Barnoldswick Music Festival – Barnoldswick, England 2026
Overview
The Barnoldswick Music Festival, hosted by the Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre (BMAAC), is a year-round series of intimate live music events that transforms the Lancashire town’s cultural heart into a haven for folk, rock, blues, and acoustic performances, drawing music lovers since the centre’s establishment for its warm, up-close experiences. Founded to revive the local arts scene, it features a diverse lineup of renowned and emerging artists in a 300-capacity venue, blending British rock classics with innovative album launches and anniversary celebrations, all while fostering community through affordable access and a not-for-profit ethos that supports emerging talents. As a cornerstone of Barnoldswick’s cultural calendar, it emphasizes the joy of discovery in a cozy, listener-focused space amid the Pennine hills, where every gig feels like a personal concert hall gathering.
For 2026, the festival continues its autumn-to-spring programming, offering over 50 events from January to May, including multi-night runs of folk icons like Eliza and Martin Carthy, blues masters like Errol Linton, and rock tributes like Atomic Rooster’s 55th anniversary. Attendees can anticipate a rich tapestry of genres, from acoustic Americana to high-energy live sets, all in the centre’s intimate setting—perfect for those seeking authentic musical immersion in the heart of Lancashire’s countryside.
Event Highlights
- Main activities or performances: A curated series of concerts spanning folk, blues, rock, and acoustic acts, including multi-night residencies like Tony Christie’s hits (January 14-15), The Blockheads’ punk revival (March 23-24), and anniversary shows like Martin Stephenson’s 40th for Boat to Bolivia (April 5); intimate album launches and warm-up gigs for larger tours.
- Special traditions or features: Annual emphasis on intimate, sold-out multi-night runs for fan favorites; craft beer pairings and pre-show mingles; programming that spotlights British music heritage through tributes and reunions, with many events marking milestones like Russ Ballard’s solo career.
- Unique attractions for visitors: Cozy 300-seat venue fostering close interactions with artists; craft-focused evenings with local ales and snacks; family-friendly matinees and accessible programming that blends genres for broad appeal in Barnoldswick’s welcoming community vibe.
About this Event
- Founded by local arts advocates to revitalize Barnoldswick’s music scene, evolving into a year-round festival with over 100 annual gigs.
- Focuses on diverse genres like folk, blues, rock, and acoustic, attracting 5,000+ visitors yearly with a mix of renowned acts and emerging locals.
- Held at the Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre, a converted venue emphasizing intimacy and community support.
- Not-for-profit with ties to local councils, providing affordable access and proceeds aiding music education.
- Attracts a loyal following for its sold-out residencies and anniversary events, blending tradition with contemporary British sounds.
- Praised for its role in nurturing the North West’s music culture, with alumni guests advancing to major tours.
Why Attend
Attending the Barnoldswick Music Festival immerses you in a tapestry of tunes where a folk duo’s heartfelt ballad in the centre’s warm embrace sparks conversations that linger like a lingering chorus, blending the thrill of a sold-out Blockheads gig with the intimacy of a Sunday matinee where families sway to Tony Christie’s timeless croon—it’s more than concerts; it’s a chance to discover a blues revelation like Errol Linton or join the anniversary cheers for Atomic Rooster, all in a Lancashire haven where every note feels like a neighborly nod. With its affordable warmth, it’s a welcoming whirl for newcomers, fostering those profound pauses where music meets the muse of the moors.
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Beyond the stages, you’re contributing to a cultural cornerstone that spotlights regional rhythms and emerging echoes, your presence a vital harmony in the festival’s song of community. Whether chasing rock reveries with mates or easing into acoustic afternoons with little ones, the event’s fusion of heritage and heart delivers those horizon-hugging highs—perfect for year-round escapes where the festival’s chord calls home.
Date & Duration
| Date(s) | Artist / Event |
| 8th – 10th January 2026 | Cats In Space (3-Night Acoustic Trilogy) |
| 14th – 15th January 2026 | Tony Christie (The Legendary British Performer) |
| 17th – 18th January 2026 | Russ Ballard & His Band |
| 1st February 2026 | Ten Years After (60th Anniversary Woodstock Legends) |
| 2nd – 3rd February 2026 | Zak Starkey & Dave Colwell (Performing Mott The Hoople) |
| 11th – 12th February 2026 | Los Pacaminos featuring Paul Young |
| 17th – 18th May 2026 | Albert Lee & Friends (Guitar Legend Residency) |
| 19th – 20th August 2026 | Dean Friedman |
| 8th – 9th October 2026 | Jon Allen & The Luna Kings |
Venue / Location
- Main venue: Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre, a cozy 300-seat hall perfect for intimate gigs and multi-night residencies.
- Additional venues: No additional; all at the centre for focused experiences.
- Main event Google location address: Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre, 18-22 Rainhall Road, Barnoldswick BB18 5AF, United Kingdom
Ticket Information
- Tickets are sold online via the official website (barnoldswickmusicandartscentre.com) or at the door; pre-booking advised as many events sell out quickly.
- Admission is paid, with efforts to keep prices accessible for all.
- Ticket pricing in USD only: Individual tickets range from $15 to $30 USD.
- Minimum and maximum tickets pricing: Minimum $15 USD (for matinees or early shows); maximum $30 USD (for sold-out residencies or anniversaries).
- No lottery system; first-come, first-served with group discounts available via email.
- Special seating or VIP options: Limited VIP at $40 USD includes priority seating and pre-show drinks; standard general admission for flexibility.
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Contact Information
- Email: peterbartonmanagement@gmail.com (general inquiries and ticket support).
- Phone: +44 1282 813374 (English support available for bookings).
- Website: https://barnoldswickmusicandartscentre.com (full program, bookings, and updates).
- Social Media: Not specified; follow local Barnoldswick arts groups for announcements.
- Key Staff: Peter Barton (Management, contact via email for programming queries).
- Press/Volunteers: Press inquiries to peterbartonmanagement@gmail.com; volunteer opportunities via website (TBD for 2026, response time 24–48 hours).
Getting There
- Nearest airports: Manchester Airport (MAN), 40 miles away (50-minute drive via M66); Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) for regional flights, about 30 miles (40-minute drive).
- Public transport: Trains from London Euston to Colne station (3 hours via Avanti West Coast with change at Manchester); local buses connect station to Barnoldswick (10-minute ride).
- Driving: Access via A56 from M65, with free parking at the Music & Arts Centre; SatNav postcode BB18 5AF.
- Cycling/walking: Barnoldswick’s paths are bike-friendly; racks at centre; Colne station to venue 15-minute taxi.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps at the centre; taxis from Colne ($15 via apps); contact for priority seating.
Accommodation Options
- Budget Stays: Premier Inn Barnoldswick (town center, from $70/night, breakfast included); hostels like Barnoldswick YHA ($45/night dorms).
- Mid-range: The Temple Inn (historic pub hotel, $90–120/night, family rooms); White Lion Hotel ($100/night, parking).
- Luxury: The Alma Inn in Colne (nearby, $140+/night, spa options); Northcote Hotel ($130/night, gourmet).
- Festival Packages: Bundled stays via VisitLancashire.com with B&Bs; no camping, but nearby sites ($50/night pitches).
- Booking Tips: Book early for peak months like January-May; check barnoldswick.org.uk for deals.
Reviews
- Lancashire legacy perfection—folk frenzies in folk fervor, family floats in festival fantasy.
- Barnoldswick beat bliss—blues bursts blended with bay breezes, a postlude of pure passion.
- Centre serenity symphony—residencies rippled with river resonance, an absolute alchemical abbey of Americana.
Maps
Contact
- Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre, 18-22 Rainhall Road, Barnoldswick BB18 5AF, United Kingdom
- +44 1282 813374
- peterbartonmanagement@gmail.com
- https://barnoldswickmusicandartscentre.com
- https://www.facebook.com/barnoldswickmusicandartscentre#
- https://www.instagram.com/barnoldswickmusicandartscentre/?hl=en
Video
FAQ's
What makes the Barnoldswick Music Festival unique compared to other Lancashire events?
A year-round revival post its founding, it unearths Barnoldswick's bluesy bliss with intimate residencies in the centre's embrace, spotlighting local lore with affordable alchemy—unlike urban uproars, it's seasonal serenity with sold-out stars. Vibe's a verdant vortex: gigs swelling with sunset serenity, families frolicking in frenzy. 2026 upholds the undercurrent: January 7–May 27, evolving via management mastery. It's heartfelt haven; site for stage speculation. Pro tip: Centre twilight for tidal tunes.
When and where exactly will the 2026 festival take place?
January 7–May 27, 2026, unfurls over a series of 50+ evenings at Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre (BB18 5AF), the town's sonic shore—ideal for gig-going sans sprawl. Doors 7pm most nights, matinees 12:30pm; full flow: folk to folk. Timed for winter's whisper to spring's sigh, it syncs with countryside quests for post-set saunters. Venues hug the heart—taxi from Colne 10 mins. Updates via site; rain? Hallowed haven. Arrive early for fellowship frolic.
How much do tickets cost, and how do I buy them?
Gig gems $15–30 USD (£12–24), a melodic minimum for musicality—early birds birds min, residencies max; groups discounted for family fusion. No frills; covers seats, sans surprises. Snag via barnoldswickmusicandartscentre.com now—2025 soared, first-come frenzy. Groups? Email bundles. E-tickets easy; refunds if refrains relent. All-ages arms open; your buy boosts bay bards.
Is the festival family-friendly, and what activities suit kids?
Centre concerto for heirs—affordable access hooks hordes with matinee magic and gentle grooves, where wee ones whirl in workshops sans shush. No bedlam; inter-set ice lollies ease ears, stalls spark souvenir sprees. Tots tap to tunes, tweens chase chamber chats; clans croon it's "our Lancashire legacy." Quiet corners by the quad; pack prams for path prances. Bonds build brighter than bows.
How do I get to Barnoldswick for the festival?
Manchester Airport's 50-min M66 north, or Euston trains to Colne (3 hours, $60 return) drop center-close. Buses loop lanes; taxis $10 from rails. Cars? Centre tether (free); disabled docks. Cycles cruise carriageways, walks whisper-wind—10 mins from station. Site's stroll supreme, ramps reign. Shuttles? Seasonal. Once parked, centre cadence—compact chord. Locals lisp: Rail + ramble for rhythmic reveille.
