Wargrave will soon come alive with music, theatre, sport, literature and family entertainment as the often sell-out Wargrave Festival returns with its enchanting 2026 theme, Once Upon a Village.

Running from June 10 to 28, the biennial community festival will celebrate storytelling, drawing inspiration from beloved childhood tales and the stories that connect local communities.

The festival, which has been a cornerstone of Wargraves community since 1975, will feature more than 35 events spread across three weeks, bringing together residents, visitors, local organisations and charities in a programme designed to appeal to all ages.

Among the headline attractions are open-air performances of Shakespeares Twelfth Night, the return of the popular village fête, a literary festival featuring acclaimed authors and broadcasters, and a packed programme of live music, cultural and sporting events.

Festival-goers can also look forward to musical events including an ABBA Night, Jazz on a Summers Night, Festival Folk Night, Ibiza Classics: Lost in Wonderland and Songs from the Shows.

Families and younger visitors will find plenty to enjoy, with a Story Trail, Teddy Bears Picnic, Toddler Rave, Family Silent Disco, Fun on the River and the colourful Once Upon a Village Parade.

The festivals storytelling theme will be particularly evident in a number of creative events.

A flower festival entitled Once upon a Time will see favourite books interpreted through floral displays, while the Emerald City Ball will transport guests into the magical world of Oz for an evening of dining, live music and dancing.

Literature lovers will be drawn to the Wargrave Literary Festival, which will host award-winning neurologist and author Suzanne OSullivan, science writer and broadcaster Tom Whipple, novelist Ellie Levenson and editor Scott Pack.

Aspiring writers will also have the opportunity to meet literary agent Julie Crisp for one-to-one consultations.

Community spirit remains at the heart of the festival.

Organisers say the event continues to follow its founding ethos of By Wargrave, For Wargrave, bringing people together while raising funds for local causes and providing opportunities for local societies and charities to showcase their work.

The festival will conclude on June 28 with a programme including a festival service, family braai, Morris and African dancing, an historic village walk and an adults-only comedy evening.

Caroline Meader, vice chair of Wargrave Festival, said: This festivals theme is linked to big anniversaries of literary works by Michael Bond and AA Milne. Its a nod to those classic childhood stories and also this idea of telling the story of the village and weaving in the stories of the local characters and history.

Weve got two-and-a-half weeks worth of events with something to suit all ages and interests its a really varied and exciting programme. There will be things that are suitable for families, older people and children. Theres things for art lovers, music lovers, sporty people, and theatre goers. Our Shakespeare on the Green is always a favourite and launches the festival.

The whole ethos is about celebrating the community. We try to get a real variety of events, some free events and something more expensive trying to cover all age groups.

New this year is the ABBA night with an ABBA tribute band to raise money for Camp Mohawk. Its something we re really pleased to be able to support. It will be a fantastic night with lots of dressing up and dancing.

We've a big family festival of sport on Fathers Day on the recreation ground, lots of local sports associations getting involved and thats all completely free to try your hand at various sports.

Our flagship event is the ball, which is tied in with the storytelling theme. The Wizard of Oz reflected in the food and cocktails and decorations.

It's a big job but we have got a fantastic committee of volunteers plus more from the wider community and we are getting really excited now that it is almost here.

For tickets, visit: http://wargravefestival.org.uk