New Forest Folk Festival – Beaulieu, England 2026

Overview

The New Forest Folk Festival 2026 is a family-run gem nestled in the heart of Hampshire’s ancient woodlands, offering a relaxed five-day escape into traditional and contemporary folk music, dance, and song at the scenic Powells Farm. Since its inception in 2013, sparked by a chat between organizer Nick Curtis and folk legend Richard Digance, this intimate gathering has grown into a beloved haven for over 1,000 attendees, blending rustic charm with live performances on a hand-built barn stage, ceilidhs under the stars, and woodland workshops that celebrate England’s folk heritage amid wildflower meadows and babbling streams.

Held on the Curtis family farm—six generations strong—this event captures the essence of community spirit, with home-cooked meals from Helen’s café, singarounds led by local talents, and Morris dancers kicking off the festivities. It’s a haven for families, with children’s activities and gentle walks through the New Forest National Park, all while supporting wildlife conservation and sustainable farming. Whether you’re swaying to fiddle tunes or joining a poetry session by the stream, the festival promises unhurried joy in one of Britain’s most enchanting rural settings.

Event Highlights

• Main activities or performances: Full days of music on the main stage from Thursday (local artists 11:00–23:00) through Sunday (12:00–23:00), featuring folk legends like Richard Digance and emerging acts; includes ceilidhs, singarounds, and late-night folk clubs.
• Special traditions or features: Wednesday meet-and-greet with Morris dancers, BBQ, and singarounds (18:00–23:30); Friday torchlit procession; woodland fringe workshops on songwriting, meditation, and instrument play; children’s storytelling and crafts daily.
• Unique attractions for visitors: Hand-built rustic stage with panoramic views, family-run café serving homemade British/world foods (vegan/veggie options), real ale bar open 11:00–23:30, and a streamside fringe for poetry and ale sessions.

About This Event

• Five-day folk festival celebrating traditional English folk music, dance, song, and storytelling.
• Organized by the Curtis family (Nick, Helen, Keith) as a family-run operation since 2013.
• Held at Powells Farm in Plaitford, near Romsey—a sixth-generation family site in the New Forest National Park.
• Features main stage concerts, woodland fringe workshops/ceilidhs, children’s activities, and trader stalls.
• Emphasizes relaxed, eco-friendly vibes with on-site camping, free parking, and wildlife-friendly practices.
• Attracts families and folk enthusiasts for an intimate, community-focused weekend with no commercial overload.
• Supports local causes through volunteer stewards and sustainable site management.

Why Attend

The New Forest Folk Festival 2026 is a soothing balm for the soul, where the rustle of ancient oaks accompanies heartfelt ballads and laughter, inviting you to trade city hustle for farm-fresh air and the simple thrill of shared songs in a sixth-generation family haven. From Thursday’s local artist showcase to Sunday’s grand ceilidh, it’s a gentle immersion that nurtures creativity—perfect for families exploring kids’ crafts by the stream or couples unwinding with poetry workshops amid wildflowers.

This festival’s magic lies in its unpretentious heart: a hand-built stage overlooking meadows, Helen’s home-cooked feasts, and Nick’s everywhere-at-once energy create bonds that feel like reuniting with old friends. In the New Forest’s timeless embrace, attending here isn’t just entertainment—it’s a recharge for the spirit, blending heritage with heartfelt moments that linger like a well-sung refrain, making it an idyllic retreat for folk lovers seeking authenticity over spectacle.

Date & Duration

• Dates: July 1 – July 5, 2026.
• Duration: 5 days.

Venue / Location

• City: Beaulieu (near Romsey/Plaitford), England.
• Main Venue: Powells Farm, with main stage arena and woodland fringe marquees.
• Notable Areas: Camping fields with showers/toilets, children’s activity zone, trader stalls near stage, café/bar by arena entrance, and streamside fringe for workshops.
• Google Maps Address: Powells Farm, Salisbury Road, Plaitford, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 6EE.

Ticket Information

• How tickets are sold: Online via newforestfolkfestival.co.uk or The Ticket Sellers (email delivery with barcode); Tier 2 pricing until Dec 31, 2025; camping added separately.
• Admission: Paid; children 5–15 at reduced rate.
• Ticket Price Range: $75–$170 USD (adult 5-day ~£135/$170; child 5–15 ~£60/$75; under-5 free; camping £10/night or £40/5 days per pitch).
• Special Seating/VIP Options: Disabled parking/viewing near arena; XCOVER insurance for bookings; family bundles via email; no separate VIP but priority for stewards.

Booking with Euro Travelo

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Contact Information

• Email: nick@newforestfolkfestival.co.uk (general/artist inquiries); info@theticketsellers.co.uk (tickets).
• Phone: +44 7435 123057 (Keith Curtis).
• Website: newforestfolkfestival.co.uk.
• Social Media: @newforestfolk (Twitter/X ); Facebook page for discussions and updates.
• Key Staff: Nick Curtis (executive, artists), Helen Curtis (café), Keith Curtis (merchandise/phone).
• Press/Volunteers: Press via email; stewards/bar staff filled for 2025 (check for 2026 via nick@newforestfolkfestival.co.uk).
• Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; English support; unsubscribe from mailing list anytime.

Getting There

• Nearest Airports: Southampton (SOU, ~15 miles, 25-min drive); Bournemouth (BOH, ~25 miles, 40-min drive).
• Public Transport: Train to Romsey Station (~6 miles, from London ~1.5 hours), then taxi/bus (X7 daytime Thu–Sat); Southampton/Salisbury stations midway on A36.
• Parking: Free on-site for non-campers (short walk to arena via Sherfield English Road); campers park next to tents.
• Access: A36 between Salisbury/Southampton (Junction 2 M27 to Ower Roundabout); sat-nav SO51 6EF for main gate.

Accommodation Options

• Luxury Hotels: The Montagu Arms (~5 miles in Beaulieu, historic with spa); Careys Manor (~8 miles in Brockenhurst, woodland luxury).
• Mid-Range Hotels: The Bugle Hotel (~6 miles in Romsey, coaching inn charm); Premier Inn Southampton East (~12 miles, modern basics).
• Budget Options: Travelodge Southampton (~15 miles, affordable); YHA Ringwood (~10 miles, hostel groups).
• Other Options: On-site camping (£10/night or £40/5 days for tents/caravans/motorhomes, Wed–Mon, showers/toilets included); Airbnbs in Romsey (~£80–£150/night); B&Bs like The Old Farmhouse in Plaitford.
• Booking Tip: Book camping with tickets; 3–6 months ahead for July; Euro Travelo for train + pitch packages.

Reviews

• Rustic stage and woodland vibes were pure magic—family feasts from Helen’s café hit the spot!
• Children’s activities and ceilidhs kept everyone hooked; felt like a cozy farm reunion.
• Morris meet-and-greet kicked off perfectly—friendly folk haven with unbeatable countryside charm!