Driving over to Benson for SaxoFest 2026, I found myself thinking back to my very first Sax Bandits session in 2018. I can still remember nervously making the journey to Wallingford, wondering what I was letting myself in for. I was welcomed by around 30 members, including one of the band’s original members, who immediately made me feel at ease. By the end of that first session, I was hooked.
Fast forward to today and what started in March 2016 as eight nervous alto saxophone students meeting in a scout hall has grown into something truly remarkable. Earlier this year saw the launch of the tenth Sax Bandits band location, making SaxoFest 2026 the perfect celebration for a decade of music, friendship, and community.
From the moment SaxoFest opened there was a real buzz in the air. The weather behaved itself, saxophones of every shape and size appeared around every corner, and players of all ages gathered to celebrate a shared love of music. Whether you were attending the masterclasses, browsing the stalls, enjoying the performances, or simply catching up with friends, there was something for everyone.
One of the highlights for me was Ben Tordoff‘s fascinating saxophone family display, ranging from the tiny soprillo right through to the mighty contrabass. It was a wonderful reminder of just how diverse and intriguing the saxophone family really is.
Elsewhere, guests could browse an impressive range of stalls. Prozone Music brought along a fantastic selection of saxophones and accessories, while Sun Hellerud (SH Music) was kept busy with on-the-spot repairs for players in need of a little saxophone TLC. Lynden Blades was also on hand to chat about SaxMadeSimple.com, sharing his wealth of knowledge with a steady stream of enthusiastic guests.
The wonderfully futuristic electronic saxophone (known as the Travel Sax 2) from Odisei Music created a constant buzz of curiosity throughout the day. If my neighbours had discovered how quietly it could be practised, I’m fairly sure they’d have started a crowdfunding campaign to buy me one!
The Sax Bandits stalls were equally popular, the ‘Try A Sax’ stall introduced guests to the joy of playing the saxophone, complete with SYOS mouthpieces, while the merchandise stall also tempted plenty of guests looking for a SaxoFest souvenir. The Cakes & Cans stall featured a range of cakes and baked goodies made by Sax Bandits members, which proved impossible to resist. After admiring a mouthwatering array of homemade treats, I eventually settled on a lemon cupcake, and I can confirm it was worth every crumb!
Local Food
No festival is complete without good food, and SaxoFest offered something for every appetite, whether it was grabbing a bite from Sausage Bros, The Filthy Rat, Sugar Catering, or stopping for a well-earned coffee from Cherry Picked, there were plenty of opportunities to refuel in between the artists playing.
Live Music
The performances throughout the day showcased just how versatile the saxophone can be. Lynden Blades opened the festival with a wonderfully mellow and nostalgic feel to the outdoor stage, sharing how Paul Desmond‘s iconic ‘Take Five’ inspired him to take up the saxophone, before treating the audience to a selection of laid-back jazz standards.
Saxophonly Fans, featuring Rob Digweed (because it wouldn’t really be a festival without him taking to the stage), alongside Chris Olsen and Richard Liversidge (who also occasionally leads Sax Bandits sessions), provided an explosive rock set that was warm, slightly retro, and completely unpretentious. Their performance was full of character and thoroughly entertaining, supported by an excellent drummer, George Munt, who added plenty of drive to the sound.
Next up, Liz Greenwood delivered exactly the sparkle the afternoon needed, blending club classics, funk and house music with effortless saxophone improvisation which one audience member described as “a bit of Ibiza style dance and sparkle“. There was even a conga line!
Inside the hall, 4 In A Bar (who were ironically positioned next to the bar) brought a sophisticated, laid-back feel. Their effortless confidence and groovy, head-nodding rhythms created the perfect lounge-bar soundtrack, encouraging guests to linger a little longer and enjoy their extensive repertoire.
Meanwhile, upstairs, attendees enjoyed three masterclasses from Liz Greenwood, Snake Davis, and Alex Dowbor-Musnicki (from Witney Sports Massage). The latter, focussed on breathing and posture, particularly stood out to me. As saxophonists, we spend a lot of time thinking about notes, rhythm and technique, but Alex reminded us that everything starts with how we stand and breathe. It was practical, engaging, and packed with useful takeaways. The fact that even guest artist Snake Davis joined in was proof that no matter how experienced you are, there’s always something new to learn.
Fundraising
Beyond the music, SaxoFest shone a spotlight on two fantastic charities. Younger People With Dementia (YPWD) provides support to people diagnosed with young onset dementia and their families, helping them build connections, access activities and navigate the challenges they face. The Music Club, based in Wallingford, provides music and movement activities for children and young people with disabilities, helping to reduce social isolation and create opportunities for fun, creativity, and friendship.
Both charities were a perfect fit for an event built around the power of music and community. Not only did they share information about their inspiring work but also hosted interactive stalls packed with games, crafts, and even face painting! Fundraising is never easy for smaller charities, and every donation made on the day will help them continue their important work.
SaxoFest raised an impressive £7,129.51 for the two charities! (Watch their reactions)
The Grand Finale
More than 160 saxophonists gathered for the Sax Bandits performance, creating a sea of saxophones stretching far beyond what the stage could possibly hold. After a final tune-up and a few words from our band leader, Rob Digweed, we launched into a crowd-pleasing set packed with favourites. The energy was infectious as we worked our way through a varied programme, culminating in Tina Turner’s ‘The Best’, featuring Lucy Forrest on vocals and a saxophone solo from Lynden Blades. It was an incredible experience and one that seemed to pass far too quickly.
The afternoon concluded with words of thanks for our band leader, Rob Digweed, whose vision, hard work, and dedication have seen Sax Bandits grow from eight nervous players into a thriving musical community spanning ten bands across five counties. The celebrations were rounded off with the presentation of a fantastic Lego saxophonist cake… because no tenth anniversary should pass without cake!
The celebrations continued inside the hall into the evening with performances from Hannah Horton, Redtenbacher’s Funkestra, and the Snake Davis Band.
Closing Thoughts
As people were packing away and reflecting on the day, one comment overheard in the crowd perfectly captured the spirit of the event; “it was really fabulous to see so many people of all ages playing saxophones.”
For me, that summed up not only SaxoFest, but ten years of Sax Bandits. Bringing people together through music, friendship and a shared willingness to have a go – that’s what it’s all about!
A huge thank you to Rob and Lucy for organising, and the many volunteers, performers, stall holders, food vendors, and sponsors who made the event possible. The atmosphere, organisation, and sheer amount of hard work behind the scenes were evident throughout the day. Combined with fantastic performances, opportunities to learn, wonderful charities and a community united by music, it made for a truly memorable celebration of ten years of Sax Bandits.
The only question now is where we’ll fit everyone for the next milestone celebration. With the band continuing to grow, perhaps it’s time to start making enquiries about that spare stage at Glastonbury…
Photography by Tyler Mobey
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