Sunflower Festival – Belfast, Northern Ireland 2026
Overview
The Sunflower Festival 2026 blooms into life at the picturesque Montalto Estate in Hillsborough, just outside Belfast, offering a sun-drenched celebration of music, fields of golden sunflowers, and family-friendly outdoor adventures over two magical days. This annual event transforms the historic 18th-century estate into a vibrant haven, blending indie, folk, and pop performances with interactive farm experiences, local food markets, and sunflower picking, attracting music lovers and nature enthusiasts from across Northern Ireland and beyond.
Curated with a focus on community and sustainability, the festival features emerging and established artists across multiple stages, set against rolling meadows and wildflower trails, creating an idyllic escape that honors the region’s agricultural heritage while delivering unforgettable summer vibes in the heart of County Down.
Event Highlights
- Main Performances: Eclectic lineup of indie, folk, and pop acts across the Main Stage and Acoustic Barn, with past headliners like The Stunning, The Whileaways, and emerging talents; 2026 artists TBA, promising high-energy sets amid sunflower fields.
- Special Features: Guided sunflower picking sessions, wildflower workshops, and farm-to-table dining from local producers, complemented by artisan markets and eco-craft activities.
- Unique Attractions: Tractor rides through blooming fields, family picnic zones with storytelling sessions, and sustainability pledges like zero-waste initiatives and bee-friendly planting.
About This Event
- Annual two-day music and nature festival since 2015, held at Montalto Estate near Belfast, emphasizing sunflowers, live music, and rural heritage.
- Organized by Sunflower Festival Ltd., with partners supporting local farming and eco-practices.
- All-ages welcome, with dedicated kids’ zones and under-12s free entry.
- Capacity around 5,000 daily, featuring two main stages, food villages, and interactive farm elements.
- Committed to green credentials, including compostable packaging and proceeds for community agriculture projects.
- Attracts families and festival-goers seeking a relaxed, flower-filled alternative to urban events.
Why Attend
Sunflower Festival 2026 is a joyful ode to summer’s golden hour, where you can wander endless sunflower fields while catching soulful tunes from rising stars, all wrapped in the serene charm of Montalto’s woodlands and lakes. It’s the ideal low-key getaway for those craving fresh air, farm-fresh feasts, and feel-good folk sets that linger in your playlist long after the petals fade.
What makes it shine is the seamless fusion of nature and melody, fostering family bonds through picking sessions and picnics, while eco-efforts ensure your visit leaves the earth brighter. In Belfast’s lush backyard, this festival isn’t just an event—it’s a sun-kissed reset that celebrates growth, both floral and personal, leaving you recharged and sunflower-scented.
Date & Duration
- Dates: August 15 – August 16, 2026
- Duration: 2 days
Venue / Location
- City: Hillsborough (near Belfast), Northern Ireland
- Main Venue: Montalto Estate, a 200-acre Georgian estate with formal gardens, woodlands, and open meadows perfect for outdoor stages and fields.
- Notable Areas: Main Stage in the Sunflower Field for headliners, Acoustic Barn for intimate sets, Wildflower Trail for workshops, and Lakeside Picnic Zone for families.
- Google Maps Address: Montalto Estate, Cabra Road, Hillsborough BT25 5QL, United Kingdom
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Online via sunflowerfest.co.uk (official site) or partners like Ticketmaster NI; weekend passes and day tickets available, with early bird sales in spring.
- Admission Type: Paid.
- Ticket Pricing Range: $50 USD (minimum) – $120 USD (maximum).
- Special Seating/VIP Options: VIP garden access with premium viewing, private bars, and priority parking; family bundles for under-12s are free with an adult ticket.
Booking with Euro Travelo
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Contact Information
- Email: info@sunflowerfest.co.uk (general inquiries).
- Phone: Not specified; use email or website form for queries.
- Website: https://www.sunflowerfest.co.uk (See Official Site).
- Social Media: @sunflowerfestni (Instagram, Facebook).
- Key Staff: Not specified; contact festival team via info email.
- Press/Volunteers: Email press@sunflowerfest.co.uk (press); volunteer info via info@sunflowerfest.co.uk (TBD).
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. English support available.
Getting There
- Nearest Airport: Belfast International Airport (BFS), 25 miles north, or George Best City Airport (BHD), 15 miles east.
- Public Transport: Translink Ulsterbus from Belfast Laganside (service 238, 30 minutes to Hillsborough); trains to Lisburn then bus/taxi.
- Parking: On-site at Montalto Estate (pre-book recommended, £10/day); carpooling encouraged for sustainability.
- Other: Taxis from Belfast (~£30, 25 minutes); festival shuttles from Belfast city center (TBD, book via site); cycling paths from Hillsborough village.
Accommodation Options
- Hotels: Nearby Ballynahinch Castle Hotel (luxury, 5 miles) or The Plough Inn Hillsborough (cozy pub stay, 1 mile).
- Airbnb: Charming farm cottages or village homes in Hillsborough for a rural feel.
- Camping: No on-site; nearby options like Drummenagh Caravan Park (3 miles) with festival shuttles.
- Booking Tip: Book early via VisitNorthernIreland.com—Belfast overflow available, but estate proximity ideal for morning field walks.
Reviews
- Sunflowers everywhere and tunes that hit just right—pure summer joy with the kids!
- Relaxed vibes, amazing local grub, and that golden field sunset—back next year for sure.
- Family favorite: picking flowers by day, dancing by dusk—couldn’t ask for more!
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What is the music lineup like for Sunflower Festival 2026?
Expect a sunny mix of indie, folk, and pop across the Main Stage and Acoustic Barn, building on past lineups with acts like The Whileaways and local rising stars. The 2026 announcement drops in spring via the mailing list—historically 10–15 artists over two days, starting midday Saturday/Sunday. Stages blend high-energy anthems with mellow acoustics amid the blooms. Download the app for set times once live. It's curated for all tastes, with family sets early afternoon. Check sunflowerfest.co.uk for teasers; past faves ensure feel-good grooves.
Are children welcome, and what family activities are there?
Absolutely—under-12s free with an adult ticket, and kids' zones buzz with sunflower crafts, tractor rides, and storytelling circles. The Wildflower Trail offers bug hunts and eco-workshops, while picnic areas keep little ones fed. No age limits daytime, but evenings suit older families (ends 10 PM). Strollers navigate paths easily; baby-changing at food hubs. It's designed for multi-gen fun—parents relax to tunes while kids roam safely. Email info@sunflowerfest.co.uk for group rates or accessibility add-ons like quiet zones.
How does the festival promote sustainability?
Sunflower Festival pledges zero-waste with compostable plates/cups and recycling stations everywhere—bring reusables for discounts. Partnered with local farms for bee-friendly fields and carbon-offset travel via shuttles. Food stalls prioritize NI producers (vegan/gluten-free options), and workshops teach wildflower planting. No single-use plastics; dog waste bins for pet owners. Proceeds support estate conservation. App tracks your green impact—aim for 'Sunflower Hero' status. It's seamless, so you focus on the fun while treading lightly on this blooming estate.
What food and drink can I expect on-site?
A farm-fresh feast awaits: local stalls sling wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers, seafood from Strangford Lough, and sweet treats like sunflower seed cakes ($5–$15 USD). Craft beers from Hilden Brewery, ciders, and non-alcoholic floral infusions flow at bars. Picnic your own (no glass/alcohol) or grab picnic bundles. Dietary needs covered—vegan, veggie, halal flags on menus. Live cooking demos tie into workshops. Cashless preferred; ATMs on-site. It's all about celebrating NI's bounty amid the petals—grab a spot by the lake for sunset snacking.
How do I get tickets and avoid missing out?
Snag them early on sunflowerfest.co.uk—no fees via direct buy; early birds (spring 2026) save 20%. Weekend passes ($50–$120 USD) cover both days; day tickets available. Over-90% sell historically, so join the mailing list for alerts. No resales—ID checked at gates. Concessions for students/seniors; families get under-12 free. Refunds only if canceled. VIP upsells for garden perks. It's capped for intimacy, ensuring space to wander fields—book transport bundles for hassle-free arrival from Belfast.
