Off the Tracks – Doncaster, England 2026
Overview
Off the Tracks 2026 returns as a beloved independent family-friendly music festival, set in the idyllic East Midlands countryside at Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel near Castle Donington (close to Doncaster’s regional draw). Celebrating 38 years of grassroots charm since its 1988 inception by co-founders Andy Cooper and Boz Borys, this three-day escape emphasizes relaxation, community, and eclectic live music without corporate gloss, attracting families and music lovers for a “small is beautiful” vibe praised by The Sunday Times as a top boutique event.
Run by a dedicated volunteer team, the festival blends sunny fields, historic barns, and open-air stages with a sponsor-free ethos, offering everything from folk and blues to indie and world beats. With a focus on chilling out or cranking up the excitement, it’s a perfect antidote to larger fests, fostering new friendships amid crafts, therapy tents, and trader markets—all while supporting local causes through its intimate, inclusive setup.
Event Highlights
- Main Performances: Eclectic lineup across multiple stages, historically mixing folk, blues, jazz, world music, indie, reggae, brass bands, and electronic DJs; 2026 artists TBA, with past years featuring local heroes like No Right Turn and emerging acts for a diverse, crowd-pleasing bill.
- Special Features: Converted barns and canvas marquees for intimate sets, Stackyard open-air stage for starlit jams, and acoustic corners for spontaneous sessions; Goblin Market for crafts and traders.
- Unique Attractions: Energy Orchard therapy tents for wellness, family picnic zones, and a “house party” atmosphere with options for quiet escapes or high-energy dancing; historic venue ties to weddings and year-round hospitality.
About This Event
- An annual three-day independent music festival since 1988, held at Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel in the Derbyshire countryside, known for its chilled, non-corporate family focus.
- Organized by BB Events Ltd. (co-directors Andy Cooper and Boz Borys), with a small team including resident photographer Graham, wordsmith Lynwen, and web designer Haluk.
- All-ages welcome (under-12s free with registration, 12–16 youth tickets required); attracts families emphasizing safety and inclusivity.
- Features multiple stages in barns and fields, trader markets, therapy areas, and camping; capacity keeps it intimate (thousands, not tens of thousands).
- Sponsor-free with eco-conscious roots; supports community through volunteer-driven operations and local trader spots.
- Legacy of 37+ years, starting as a local Derby gig expansion; named top “Small is Beautiful Festival” by The Sunday Times.
Why Attend
Off the Tracks 2026 is a heartwarming countryside retreat where the simple joy of live tunes meets the thrill of discovery, letting you swap city stress for field-fresh air, folk fiddles, and festival-forged bonds in a venue that’s equal parts historic charm and hidden gem. As one of the UK’s last truly independent fests, it honors its roots with a lineup that surprises—think brass blasts by day, DJ grooves by dusk—while keeping things real for families craving unpretentious fun without the mega-fest frenzy.
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What truly sets it apart is the ethos of “small things in a great way,” from wristbanded kid safety to therapy nooks that nurture your soul, all backed by a team that’s more mates than moguls. Whether you’re a first-timer pitching a tent or a repeat escapee, this September sun-soaker reignites that festival magic, leaving you with sun-kissed memories, new playlist staples, and a quiet vow to return to its welcoming fields.
Date & Duration
- Dates: September 4 – September 6, 2026
- Duration: 3 days
Venue / Location
- City: Castle Donington (near Doncaster), England
- Main Venue: Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel, a historic countryside estate with fields, barns, and gardens ideal for multi-stage setups and camping.
- Notable Areas: Stackyard open-air stage for mains, converted stone barns for acoustics, canvas marquee for weather-proof gigs, Goblin Market trader zone, and Energy Orchard wellness tents.
- Google Maps Address: Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel, Melbourne Rd, Isley Walton, Castle Donington DE74 2RN, United Kingdom
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Online via offthetracks.co.uk (official shop, e-tickets emailed); in-person at BPM record shop in Derby’s Sadler Gate; day tickets on-gate only (subject to availability).
- Admission Type: Paid.
- Ticket Pricing Range: $100 USD (minimum) – $250 USD (maximum).
- Special Seating/VIP Options: Youth tickets for 12–16 (£50–£80, max 2 per adult); under-12s free (register on-site for wristbands); no formal VIP but early bird discounts for pre-bookers.
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Contact Information
- Email: info@offthetracks.co.uk (general inquiries); sales@ott-tickets.co.uk (tickets/lost tickets).
- Phone: +44 7825 512168 (text/call for ticket issues).
- Website: https://www.offthetracks.co.uk (See Official Site).
- Social Media: @offthetracksfest (Facebook, Instagram).
- Key Staff: Andy Cooper (Co-Director); Boz Borys (Co-Director).
- Press/Volunteers: Email info@offthetracks.co.uk (press/volunteers); band applications post-October via dedicated form.
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. English support available; GDPR-compliant forms delete data after 30 days.
Getting There
- Nearest Airport: East Midlands (EMA), 5 miles away with Ryanair/EasyJet flights from London, Edinburgh, and Europe.
- Public Transport: Trains to East Midlands Parkway (2 miles, then taxi/bus); National Express coaches from London/Birmingham to Derby (20 mins drive).
- Parking: On-site at festival fields (pre-book advised, £10–£20/day); carpooling encouraged.
- Other: Drive via M1/A50 (Derby 20 mins, Nottingham 30 mins); taxis/Uber (~£10 from station); festival shuttles from Derby Bus Station (TBD).
Accommodation Options
- Hotels: Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel (on-site, rooms from £100/night with festival packages).
- Airbnb: Rural cottages near Castle Donington or Derby town flats for groups.
- Camping: On-site pitches (£50–£100 weekend, bring your own tent); electric hook-ups available (£20 extra); pre/post-festival stays £10/night.
- Booking Tip: Book via offthetracks.co.uk bundles—September fills fast; nearby Donington Manor Hotel for overflow.
Reviews
- Chilled perfection in the fields—eclectic tunes, family laughs, zero corporate vibe!
- Barn gigs and trader treasures stole the show; kids loved it, we’ll be back for more.
- Indie bliss with a side of countryside calm—small scale, massive heart.
Maps
Contact
FAQ's
When and where is Off the Tracks 2026, and what's the vibe?
Held September 4–6 at Donington Park Farmhouse near Castle Donington, it's a three-day indie haven blending folk, blues, and world beats across barns and fields. Family-focused with relaxation options—gates open Friday morning, music from afternoon to late. Expect 5,000–10,000 attendees in a non-corporate bubble; app/site for maps. It's "small things in a great way"—perfect for escaping to crafts, therapy, and tunes without the mega-fest hassle.
How do I buy tickets, and what are the rules for kids/pets?
Online at offthetracks.co.uk (e-tickets instant, early bird saves £20–£30); day tickets gate-only (£40–£60). Weekend from £100+ camping. Under-12s free (register for safety wristbands); 12–16 youth £50+ (max 2 per adult, accompanied). No pets allowed (except assistance dogs, notify advance). No refunds/resales—buy official to avoid fakes. High demand—book by summer 2026.
Is the festival accessible, and what facilities are there?
Yes: Wheelchair-friendly paths to main stages, accessible camping, and welfare team for needs (email info@offthetracks.co.uk pre-event). Toilets/showers for all; quiet zones in Energy Orchard. Hilly fields but shuttles help; sturdy aids advised. Family perks: Child-safe registration, picnic areas. It's inclusive by design—volunteers assist; no temporary impairment priority but on-site first aid.
How do I get there, and what's camping like?
EMA Airport (5 miles, taxi £10); trains to East Midlands Parkway (shuttle £5). Drive M1 (Nottingham 30 mins). On-site parking £10/day. Camping: 1,000+ pitches (£50–£100 weekend, BYO tent); electric £20 extra; pre/post £10/night. Glamping pods TBD (£150+). No cars in site post-setup—eco-friendly vibe with carpool spots. App for directions; arrive Thursday for setup.
What food/drink and extras can I expect?
Goblin Market traders offer local crafts, street food (vegan/gluten-free, £5–£15), and ales; on-site bars with ciders. BYO picnics (no glass). Extras: Therapy tents for massages/yoga (£10–£20), kids' zones with crafts. Prohibited: Glass, drones, fires. Cashless preferred; ATMs on-site. It's a trader haven—browse antiques while munching pies, all fueling the communal buzz.
