John Summit presents Experts Only @ Tofte Manor, Sharnbrook, Sunday, 11 July 2026
Where spirituality meets music and soul, Labyrinth Events at Sharnbrook’s Tofte Manor warmly welcomes crowds from all over the world and reveals more about the historic venue itself.
“You get lost in a maze, but you find yourself in a Labyrinth” was a spiritual message I picked up from the Labyrinth tour led by Suzy Castleman, owner of Tofte Manor and crystal healer.
The private tour took place at weekend two of the Labyrinth music festival, held at this stately home in Sharnbrook.
On the Sunday (11 July), American superstar DJ John Summit performed an energetic mix of familiar songs and original tracks in his headliner ‘John Summit presents: Experts Only’.
His theme, inspired by the 2023 film ‘Saltburn’, suited the magical setting of Tofte Manor.
The manor itself dates back to the 17th Century and has welcomed music events since 2017.
The venue is unique for its open-air atmosphere and its ‘secret garden’ feel, being located in the small village of Sharnbrook with a population of just 3,900, according to the most recent Census data.
Despite being such a hidden gem, the line-up of the two-weekend festival reached worldwide audiences, as Summit’s loyal following quickly heard the news and snatched up a ticket.
When asked how far they had travelled, two guests responded, “Really, really far. We’re from Ukraine, so it took us about two days to get here.”
Another pair had flown in from Glasgow, others from Brooklyn, Georgia and New York City.
Most said they had seen the event advertised online, were enticed by the theme, came as an alternative to seeing Summit in Ibiza or used it as “a reason to visit Europe”.
One guest from Ohio claimed he “actually went to college with John”, and whilst many visitors were staying in London, they described the local area and venue as “very whimsical”, “quaint”, “very pretty”, “love the nature”.
Where it all began
Nick Castleman is the founder of Labyrinth Events and is responsible for turning the grounds of his family home into a successful music venue.
Since 2017, the manor has hosted artists such as Boris Brejcha, Sasha and John Digweed, Madness, Fatboy Slim and more.
In response to how the event affects the local community, Nick said: “Over many years, I think the community are much more [positive towards] the festival.
“I do get it, we’re in a small rural village in the UK. At the same time, lots of great opportunities come out of this for the local businesses and hotels in the town, so I think there is an overwhelming positive impact which the shows have had on the local community and also the wider community.
“People are really starting to appreciate it.”
Acknowledging some of the challenges, Nick said: “We’re not perfect. We always think we can do better. But people are really starting to value it now, which has definitely been one of the most rewarding parts”.
Castleman emphasised that he enjoys hearing feedback on the event from the local community, which he can implement in the following years.
Labyrinth offers a space for everyone: with a second stage nestled into the surrounding countryside, an opportunity to ground yourself by walking around one of the two labyrinths, or get a tarot reading, get bedazzled by ‘Get Glittered’ or try some tasty gelato offered by ‘Bettoti’.
After all that, there is time to head over to the main stage and get a spot for the headliner.
The main stage is positioned perfectly to the side of the manor, creating a unique and grand backdrop and the entire venue is decorated thoroughly to set the perfect festival atmosphere.
Going forward for Tofte Manor, Nick said, “It’s hard to say because it evolves so much and when we first started, I never thought it would look how it looks now, but I just want it to keep building in a really organic way that people enjoy.
“I finally feel like people are really starting to get the quality of the show, the venue and the magic.
“I just want that to keep going. Things take time, but If it could be one of the best-regarded boutique festivals in the UK, I’ll be happy.”
