Swindon24 reported on Sunday 5 July 2026 that WRDE Up had finished its 2026 festival the day before, Saturday 4 July, with thousands of people in the field on Swindon Road, Highworth, in warm weather.
Green Haze, Chappell Roan UK, The Skadinals and Josh Kumra were on the bill with local performers, alongside food traders, stalls, community groups and children's entertainment.
Why is the festival pausing?
Organiser Tom Falding has been involved with WRDE Up for more than a decade and took over running it three years ago, after the previous committee struggled financially. He said costs had risen sharply and the festival was hard to make viable, even though he owns much of the equipment, and that putting ticket prices up by £2 or £3 would be unpopular.
He said: "I'm going to have a year out." He was not sure whether he or someone else would run the festival in two years' time. Organisers said they hoped it would come back with renewed energy.
Who helped?
Volunteers from 878 Highworth Supermarine Squadron of the RAF Air Cadets, led by Flight Lieutenant Nick Goddard, checked tickets, picked litter and showed visitors their flight simulators.
Highworth mayor Julie Murphy said: "having such a big music event in the town is really important".
Source: Swindon24.
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