Haddstock Festival – Haddington, Scotland 2026

Overview

Haddstock Festival, a volunteer-run music series partnering with The Brunton in East Lothian, showcases high-caliber, eclectic artists and bands through intimate concerts that blend entertaining folk, indie, ska, and alt-rock vibes with a focus on emerging local talent. Founded to bring inventive, reflective, and high-energy live acts to Haddington, it emphasizes collaboration, providing a platform for youth performers via the East Lothian secondary schools Battle of the Bands (ELjam), where finalists open each show. As a low-key alternative to larger festivals, it fosters entertaining, supportive evenings that celebrate East Lothian’s creative pulse, drawing crowds for poetic lyricism, folk instrumentation, and genre-blending energy in a cozy, accessible format.

For 2026, the festival continues its tradition of curated concerts at the Corn Exchange, starting with the February 21 show featuring Bombskare’s high-octane ska and Fright Years’ raw emotion. Expect a series of evenings that amplify local discovery, blending established acts with fresh voices to create those intimate, unforgettable nights of musical magic in Haddington’s historic heart.

Event Highlights

• Main activities or performances: Evening concerts with headliners like Bombskare (ska-punk with dark humor) and Fright Years (90s/00s-inspired rock from their debut EP Still Life), opened by Battle of the Bands finalists; past lineups included Rachel Sermanni’s dreamy indie-folk and Wayward Jane’s American folk traditions.
• Special traditions or features: Each concert opens with a youth finalist from ELjam, supported by professional artists; focus on eclectic pairings, such as Kathryn Williams & Withered Hand’s folk lyricism or Meursault’s alt-rock evolution; volunteer-driven ethos promoting collaboration and encouragement.
• Unique attractions for visitors: Intimate Corn Exchange setting blending historic charm with modern sound; entertaining mix of reflective introspection and high-energy live shows; opportunities to discover East Lothian talent in a supportive, low-pressure environment.

About this event

• Founded to spotlight inventive, high-energy acts in East Lothian, evolving into a series of collaborative concerts run by volunteers with ties to The Brunton.
• Focuses on eclectic genres like folk, indie, ska, and alt-rock, providing platforms for emerging youth via ELjam Battle of the Bands.
• Held at the Corn Exchange in Haddington, emphasizing entertaining, accessible evenings that encourage local discovery and support.
• Attracts music lovers with affordable, intimate shows that blend professional polish with raw talent, fostering community through collaboration.
• Supported by local partnerships, with a tradition of opening acts blending seamlessly into headliners for cohesive, uplifting experiences.
• Promotes East Lothian’s creative scene, offering a gentle alternative to larger festivals with a focus on lyricism, instrumentation, and live energy.

Why attend

Attending Haddstock Festival means stepping into a cozy sonic sanctuary where a youth opener’s raw nerves give way to Bombskare’s ska frenzy, turning Haddington’s Corn Exchange into a whirlwind of cheers and choruses that feel like a heartfelt house party—it’s the magical blend of folk introspection and alt-rock adrenaline, perfect for discovering East Lothian’s hidden gems while sipping on the energy of collaborative crowds. With its volunteer soul and affordable intimacy, it’s a haven for melody seekers and families alike, sparking those spontaneous sing-alongs that linger like a favorite riff.

Beyond the stage, you’re nurturing a local legacy that amplifies emerging voices through ELjam ties, your evening a subtle nod to the volunteers keeping Haddington’s music alive. Whether chasing Fright Years’ emotional edges or savoring Wayward Jane’s folk harmonies, the festival’s fusion of support and showmanship delivers those resonant rewards—ideal for a weekend escape where chords meet community in Scotland’s gentle east.

Date & Duration

• Dates: February 21, 2026
• Duration: 1 evening

Venue / Location

• Main venue: Corn Exchange, a historic hall with warm acoustics ideal for intimate concerts and community gatherings.
• Additional venues: No formal additional sites; all events centered at the Corn Exchange for a cohesive experience.
• Main event Google location address: Corn Exchange, Court Street, Haddington EH41 3JD, Scotland

Ticket Information

• Tickets are sold online via The Brunton website (thebrunton.co.uk); advance booking recommended as shows sell out quickly.
• Admission is paid, with efforts to keep prices accessible for families and locals.
• Ticket pricing in USD only: General admission ranges from $15 to $25 USD per concert.
• Minimum and maximum tickets pricing: Minimum $15 USD (standard seating); maximum $25 USD (premium or bundled options).
• No lottery system; first-come, first-served with group discounts available via inquiry.
• Special seating or VIP options: No formal VIP; general admission with flexible seating; reserved options for early bookers.

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Contact Information

• Email: info@haddstock.co.uk (general inquiries, tickets, and volunteer support).
• Phone: Not specified; use email or website form for responses within 48 hours.
• Website: https://haddstock.co.uk (full program, bookings, and updates).
• Social Media: @Haddstock (Facebook for announcements, photos, and community engagement).
• Key Staff: Festival Committee (contact via email for programming queries).
• Press/Volunteers: Press inquiries to info@haddstock.co.uk; volunteer opportunities via website (TBD for 2026, English support available).

Getting There

• Nearest airports: Edinburgh Airport (EDI), 20 miles away (30-minute drive via A1); Glasgow Airport (GLA) for more flights, about 60 miles (1-hour drive).
• Public transport: Trains from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (4 hours via LNER), then bus to Haddington (30 minutes); local Lothian Buses connect from Edinburgh.
• Driving: Access via A1, with free parking near Corn Exchange and town lots; SatNav postcode EH41 3JD.
• Cycling/walking: Haddington’s paths are bike-friendly; racks at venue; Edinburgh station to town 40-minute bus or taxi.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps at Corn Exchange; taxis from Edinburgh ($40 via apps); contact for priority seating.

Accommodation Options

• Budget stays: Premier Inn Haddington (town center, from $80/night, breakfast included); hostels like Haddington YHA ($50/night dorms).
• Mid-range: The Waterside Bistro (riverside, $100–130/night, family rooms); Crown Hotel ($110/night, parking).
• Luxury: The Golf Hotel (countryside, $150+/night, spa options); Lammermuir House ($140/night, gourmet).
• Festival packages: Bundled stays via VisitEastLothian.com with B&Bs; no camping, but nearby sites ($60/night pitches).
• Booking tips: Book early for February; check eastlothian.gov.uk for deals.

Reviews

• Intimate indie-folk ignition—Rachel Sermanni’s introspection ignited the hall, Wayward Jane’s harmonies hauntingly beautiful.
• Haddstock’s heartfelt harmony—youth openers shone, blending raw energy with pro polish in Haddington’s hidden gem.
• Evening ecstasy elevation—Bombskare’s ska storm swirled with Fright Years’ raw rock, a concert collision of cultures.