity, nervous system relief, and a renewed sense of lightness.

Sequential Art. Comic and Storyboarding Masterclass

Experience

Join BAFTA-winning animator Greg McLeod for a creative session exploring the art of storyboarding and visual storytelling. From the first spark of an idea to animated motion, discover how filmmakers shape stories frame by frame.

Classic Album Listening Club 3

Music

Bring your coffee, grab a blanket and surrender to sound. Inside our straw‑bale listening space, cocooned by four‑foot‑thick walls and powered by an exceptional sound system, you’ll hear music exactly as the artist intended. Experience deep listening with one album, no distractions, and a rare moment of calm in your week - perfect for a Sunday morning. The Classic Album Listening Club is a unique sensory experience - be part of it. Albums announced in April 26.

If You Loved Me You’d Breathe Quietly

Comedy

Jane Gregory has misophonia and can't stand the sound of loud breathing or eating. Steve Hall never learned table manners. Somehow despite this they've been married for 15 years. This show is both an introduction to misophonia, and a test of the strength of their union. With jokes. Jane is a clinical psychologist and the author of Sounds Like Misophonia. Steve is a stand-up who has supported Frank Skinner and Russell Howard on tour in 2024 ("Steve Hall is the most intelligent stand-up you've never heard of" - GQ).

Lucky Threads: Make a Lucky Charm Brooch or Fortune Patch (£)

Experience

Create your own wearable symbol of luck through embroidery, pattern and stitch. In this hands-on workshop, participants will design and make a Lucky Charm Brooch or Fortune Patch using reclaimed textiles and surplus materials sourced from industry. Inspired by symbols of luck, protection and personal meaning - from moons, stars and hearts to horseshoes, keys and geometric motifs - each piece becomes a small stitched keepsake to wear, gift or carry with you. Led by Yodomo, the workshop celebrates circular design, creative reuse and the stories materials can hold - showing how even the smallest piece of fabric can become something meaningful.

Intro to Stand up Paddleboarding (SUP) - Sunday 13:30 (£)

Experience

Let’s SUP ALSO! Come along and join Anna from SUP Stratford for an introduction to standup paddleboarding (SUP). In this 45-minute intro session, you’ll learn everything you need to know about this SUPerb water sport so you can begin your paddleboarding adventure. This is the only time in the year it is possible to paddleboard in Compton Pools, ALSO's half mile lake designed by Capability Brown.

The Expansion Project

Literary

Recently shortlisted for the Nero Book Award for Debut Fiction and for the Goldsmiths Prize, Ben Pester is at ALSO26 with his excellent novel, The Expansion Project, a dizzying, haunted satire of the late-capitalist workplace in which nothing is quite what it seems. "Surreal and unsettling... With a steely commitment to its outlandish form and plot, Pester's novel is as nebulous, mind-bending and delightfully strange as the workplace it describes" ― Observer.

The Wealth Habit: Small Changes that Will Make You Rich

Ideas

Wealth doesn't start with money, it starts with a habit. Most people think that wealth is reserved for the lucky few-those born into privilege, gifted with an entrepreneurial streak, or naturally skilled with money. But the truth is, financial success isn't about luck-it's about habits. Hear from Sunday Times Bestselling authors, Ken Okoroafor and Mary Okoroafor as they present: The Wealth Habit, a groundbreaking, behaviour-driven approach to wealth-building that rewires the way you think about money, turning financial success into a series of tiny, effortless, repeatable actions.

Tiny Dancers Family Rave

Young

Big beats, little feet. Tiny Dancers brings a full-scale family rave-up deep into the forest. Expect big tunes, games, dances and a chance to show the grown-ups how it’s done.

Guided Literary Walk

Experience

Wander through the gorgeous Capability Brown landscape on a gorgeous Literary Walk designed by Bibliotherapist Ella Berthoud. Along the route, short readings and poetic moments invite you to notice the beauty of the surroundings and spark imagination. Mmm. How ALSO.

Tana

Music

Tana is an MTV Award–winning, indie soul artist and songwriter with Italian-Nigerian roots, proudly representing queer voices from London. Known for her unapologetic, liberating sound, she blends bold lyrics with rich melodies to champion authenticity and diversity. Her music is signed to Sony US and Babygrande Records, with collaborations spanning KOKO London x Coca-Cola, Paramount Studios, and international Pop/R&B star Jike Junyi. A powerful live performer, Tana has appeared on major stages including UK Black Pride, London Pride, NXNE, and Tallinn Music Week, continuing to push boundaries on a global stage. Tana forms part of ALSO's Future Music: Pathway to Success programme, supported by Arts Council England.

ALSO Woodland Play

Young

Calling all little ALSOers. Tucked among the trees, our Woodland Play area invites children to explore through nature‑based play. Nestled among the trees, this nature-based activity invites children to explore, play, and create in a magical woodland setting.

T-Shirt Printing Workshop - Sunday (£)

Young

Step into a 60 minute T-shirt painting workshop and unleash your creativity as you style your very own painted t-shirt! Each T-shirt will be a unique masterpiece, reflecting the individuality of its wearer. Age 7+.

Intro to Stand up Paddleboarding (SUP) - Sunday 14:30 (£)

Experience

Let’s SUP ALSO! Come along and join Anna from SUP Stratford for an introduction to standup paddleboarding (SUP). In this 45-minute intro session, you’ll learn everything you need to know about this SUPerb water sport so you can begin your paddleboarding adventure. This is the only time in the year it is possible to paddleboard in Compton Pools, ALSO's half mile lake designed by Capability Brown.

Mark Thomas

Comedy

The multi-award-winning political comedian comes to ALSO for the first time. Star of Channel 4’s The Mark Thomas Comedy Product and author of 5 acclaimed books, Mark has made a great many unique achievements in his 35 years as a performer, including taking the police to court three times (and winning twice - third outcome TBC) and holding a Guinness World Record by staging 20 protests in 24 hours, including one against surrealism and one defending it. Come and be swept along by this comedic force of nature to close off ALSO's comedy lineup on Sunday afternoon.

Handstands & Hula Hoops

Experience

Turn your perspective upside down and all around with handstands and hula hoops in a playful, relaxed space to explore, experiment, and have fun. Meet like-minded people who are keen to give it a go, share the experience, and enjoy trying something a little different together. Suitable for all levels, whether you're completely new or already have some experience.

Bubbles!

Young

Big bubbles, tiny bubbles, bubbles you can chase, catch, and even stand inside! Join us for a Bubble experience you won’t want to miss. Perfect for kids (and kids at heart).

AI and Music

Ideas

Join neuroscientist, psychologist and long-time ALSO collaborator Prof Catherine Loveday, songwriter, producer, lead singer of the band Battle, Jason Bavanandan, and 18-year old pianist, composer and jazz musician Philip Loveday for a deep dive into the future of sound, music production, creativity and the way music is now experienced and made.

Adult Sunday Lake Pass (£)

Wellbeing

We've created a number of additional sessions over the festival weekend to give you even more chances to dive in and swim, and SUP in our glorious half-mile wide lake. These sessions are for adults only and mean you can swim or bring your own SUP and use it in lifeguarded sessions outside our general wild swimming sessions. Book a Saturday or Sunday pass or book for the whole weekend here. Adult Lake Pass timetable: Saturday: 6am - 11am & 4pm - 7pm Sunday: 8am - 11am & 3pm - 6pm

Book Signing and Double Talk with Ken & Mary Okoroafor

Ideas

Join Ken & Mary Okoroafor for the double talk and book signing. Yes, to give you just that little bit more, more, more - we'll be holding this relaxed session in Book'n'Shop so you can get your hands on the Ken & Mary Okoroafor book of your dreams and get it signed.

DJ & Dance Programme

Music

As part of our exceptional DJ and dance programme, we host a number of DJ sessions to suit all dancers from the dance floor that fringes the lake at the Rum Bar to the truly transcendent late-night DJ sessions to the infamous late-night Bunker sessions - we do believe any floor can be a dance floor, let us entice you.

Tea Blending Masterclass (£)

Experience

Discover the art of creating your own bespoke herbal tea blends in this hands-on workshop. Learn about different herbs, flowers, and tea bases as you experiment with flavours and aromas to craft a unique blend to take home. A sensory experience for tea lovers and curious beginners alike.

FYNN

Music

A professional noise maker from Todmorden, blending genres, styles and stories together in the hopes of creating something a little bit different. Music had been a part of FYNN’s life since the age of ten when he found banging a set of drums to be an enjoyable and therapeutic outlet. Throughout his teens he studied music in school and college and toured and released music in bands. As it does for many others, life got in the way for a while and music took a back seat, but in 2023, FYNN left his job of 8 years to give it one last proper crack. Since then his music has been XS Manchester’s Record of The Week twice over, seeing him voted as their “Ones To Watch In 2025” and he was runner up as Andy Burnham’s “Mayor of Manchester’s Artist of The Month."" FYNN forms part of ALSO's Future Music: Pathway to Success programme, supported by Arts Council England.

Cleansing Ritual & Intention Setting (£)

Wellbeing

A short, powerful ritual designed to clear stagnant energy and anchor fresh intentions. Book on to a 15-minute and be individually guided through smudging with sacred herbs, breath, and spoken intention, before sealing their commitment with a grounding practice.

The Board Game Café

Experience

Dominos? Check. Snakes and Ladders? Check. Cards? Check. Chess? Checkmate! Bring a coffee and get your game on in our hosted board games session, where strategy, luck, and fun collide.

Ronnie's Chess Club

Young

Calling ALSO Kids! All-new for 2026, Ronnie’s Chess Club is the chance to play, think and outsmart each other in a fun and friendly setting. It’s not just about kings and queens, it’s about being curious, confident and having a go at some clever moves. Designed for all levels. from beginners to budding grandmasters, come along to discover the joy of chess and make some new friends along the way.

Blueprints: How Mathematics Shapes Creativity

Ideas

Talking of outrageous fortune, we are so pleased to help understand all the figures - mathematician and Oxford professor, Marcus du Sautoy. However he'll be looking to the arts to uncover the key mathematical structures that underpin both nature and human creativity. In this bold and philosophical exploration of human creativity, Marcus asks us to consider the complementary relationship between mathematics and art spanning a vast historical and geographic landscape, from the earliest stone circles to Mozart’s obsession with numbers and the radically modern architecture of Zaha Hadid. Whether we are searching for meaning in an abstract painting or finding patterns in poetry, there are blueprints everywhere: symmetry, prime numbers, the golden ratio and more.

Ecstatic Dance - Closing Party

Music

Close your weekend in style with a joyful collective Ecstatic Dance experience with Hoolla Music and Numinity. Through music, rhythm, and guided movement, we are all invited to dance out the weekend together, sealing the festival with a feeling of celebration and connection.

Book Signing and Double Talk with Marcus du Sautoy

Ideas

Join Marcus du Sautoy for the double talk and book signing. Yes, to give you just that little bit more, more, more - we'll be holding this relaxed session in Book'n'Shop so you can get your hands on the Marcus du Sautoy book of your dreams and get it signed.

ALSO's Closing Party

Music

Come along and celebrate the weekend with music and dancing in the ALSO Bar. So why not plan to join and extend your festival weekend into the Monday?