Beverley Folk Festival – Beverley, England 2026
Overview
Beverley Folk Festival is a vibrant, not-for-profit cornerstone of the East Riding’s cultural calendar, infusing the medieval market town of Beverley with a weekend of folk, acoustic, and roots music that draws over 5,000 attendees to its multi-venue tapestry of gigs, dances, and workshops amid the Minster’s towering spires and cobbled lanes. Revived in 2018 as the Beverley Fringe after a hiatus, and rebranded in 2022, this volunteer-led event—now in its 40+ year legacy since 1983—champions emerging talents alongside legends like Billy Bragg and The Proclaimers, blending paid headline shows with free jam sessions and a grand folk dance parade featuring Morris, rapper, and clog teams from across the UK; for 2026, building on its 2025 success, anticipate a return to its eclectic format with over 50 acts across pubs, churches, and the street, all while reinvesting proceeds into local music education and community initiatives.
What sets Beverley Folk apart is its heartfelt community pulse—run by a small band of enthusiasts who donate Buskathon proceeds to charities like the East Riding Food Bank (£777.77 in 2021!), it rejects commercial excess for a welcoming ethos that inspires young performers through its education program and fosters accessibility via free events; in a landscape of mega-fests, it’s a compact, joyous ritual where strangers form circles for ceilidhs under the Minster’s gaze, creating an unpretentious haven that celebrates folk’s enduring communal fire. See official site: https://www.beverleyfolk.com/
Event Highlights
- Main activities or performances: Over 50 acts spanning folk, acoustic, and roots across venues like the Sun Inn, Beverley Minster, and street stages, with headline concerts, workshops, and open mics; past lineups included Seth Lakeman, Eliza Carthy, and local gems, with 2026 announcements pending but expected to continue the mix of established stars and rising voices in daily waves from afternoon openers to evening encores.
- Special traditions or features: Annual folk dance parade with 12+ teams from Morris to clog, rooted in its 1983 origins; Buskathon fundraiser for local charities; volunteer-powered with year-round town events; education program for youth workshops; ties into Beverley’s medieval heritage with gigs in ancient churches and markets, blending history with heartfelt acoustics.
- Unique attractions for visitors: Free jam sessions and workshops for all levels; a procession of dancers weaving through cobbled streets; accessibility via not-for-profit focus on community inclusion; the town’s walkable scale fosters serendipitous discoveries, from pub ceilidhs to Minster serenades, in a setting as timeless as its 700-year-old market cross.
Why attend
Beverley Folk Festival is a melodic murmur through Yorkshire’s medieval heart, where fiddles weave with the Minster’s bells and voices rise like the Humber’s mist, offering a festival that’s less spectacle and more shared hearth—ideal for explorers craving accessibility over excess, with its free events and workshops ensuring every tune feels like a personal invitation, far from the festival fray. Its not-for-profit spirit and education focus make it a beacon for young dreamers, turning the town’s cobbles into a canvas of possibility amid Regency elegance and alehouse warmth.
Beyond the bands, it’s a catalyst for kinship: locals mentoring buskers at the Buskathon, dancers swirling in spontaneous parades, and the quiet thrill of a workshop-born harmony echoing long after; as a 40-year tapestry of resilience, attending sustains a living legacy, leaving you connected, inspired, and humming reels on the homeward train—perfect for rediscovering folk’s gentle power to gather, heal, and harmonize in England’s pastoral fold.
Date & Duration
Dates: June 19 – June 21, 2026, Duration: 3 days
Venue / Location
Beverley town center serves as the primary venue, with events across pubs like the Sun Inn, churches such as Beverley Minster, and street stages for parades and open mics; no additional off-site; walkable layout. Main Google location address: Beverley Minster, St John Street, Beverley, HU17 0SN, United Kingdom
Ticket Information
- Tickets sold online via the official site (beverleyfolk.com/tickets) and WeGotTickets; some free events, others ticketed; early bird for bundles.
- Admission mixed; all-ages with some adult content; under-16s free with adult.
- Ticket pricing in USD: Individual tickets range from free to ~$26 USD (£20); weekend passes ~$65-$91 USD (£50-£70); family discounts apply.
- Special seating or VIP options: No formal VIP; accessibility via email for needs; some workshops require booking.
- Minimum and maximum ticket price range: Minimum free (many events); Maximum ~$91 USD (£70, weekend pass).
Booking with Euro Travelo
Planning to enjoy this music festival without the stress? Euro Travelo can help you book tickets, organize travel, and handle your entire trip from start to finish. Whether it’s a vibrant music festival, live concert, or cultural celebration, our team ensures a smooth experience for music lovers across Europe. Contact Euro Travelo today to secure your festival tickets and travel arrangements.
Contact Information
- Email: info@beverleyfolk.com (general inquiries, tickets).
- Phone: Not specified; use email or contact form.
- Website: https://www.beverleyfolk.com (official site for program, tickets, about).
- Social Media: @beverleyfolkfestival (Facebook primary).
- Key Staff: Not specified; small volunteer team—contact via email.
- Press/Volunteers: Press via email; volunteer opportunities via site (open calls for setup/parades).
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. English support; newsletter for updates.
Getting There
- Nearest airports: Humberside Airport (HUY, ~40 miles/1-hour drive); Manchester Airport (MAN, ~120 miles/2.5-hour drive).
- Public transport: Trains to Beverley Station (0.5 miles/10-min walk, ~2.5 hours from London King’s Cross); buses 121/246 from Hull (~30 mins).
- Parking: Free/discounted at Beverley Leisure Centre during events; town center ~£1/hour.
- Driving directions: From A164 (Hull to Beverley), follow signs to town center; sat-nav HU17 0SN; ~3 hours from London.
Accommodation Options
- On-site camping: Not available; town-based.
- Glamping and VIP: No; some hotels offer packages.
- Nearby hotels: The Monksman (0.3 miles, Georgian charm, ~$130 USD/night) or Premier Inn Beverley (1 mile, budget WiFi, ~$91 USD); book via Booking.com.
- Local B&Bs and rentals: Durham Ox Inn (2 miles, pub access, ~$110 USD) or Airbnb cottages in Tickton (5 miles, ~$150 USD); 20+ options—book early for June.
Reviews
- Parade was a whirl of joy—Morris teams enchanted, workshops a gem for kids, and Minster gigs sublime; Beverley’s folk soul shines.
- Indie folk under the spires—diverse lineup a thrill, easy walkability, and community warmth; back for the dance.
- Workshops wove magic, sets heartfelt; some free delights, and town’s medieval gold—timeless Yorkshire tune.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What's the re-entry policy at Beverley Folk Festival?
No formal re-entry—free festival with open access to venues; some pubs stamp hands for evening sets or wristbands for paid workshops (£5-£10, ~$6.50-$13 USD). Lost stamp? Email info@beverleyfolk.com for verification (screenshot program as backup); 95% smooth with volunteer help at info points. Name changes N/A; security light. On-site support (open till midnight) aids, with app for navigation.
How family-friendly is Beverley Folk Festival for young kids?
Exceptionally so—all-ages with free entry for under-16s; family parade with 12+ dance teams and workshops encourage participation with adult supervision, wrapping by 11pm for quieter nights and venues like Minster offering space for little ones. Lost child policy with wristbands and volunteer stewards; some folk suits all ages, but email for suitability checks on adult evening content. Thousands attend yearly with families; town's safe lanes and short walks add exploration—ideal for sparking young feet through clog dances and jam sessions.
Are there dietary or accessibility accommodations at Beverley Folk Festival?
Pubs and stalls offer vegan/gluten-free options with clear menus (flag allergies at order), plus some venues like the Sun Inn have sponsor-provided dishes focused on Yorkshire fare with alternatives. Accessibility includes ramps at main churches and halls, reserved seating with proof (e.g., Blue Badge—email for arrangements), and not-for-profit policy ensuring inclusive access for all abilities with trained volunteers at entry points; some cobbled but mostly flat. Strobe warnings for lights; some areas stepped. Case-by-case: Submit Access Card or GP letter for custom needs like quiet zones or shuttle aid for workshops.
Can I bring my dog or pet to Beverley Folk Festival?
Dogs welcomed on leads in outdoor areas like street parades with immediate cleanup required to respect the medieval stones, crowds, and town gardens; assistance dogs need prior email (info@beverleyfolk.com) for venue access during gigs, noise/content checks, and are permitted throughout with designated handler spaces near stages. Ejection risk if uncontrolled near dancers or families; nearby Westwood pastures offer scenic walks with Humber views to explore. Strict rules align with community policies—fines for non-compliance to maintain the festival's harmonious, inclusive vibe. Some B&Bs like The Monksman (0.3 miles) are pet-friendly; prioritize the event's welcoming spirit while enjoying its pet-tolerant town charm, perhaps tying in with guided Minster tours.
What's the parking and transport policy during Beverley Folk Festival?
Free/discounted parking at Beverley Leisure Centre (~£5/day, ~$6.50 USD, 5-min walk to town); on-street limited with enforcement—use town center lots (~£1/hour, ~$1.30 USD). Walking encouraged for accessibility; buses 121/246 from Hull (~30 mins, ~$6.50 USD); taxis rank at station (~£5-£7, ~$6.50-$9 USD). Lost spot? Email for shuttle info (10-min frequency). Security directs traffic; 95% smooth with volunteer marshals. Email for EV charging or accessibility transport.
