The world-class festival on Northamptonshire's doorstep this summer
ALSO Festival - combining inspiring talks, wild swimming and Michelin-worthy dining - is under an hour from Northampton
Festival lovers in Northampton have no excuse. One of the UK's most acclaimed and ambitious cultural festivals is taking place less than an hour up the road this July.
ALSO Festival's line-up is the strongest in its 13 year history. Taking place 10-12 July 2026 at Park Farm, Compton Verney, Warwickshire - a stunning 130-acre estate of lakes, woodland and landscaped grounds that most Northamptonshire residents have probably driven past without realising what happens there every summer.
This year's theme - Oh Fortuna! - explores luck, science and the role of chance in shaping our lives, and the speaker programme is extraordinary.
Bestselling author Sathnam Sanghera takes to the stage with his brilliant new book exploring the life of George Michael, one of Britain's most beloved musical icons. Political historian Sir Anthony Seldon delivers a live talk on The Brexit Effect. Award-winning neuroscientist Catherine Loveday and broadcaster Claudia Hammond explore The Psychology of The Traitors. BAFTA-winning animator Greg McLeod offers a rare glimpse into the mysterious nature of creativity.
This is the kind of programme you'd travel to London for, but it is in a neighbouring county.
The music programme features PVA, one of the UK's most exciting electronic acts, and Saturday night headliners Afriquoi, bringing an uplifting fusion of African music and live electronics. The Rosadocs deliver soaring indie-rock with gritty, emotionally resonant Northern storytelling and Moon Idle offer beautifully crafted alt-pop with trip-hop production.
Comedy is headlined by Esther Manito, winner of Best Headliner at the 2025 Chortle Awards and a standout on Live at the Apollo. She joins previously announced comedians Mark Thomas, Robin Ince and Elf Lyons.
As evening falls over the Capability Brown lake, ALSO transforms. You can enjoy wild swimming by moonlight, paddleboard yoga, sound baths on the water and Daily Duskin as the festival marks the magical transition from day to night.
The dining programme alone is worth the short drive. Syrian-born chef Imad Alarnab, whose London restaurant Aram has won widespread critical acclaim, brings his kitchen to the Warwickshire countryside for a special Sunday Long Table Lunch. River Cottage delivers a legendary Woodland Long Table Lunch. Award-winning chef James Whetlor hosts Friday night's French Bistro and Georgia Hearn hosts a Saturday night Feast of Fortunes.
Cocktail tastings, cheese pairings, cookbook sessions and a hand-picked selection of food concessions complete a food programme that would hold its own against any dedicated food festival in the country.
It's on Northamptonshire's doorstep. Northampton to Compton Verney is approximately 50 minutes by road.
Full weekend camping and glamping options are ailable on site for those who want to make a full weekend of it. Or come for the day - it's close enough to do just that.
ALSO is family-friendly with a dedicated children's programme. This is the summer to discover the world-class festival that's been happening in Northamptonshire's backyard all along.
Tickets and full programme at www.also-festival.com