Cornbury Festival, one of the most beloved weekends of Oxfordshire’s calendar, is nearly upon us. This is only the festival’s sixth year, but it’s already a firm favourite with thousands of people across the country. The festival is the brainchild of Hugh Phillimore, a former A&R man, who runs Sound Advice, a successful events company and also works as Cornbury’s director. Speaking in the run-up to the festival, he tells me preparations are going really well. “Now, I’m just praying for good weather and trying not to think about the football!”

Cornbury has a growing reputation. But how long does it take for the festival and the line-up to come together? Do the organisers ever rest?

“Cornbury has become pretty much a year-long job” Phillimore admits. “We try to have a bit of down time in August, but we’re really thinking about the event most of the time. From October, we start hearing who might be on the road in the following year, but actually booking the line-up normally comes right down to the wire and comes together in early March.”

This year’s festival sees a return to booking older, more established acts, after the Sugababes and Scouting For Girls as 2009 headliners. Was it a conscious decision to do this?

“Last year was a bit of a blip actually. I was going for an older line-up and I’d wanted to book artists like Tracy Chapman, Annie Lennox, but when it looked like it wasn’t going to come together I took a sharp turn into a much younger pop bill. To be honest it’s not the best decision I’ve ever made!”

Punters won’t be able to complain about a lack of older acts this year. With pop legends Squeeze (below), soul survivor Jackson Browne and acoustic veteran David Gray (right) as headliners, there won’t be too many headline bills with bigger back catalogues than at Cornbury.

Phillimore calls it a stellar year. “I actually think it’s one of the best Cornbury bills ever. I’m particularly looking forward to Jackson Browne, Squeeze, The Fisherman’s Friends, and Candi Staton and the wonderful Imelda May!”

With so many festivals now taking place every summer, what does Phillimore think separates Cornbury from the others (besides the fact that David Cameron has been known to drop in)?

“I think we’re probably one of the best family festivals in the UK, although we try not to brag about it! I’m also happy that we’re regarded as an upmarket event, if that means it’s really well put together.”

But does the family friendly tag bother him? It would terrify some festivals organisers to be regarded as such.

“Of course I am happy; there is something about the presence of loads of children that gives Cornbury its special atmosphere.”

Cornbury also has a commitment to giving opportunities to newer acts, especially those based in Oxfordshire. When asked for tips of which he thinks are worth seeing, the names flood out. “I’m really excited about all of the up and coming artists. Both Joshua Radin and the Fisherman’s Friends have had top 20 albums in the last few months, and Ben Montague and Jon Allen both have long-term futures. I think Tiffany Page is a great new rock chick and Lucinda Belle is a really interesting new artist.”

Finally, who would be Phillimore’s dream line-up? Who does he most want to book for Cornbury in years to come?

“I’d love to have David Bowie or Neil Diamond, but they’re both out of my price range!” he laughs. “We’re always trying to get Bryan Adams and I’m hoping Joe Cocker will be able to return as I’m a big fan. That’d be great.”

Cornbury Festival takes place on July 3 and 4. Tickets are £95 for the weekend or £115 if you want to camp. Discounts are available for those between 13-16 and children under 12 go free. For more details go to www.cornburyfestival.com