Did you know that Escape the Village’s own founder, Liz Graney, has recently been voted Chairperson of the Dauntsey Festival of Transport?
What began as a volunteering opportunity helping with the dog show has grown into something much bigger, a true passion for community, connection, and giving back. Over the years, Liz’s involvement has evolved from volunteer to sponsor, to committee member, and now to Chairperson of one of Wiltshire’s most popular summer events.
As the festival continues to expand, Liz brings her trademark blend of creativity, empathy, and leadership, values that reflect both her business and personal life.
Giving Back Through Charity
Each year, the Dauntsey Festival of Transport proudly supports a range of charities, both local and national. For the 2026 show, Liz has personally chosen Help for Heroes as her Chair’s Charity, a cause that resonates deeply with her own journey.
As a veteran herself, and with a husband who also served, Liz’s decision reflects her close connection to the Armed Forces community, from her own service to her family ties and strong local links across Lyneham.
“Choosing Help for Heroes felt incredibly personal,” Liz shared. “Their work supporting veterans and their families makes such a difference. It’s a charity that understands the challenges, the transitions, and the importance of community support, something that’s always been close to my heart.”
In addition to Help for Heroes, the festival committee has also chosen to support a number of other wonderful causes, including Dorothy House, Plums Unlimited, and several small community groups and local charities. Together, these partnerships ensure the festival continues to make a real difference to people across Wiltshire and beyond.
A Festival with Heart
Under Liz’s leadership, the Dauntsey Festival of Transport continues to grow not only in size but in purpose. From raising funds for local charities to encouraging volunteering, rural enterprise, and community connection, the festival represents everything that’s great about coming together for a good cause.
It’s about more than just engines and entertainment, it’s about people, passion, and purpose.
With the 2026 show already in planning, visitors can expect to see even more family-friendly attractions, community partnerships, and meaningful fundraising at the heart of the event. The show is alway accepting bookings for trade stands, craft tables, charity fundraising pitches and of course vehicle exhibits!
Over the last thirty years Elizabeth has start up and run a number of successful businesses in a variety of industries including events management, restaurant, webdesign, business training and gardening! This has led to extensive knowledge of business startup, management and marketing.
She is also a qualified and experienced business and life coach with a passion for supporting small business owners. In addition to all of this she is an experienced and qualified further education lecturer, having taught face to face courses and workshops across England, as well as a range of online courses in a range of business and marketing topics .