Record Weekly is a music-reviewing blog, first and foremost. But this year, we’re even more excited to delve deeper into the other draws of Deer Shed Festival*. That’s right, 2026 is going to be shaped from the in-between — not just the playlists but the playmaking as well.

Hiring a set of wheels to haul our camping gear down into the sea of brightly coloured, festively lit, flower-garland-strewn tents is definitely something we always look forward to. As is hearing the first thumps of drums on stages, aromas of deep-fried delights and visions of face-paint masterpieces. Deer Shed is a family-friendly festival, with just about the most respectful community feel you could wish for — another reason our excitement peaks early. But we’re eager to shake up the itinerary this July and enjoy even more of the spoils of the full weekend. Our plan? Go on, then; we’ll give you a preview…

The tunes

We’ve had the pleasure of seeing avant-garde indie aficionados Everything Everything before, and they were cracking live. So having the opportunity to do so again is a blessing. Same goes for the mighty (and much heavier) Fat Dog and quirky Deadletter. Both stellar. Names don’t get much bigger than Sleaford Mods, so that’s bound to be a performance to rave about. And speaking of, a boogie to Working Men’s Club won’t go amiss. Bar Italia, Lime Garden, Murkage Dave, Karma Sheen… We’re coming for you, too! Discovering newer, emerging talent will undoubtedly prove a highlight on top. Stay glued to our Instagram and here on the RW site for the full Deer Shed review afterwards for more on that. 

The food

From good old-fashioned fish and chips to Indian street food, loaded Green gyros to mouth-watering paella, you can really taste the globe at Baldersby Park. Earthworm’s an absolute Record Weekly must, so we’ll be making a beeline for the veggie breakfast burritos and salad-stuffed burgers (AGAIN). Pizza slices, crumble pots and churros? Our arteries are screaming already (in a good way). Coffees fuel us in the AM, naturally, but a cheeky half-pint later on? Don’t mind if we follow our usual agenda on that score. 

The activities

The festival’s been dubbed ‘Into the Labyrinth’ for 2026, and we’re up for seeing where that takes us! By day, some literary and spoken word sets might inspire us again this year, though we’re planning to save some time to try out the sauna and wild swimming. Sounds fun, eh? Let’s hope this hot weather holds. And the joy shouldn’t stop there. Slower, calmer moments might come in the form of yoga classes or sound baths, followed by more uptempo afternoons in kayaks. There’s even said to be a cinema! 

The belly laughs

Comedians grace Deer Shed time and time again, and raucous howls of jubilation can often be heard as you’re walking around the site. While we don’t tend to frequent these side-splitting sets, we might well change that formula. One act in particular that’s really tickled me already is the idea of a family-friendly wrestling showcase…

The vibes

Does anything really beat a brass band playing as you potter around? Or shopping for thrifty vintage garms? There are vibes and then there are Deer Shed vibes. This year, Wilderwild’s going to be extending into the smaller hours, where night swims and silent discos will be available. Plus, something we’re really giddy about: the list of fireside music sessions. Campfires with soundtracks? Now, that’s just a little bit of late-in-the-day bliss. 

Not got your tickets yet but don’t want to miss out? The antidote for FOMO lies over on the Deer Shed website. There, you’ll find all the info you need about getting there, camping, what’s on and when, and much more.

Catch you in the field at Topcliffe, North Yorkshire, on Friday 24th July! 

*With thanks to Hanglands for the press access and poster asset.