Chard Festival (music) – Chard, England 2026
Overview
The Chard Festival (music), known as Chard Rock Festival, is a high-energy rock music extravaganza that ignites the rural charm of Chard in Somerset, featuring a powerhouse lineup of tribute acts and original bands delivering classic anthems and fresh riffs over a sun-soaked weekend. Launched in 2018 as a grassroots passion project, it has grown into a beloved staple, raising thousands for charities like autism awareness initiatives while packing the fields with headbanging crowds, food trucks, and a family-friendly vibe that celebrates rock’s enduring spirit in England’s West Country.
This two-day bash transforms a scenic local venue into a haven for guitar heroes and festival faithful, with stages pulsing from noon till late under strict curfews, blending high-octane performances with community spirit. Camping options keep the party rolling overnight, making it an accessible escape for locals and road-trippers alike, where the roar of amps meets the serenity of rolling hills for a raw, unpretentious dose of live music magic.
Event Highlights
- Main activities or performances: Tribute sets to icons like AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses, ZZ Top, and Queen on the main stage; original rock acts such as Engine Room and Electric Temple delivering covers and originals; evening headliners closing with crowd-surfing anthems.
- Special traditions or features: Charity spotlights with raffles and awareness booths, echoing the festival’s roots in giving back—over £15,000 raised since inception; family zones with kids’ rock workshops and under-5s free entry to foster all-ages fun.
- Unique attractions for visitors: Pop-up bars and food vendors slinging Somerset specialties amid skull-adorned decor; interactive drum circles and band meet-and-greets; eco nods like water bowsers and waste stations in the lush Somerset countryside.
About This Event
- Spotlights rock tributes and emerging South West talent to democratize big sounds in a rural setting, far from urban crowds.
- Volunteer-driven with local business tie-ins for a tight-knit, authentic feel that prioritizes fun and fundraising over flash.
- Embraces Somerset’s green landscapes with sustainable elements like reusable cups and carpool parking, enhancing the laid-back, community-rooted escape.
Why Attend
Cranking up for Chard Rock Festival is your shortcut to pure, unfiltered rock bliss where tributes nail every solo and riff, turning a sleepy Somerset field into a mosh-pit mecca without the mega-fest markup. Affordable tickets and camping mean more dosh for merch and brews, while the intimate scale lets you rub shoulders with bands post-set—ideal for die-hards chasing that electric connection and families dipping toes into festival waters with safe, sunny vibes.
Beyond the breakdowns, it’s a heartfelt nod to rock’s rebel heart, boosting local charities and spotlighting regional acts in a way that feels personal and potent. Couples dig the sunset acoustics, groups fuel up on festival fare, and solo shredders find their tribe—leaving with sun-kissed skin, ringing ears, and a renewed fire for the music that defined eras, all wrapped in Chard’s welcoming, down-to-earth embrace.
Date & Duration
- Dates: August 8 – August 9, 2026
- Duration: 2 days
Venue / Location
- City: Chard, Somerset, England; centered on a dedicated outdoor site with easy access to town amenities.
- Main venues: The Drift main stage (headline rock sets and tributes), camping fields (overnight stays with communal areas), food and bar zones (Somerset-inspired stalls), family paddock (workshops and chill spots).
- Main event Google location address: Crewkerne Road, Chard Town, Somerset TA20 4DN, UK
Ticket Information
- How tickets are sold: Online via the official website or local outlets like Total Plumbing Supplies; postal delivery of numbered tickets exchanged for wristbands on-site; limited on-day availability.
- Whether admission is free or paid: Paid entry for all ages, with under-5s free to encourage families.
- Ticket pricing in USD only: Weekend passes $78–$91 USD; single-day $52 USD; child (5–17) $26 USD.
- Any special seating or VIP options: No formal VIP; early entry for campers ($13 USD add-on); accessible viewing areas reserved via email.
- Minimum ticket price: $0 USD (under-5s); maximum $91 USD (adult weekend with camping upgrade).
- Group bundles for 4+ at $65 USD each; refunds up to 48 hours prior; ID required for under-21s and alcohol.
Booking with Euro Travelo
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Contact Information
- Email: tickets@chardrock.co.uk (general inquiries and bookings); info@chardrock.co.uk (lineup and volunteers).
- Phone: +44 7738 629158 (festival office, English available).
- Website: https://chardrock.co.uk; https://www.facebook.com/Chardrock (updates and community).
- Social Media: @Chardrock (Facebook); Chardrock (Instagram and X/Twitter).
- Key Staff: Not specified; contact via email for organizer or charity leads.
- Press/Volunteers: Email press@chardrock.co.uk (media); volunteer form on website (open winter).
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. English support available; volunteer briefings in spring.
Getting There
- Nearest airports: Exeter International Airport (EXT), 25 miles/40-min drive via A30; Bristol Airport (BRS), 45 miles/1 hour.
- Public transport: South Western Railway to Axminster station (5 miles/10-min taxi); buses from Taunton or Yeovil to Chard town center.
- Parking: On-site fields $6.50–$13 USD/day; carpool encouraged with shuttle from town overflow lots.
- Other access: Cycle routes from Blackdown Hills; rideshares like Uber from stations; family shuttles for accessibility.
Accommodation Options
- Budget stays: On-site camping at The Drift ($26 USD/tent pitch per night); nearby hostels like Chard YHA ($33 USD/night dorm).
- Mid-range hotels: The Lordleaze Hotel, Chard ($78–$104 USD/night, free parking); Bath House Hotel (central, $65 USD/night with breakfast).
- Luxury options: Hornsbury Mill (riverside, $130–$169 USD/night, spa); Kerrington House in Axminster ($143 USD/night, gourmet dining).
- Other: Airbnbs in town cottages ($52–$91 USD/night); book via Booking.com early for August; pet-friendly at most B&Bs and glamping sites.
Reviews
- Killer tributes had the crowd roaring from the first riff—sunny fields, cheap pints, and that charity vibe made it a total winner for a weekend escape.
- Family rocked out safely with kids loving the workshops; bands nailed the classics, and camping kept the energy alive till dawn—brilliant local gem.
- Raw rock magic in Somerset’s green heart—tunes thumped hard, food hit the spot, left buzzing for next year’s shred session.
Maps
Contact
FAQ's
What distinguishes Chard Rock Festival from bigger rock events?
Chard Rock punches above its weight by laser-focusing on tribute mastery and South West originals, delivering arena-level energy in a cozy field setup that feels exclusive without the elbow-jostle. Charity-driven since day one, it channels fun into real impact—like £5,000+ raised in 2025 for autism causes—while keeping tickets wallet-friendly and camping seamless. The rural Somerset spot adds serene swims in nearby lakes post-mosh, blending high-decibel days with chill nights. No corporate gloss here; it's volunteer-fueled passion that spotlights unsung heroes. Families thrive on the under-5s free policy and safe zones. Die-hards return for the intimate band chats, proving small-scale slays when soul's in the mix.
How family-friendly is the festival, especially for younger kids?
Super kid-centric—under-5s enter free, and the paddock hosts gentle rock-alongs, face-painting, and mini-mosh areas away from the bar buzz, ensuring pint-sized punks feel the beat without overwhelm. Stages kick off midday for nap-friendly pacing, with shaded picnic spots and water stations galore in the heat. Parents praise the wristband swaps for quick reunions and volunteer-monitored family zones. Tribute sets to kid-pleasing bands like Queen add sing-along joy, while camping offers tent clusters for easy bedtimes. It's a soft launch to festival life, sparking music love safely amid Somerset's wholesome hills. Book child tickets early to lock in bundles.
Ways to get involved as a volunteer, performer, or sponsor?
Volunteering's a breeze—grab a spot via the site form for gigs like gate crew or cleanup, snagging free entry and insider access with spring training seshes. Performers (tributes or originals) demo by April for stage slots; locals get priority to amp up community ties. Sponsors score banners and tax perks, emailed for custom packages that align with the charity ethos. No rockstar resume needed—just hype and hustle; past vols gush about forged friendships and lineup scoops. It's empowering, turning fandom into frontline impact. Hit socials for 2026 calls, as crews assemble fast like a guitar solo buildup.
Accessibility features for attendees with disabilities?
Full-throttle inclusion: ramps grace the main stage and camping paths, with accessible loos, quiet nooks for sensory resets, and volunteer escorts on request. Companion tickets free via email, plus audio-described sets for key tributes and low-floor shuttles from parking. Ground-level viewing platforms overlook the fray, and meds/ID policies flex for needs. Feedback spotlights helpful staff navigating the fields. Pre-contact for bespoke setups like reserved tents or BSL interpreters—ensuring every riff resonates equally. It's thoughtful design that rocks for wheelers, walkers, and beyond.
Weather prep and packing essentials for the August weekend?
August Somerset swings 59–75°F with shower risks—layer tees under hoodies, pack ponchos and wellies for mud, plus shades and hats for sunny shredding. Comfy kicks crush the grass; reusables for bars, cash for stalls (cards iffy in crowds), and the app for lineup tweaks. Campers: stakes, sleeping bags, and earplugs for neighborly noise. Sunscreen's non-negotiable, with site bowsers for refills. Locals swear by early gates for shade, post-set swims in Chard Reservoir, and festival flasks for hydration. Dress the part—leather vests optional—and dive in; the vibe's forgiving, so focus on the fun.
