Packed programme for biennial Cookham Festival

More than 8,000 visitors are expected to descend on Cookham this May as the village’s much-loved festival returns with a packed programme celebrating the arts in all their forms.

Running from May 1-17, the Cookham Festival will transform venues across the village with more than 40 events spanning music, spoken word and visual arts.

From intimate readings and workshops to large-scale performances, the two-week extravaganza promises something for all ages and interests, embracing everything ‘from poetry to pottery, Shakespeare to archaeology and Bach to boogie’.

At the heart of the Cookham Festival is a commitment to showcasing both homegrown talent and beloved icons, reflecting the village’s rich artistic heritage, most famously as the home of painter Sir Stanley Spencer.

First established in 1967, the biennial festival has grown into the village’s largest community event, organised by a volunteer committee dedicated to celebrating the best that Cookham has to offer.

This year’s programme is as varied as ever from viewing art to creating it.

Budding artists can try their hand at charcoal landscapes or enjoy a sociable ‘paint and sip’ session, for instance, and children can sign-up for an ‘Art Card Wizardry’ tutorial or a gaming workshop, just two of the many options available.

Music and performances range from West End hits with Toby Cruse to a tribute to Carole King and James Taylor alongside local school performances, the Windsor & Maidenhead Symphony Orchestra Strings and Rock Choir.

There are also thought-provoking talks, including broadcaster and writer Rabbi Jonathan Romain reading from his new book A Better Death and Mike Parkinson sharing personal memories of his father, Sir Michael Parkinson, in a ‘Parky on Parky’ talk, featuring clips from iconic interviews.

Outdoor events also play a strong role, with guided walks across Cookham Commons, a Stanley Spencer Trail and an early morning ‘dawn chorus’ experience to name a few of the offerings.

One of the festival’s highlights is the 150-piece Sculpture Garden in the beautiful riverside setting of the Odney Club, featuring displays from 30 sculptors with many works for sale. Meanwhile, the popular Open Studios trail offers visitors a rare chance to step inside the working spaces of local artists and makers.

“It’s going to be a very action-packed two weeks,” said representative Vanessa Ridge.

“Cookham is a lovely village all year round, but it really comes to life during the festival. There’s such a broad range of events and there truly is something for everyone. I encourage people to come along and experience it.”

Run entirely by volunteers, the festival is also a force for good in the community. Proceeds from sponsorship and ticket sales support local schools and groups, with more than £38,000 raised in 2024 alone.

Brochures are available from The Little Bookshop on Cookham High Street.

For full details, visit the Festival website: cookhamfestival.co.uk