The Sussex countryside came alive this August Bank Holiday as Into The Wild Festival celebrated its 11th year with four days of music, creativity and community at the stunning Chiddinglye Estate.
From African desert grooves to Mongolian throat singing, and from late-night DJ sets to quiet woodland walks, the festival proved once again that it’s not just another summer event — it’s a gathering with soul.
Music Without Borders
This year’s line-up was nothing short of global. Audiences were treated to the hypnotic sounds of Daraa Tribe, the soulful strings of Ustad Noor Bakhsh from Rajasthan, and the otherworldly voices of Mongolian Odyssey. UK talent also shone, with sets from rapper Viktus, folk artist Bethan Lloyd, and the ever-eclectic Magic Tree Collective.
And when the sun went down, the beat went up. The expanded electronic stage hosted a new wave of DJs, with names like Woody Cook, SuperCLAUD, Ellie Talebian, Miss Lightbeam and more keeping the woodland dancefloor buzzing well into the night.
More Than Music
But Into The Wild is not just about what happens on stage. Over 200 workshops and activities turned the festival into a living classroom of creativity and nature skills. Families and friends got hands-on with fire-making, flint-knapping, pottery, wild spas, yoga, foraging walks and even lessons in traditional crafts.
Children roamed free, parents joined in drum circles, and stories were swapped by the campfire — scenes that festival founder Huw Williams described as “one of our best ever editions.”
A Festival With a Mission
What sets Into The Wild apart is its strong commitment to the planet. This year, organisations including WWF, Greenpeace, the Captain Paul Watson Foundation and the Sussex Wildlife Trust hosted talks and activities, reminding festival-goers that joy and responsibility can go hand in hand.
Through its Wilderlands Community Interest Company, the festival also supports rewilding projects, habitat creation and wildlife protection across the UK. It’s entertainment with a conscience, and that’s part of its growing appeal.
Growing Year on Year
Since its first gathering in 2014, Into The Wild has blossomed into a hub of creativity, wellness and activism. Friendships, collaborations, even marriages have been born under its canvas.
Evidence of its popularity is clear: Super Early Bird tickets for 2026 sold out in record time, with Early Bird passes already on sale for next year’s 12th edition, set for 28–31 August 2026.
Why It Matters
In a crowded summer festival scene, Into The Wild stands out for its blend of music, mindfulness and meaning. It isn’t just about partying — it’s about reconnecting with each other and with the natural world.
As the sun set on its 11th year, one thing was clear: this is a festival that isn’t just surviving — it’s thriving. And for those lucky enough to be there, it was a weekend of memories that will last well beyond the summer.
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