Inspired by the late Revd John Ratings, vicar of St Mary’s Church, the festival was first held in the summer of 1975 and has been a major feature of village life since. From relatively modest beginnings, it has grown to offer a staggering array of events and now extends to over 35 events held over three-weeks in June.  Centred on Mill Green, these events are now held in locations across the village. In 2024, the festival theme, 'Gold Fever' has been chosen as the festival's 50th anniversary falls between festival years. We have chosen an anniversary theme with a golden line up of events where you can expect all that glitters is most certainly gold.

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The 19-day long festival will feature a host of fun-filled family delights, dazzling formal events, spirited theatre and musical performances, roving culinary delights, a sporting extravaganza, a wonderfully riotous Variety Show, as well as the traditional Wargrave Festival Parade through the historic village, celebrating all that makes up this splendid community.

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The Festival is a not-for-profit event where every penny raised goes to community organisations improving the quality of life in the village through education, sport and culture.