Underneath the Stars – Barnsley, England 2026
Overview
Underneath the Stars is an award-winning, boutique family-friendly music and arts festival nestled in the scenic South Yorkshire countryside, just outside Barnsley, England. Established in 2014 by the team behind folk icon Kate Rusby and Pure Records, this not-for-profit Community Interest Company has grown into a cherished three-day summer celebration, drawing around 5,000 attendees to its idyllic farm setting for a perfect blend of eclectic live music, creative workshops, and immersive family adventures. As a platform for both emerging and established artists, it emphasizes quality, inclusivity, and community, with all profits reinvested into music programs, volunteer schemes, accessibility improvements, and subsidized experiences for families who might otherwise miss out.
Beyond the stages, the festival pulses with artsy energy—think storytelling sessions, circus skills, choir performances, craft markets, and partnerships with local gems like Barnsley Museums, The Woodland Trust, and Grimm & Co—creating a whimsical village-like haven where rain or shine, attendees party, connect, and discover. Gender-balanced lineups span folk, pop, indie, and world sounds, complemented by boutique food stalls, real ales, and silent discos, all under Yorkshire’s starry skies. It’s more than an event; it’s a heartfelt investment in South Yorkshire’s cultural heartbeat, fostering new friendships and lifelong memories in a safe, vibrant space that feels worlds away from the everyday.
Event Highlights
- Main attractions, activities, or performances: Eclectic lineup across multiple stages with 50/50 gender-balanced acts like past headliners Scouting for Girls, The Feeling, Beans on Toast, and O’Hooley & Tidow, plus folk roots from Kate Rusby affiliates; celebrity interviews, silent discos, and family choirs like Barnsley Youth Choir for non-stop entertainment from Friday to Sunday.
- Special traditions or features: Annual reinvestment of profits into community programs, volunteer training, and accessibility; partnerships with local enterprises for workshops and subsidized family entry; a focus on pioneering schemes that spotlight emerging talent and create inclusive adventures for all ages.
- Unique attractions for visitors: Whimsical family zones with circus skills, storytelling, crafts, and puppetry; artisan markets and boutique caterers offering Yorkshire pies to global vegan delights; serene woodland walks and stargazing spots amid the farm’s natural amphitheater, blending arts immersion with relaxed picnics.
About This Event
- Founded in 2014 as a not-for-profit CIC by Pure Records and Kate Rusby’s production team, dedicated to nurturing emerging and established artists while building community through music and arts.
- Hosted at Cinderhill Farm, a picturesque 50-acre site in Barnsley’s green belt, providing a boutique, low-impact setting with natural acoustics, ample camping, and eco-friendly facilities for up to 5,000 guests.
- Emphasizes 50/50 gender-balanced programming across genres like folk, pop, indie, and world music, ensuring diverse, high-quality lineups that evolve annually without commercial excess.
- All profits cycle back into volunteer development, accessibility upgrades, subsidized tickets for low-income families, and partnerships with locals like Barnsley Council, Wild Rumpus, and The Woodland Trust.
- Award-winning for its family focus and cultural impact, with schemes like training workshops and artist platforms that foster long-term community growth in South Yorkshire.
- Committed to sustainability and safety: no single-use plastics, professional welfare teams, and a welcoming ethos that supports mental health, creativity, and intergenerational fun.
Why Attend
Underneath the Stars beckons as Yorkshire’s hidden gem for families craving a boutique escape where world-class folk and indie tunes mingle with hands-on artsy thrills, all in a cozy farm haven that feels like a three-day hug from the countryside. It’s the antidote to mega-fests—intimate enough for kids to join choir sing-alongs or circus workshops while parents catch Beans on Toast under the oaks, with every detail crafted for joy, from subsidized entry to volunteer-led vibes that make strangers instant mates. Affordable and heartfelt, it’s where you rediscover wonder, whether dancing in wellies or stargazing post-silent disco.
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At its core, attending fuels a ripple of good: your ticket powers artist breakthroughs, community training, and accessible adventures for those who need it most, all amid Barnsley’s rolling hills. It’s a celebration of South Yorkshire’s spirit—energetic yet grounded, rainy dances turning to sunlit picnics—leaving you recharged, connected, and plotting your return to this not-for-profit oasis that proves festivals can heal and uplift without the hype.
Date & Duration
- Dates: August 7 – August 9, 2026
- Duration: 3 days
Venue / Location
- Main venue: Cinderhill Farm, hosting all stages, camping fields, workshops, markets, and family areas across its 50-acre wooded site with natural hill views.
- Notable areas: Main music arena for headliners, woodland glade for acoustic sets, kids’ village for activities, and central food/craft hub; fully walkable with shaded paths.
- Google Maps address: Cinderhill Farm, Darton Road, Cawthorne, Barnsley S75 4JA, UK
Ticket Information
- Tickets sold online via the official website with e-ticket delivery and confirmation; physical options at gates; early bird and group/family bundles promoted.
- Admission is paid; under-7s free, youth (7-17) at reduced rates, with subsidized options for low-income families via community schemes.
- Ticket pricing in USD: Weekend adult tickets range from a minimum of $135 (early bird) to a maximum of $210 (standard with camping); day tickets from $55.
- Special options: Free companion tickets for disabled attendees (apply with proof); family packs saving 20-30%; accessible platforms but no formal VIP, with priority welfare access.
- Under-18s require adult accompaniment; non-refundable barring cancellation, with official resale via partners like Twickets to prevent touts.
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Contact Information
- Email: info@underthestarsfest.co.uk (general inquiries); use website form for specific queries like artists or volunteers.
- Phone: +44 (0)1226 767872 (English available for bookings and support).
- Website: https://underneaththestarsfest.co.uk
- Social Media: @UnderTheStarsFest (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter/X).
- Key Staff: Pure Records team and Kate Rusby affiliates—contact via info@ for coordinators.
- Press/Volunteers: Press via email with “Media” subject; volunteer applications through website form (training workshops provided).
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; English primary, with community outreach for accessibility queries.
Getting There
- Airports: Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA, ~25 miles/40 km north, 40-minute drive); Manchester Airport (MAN, ~40 miles/64 km west, 1-hour drive); Doncaster Sheffield (DSA, ~25 miles/40 km southeast, 45-minute drive, seasonal).
- Public transport: Trains to Barnsley Interchange via Northern Rail from Leeds (30 minutes) or Sheffield (20 minutes), then Bus 92/93 to Cawthorne (15 minutes, stops near Darton Road); taxis from station ~$15.
- Parking: Free on-site fields for weekend ticket holders (pre-book passes recommended); car-sharing encouraged, with disabled spots near entrance and shuttle service.
- Other access: Taxis/drop-offs via Darton Road entrance (signposted); cycling paths from Barnsley (5 miles); walking from Cawthorne village (1 mile uphill); rural rideshares available but book ahead.
- Road access: A61 north from Barnsley (4 miles) or A628 from Sheffield (10 miles); satnav to S75 4JA; August Bank Holiday traffic—gates open noon Friday, arrive early.
Accommodation Options
- On-site camping: Included with weekend tickets (tents and limited campervans, ~$30 extra for vehicles); family-friendly quiet zones, with showers, toilets, and eco-water points; no caravans, fires restricted to raised BBQs.
- Hotels/guest houses: The Darton Arms in Barnsley (cozy pub rooms, free parking, from $90 USD/night); Rookery Hall Hotel (boutique luxury, gardens, 6 miles, from $140 USD); festival deals via Visit Barnsley.
- Holiday cottages: Self-catering farmhouses near Peak District via Sykes (e.g., Cawthorne cottages with views, from $130 USD/night for families); pet-friendly options abundant.
- Glamping: On-site bell tents and yurts via festival partners (furnished with beds/power, from $220 USD weekend); off-site pods at Cannon Hall Farm (5 miles, en-suites ~$180 USD).
- Other: B&Bs like The Old Rectory in Cawthorne (breakfast included, $100 USD); Airbnb lodges in Barnsley (groups, $110-160 USD/night); budget hostels in Sheffield (train access, $60 USD).
Reviews
- Pure magic in the Yorkshire woods—killer folk sets, kids’ workshops that sparked joy, and that community buzz made our family weekend unforgettable.
- Boutique bliss with diverse tunes from indie to choir harmonies; affordable camping and crafts had us dancing till dawn—total gem for artsy souls.
- Rainy tents turned sunny sing-alongs; O’Hooley & Tidow slayed, family zones kept tots happy, and the not-for-profit heart shone through every smile.
Maps
Contact
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FAQ's
Is Underneath the Stars suitable for families with young children?
This festival is a family dream, meticulously designed with under-7s free entry and youth discounts to ensure every kid joins the magic without breaking the bank, featuring a bustling kids' village bursting with Wild Rumpus storytelling, circus skills, puppetry, and Barnsley Youth Choir sessions that blend education with glee from dawn till dusk. The 50-acre farm layout offers safe, shaded paths and quiet camping zones where tots can nap amid the oaks, while mellow acoustic glades keep volumes family-friendly alongside high-energy main stage fun. Parents love the subsidized schemes for low-income households, professional crèche options, and welfare teams with baby-change hubs—it's all about intergenerational spark, with no-alcohol family areas and volunteer stewards creating a bubble of security. Eco-touches like free water and picnic allowances make mealtimes effortless, turning potential chaos into cherished adventures. Over a decade in, it's evolved into Yorkshire's go-to for pint-sized explorers discovering folk fiddles or face-painting fairies, fostering bonds that last beyond the weekend.
How do tickets work, and what's the refund policy for 2026?
Snag tickets early via the website for e-delivery and instant access, with weekend passes (~$135-210 USD) bundling camping and full access, day options (~$55), and savvy family/group bundles slashing costs by 20%; early birds vanish fast, so newsletter sign-up is key. Digital phones work fine—no printing hassles—and resale's protected through Twickets to dodge touts, keeping it fair. Refunds? Slim chance except full cancellation (weather-resilient site), but the CIC's community ethos means credits or rollovers in tough times; check terms for force majeure. Free companions for disabled (proof emailed) and under-18 rules ensure inclusivity. Pair with Euro Travelo for seamless add-ons like transport. It's value-packed, with proceeds fueling artist gigs and volunteer magic—lock in your starry slot before Barnsley's summer fever hits.
What camping options and rules apply at the festival?
Weekend tickets embrace ground-tent camping across family-quiet fields and lively zones (campervans ~$30 extra, limited to 200 spots—book pronto); no caravans to preserve the boutique footprint, but glamping bells add luxe comfort (~$220). Gates swing at noon Friday for setup, with pack-your-waste eco-policy, plentiful hot showers/toilets, and Scout trolleys hauling gear from parking (~$5 donation). Raised BBQs only (no ground fires for farm safety), quiet hours post-11pm honor neighbors, and free water refills beat the August heat—bring reusables for green cred. No pets or glass, but picnics fuel pre-set feasts. Stewards guide pitches for newbies, ensuring a seamless vibe where tents become twinkly homes under Yorkshire skies. It's authentic farm festing with heart, minus mega-fest mud marathons.
What accessibility features are there for disabled visitors?
Inclusivity's woven in, with free companion tickets (apply pre-event with proof) unlocking priority entry, reserved disabled parking steps from gates, and raised viewing decks at every stage for mud-free panoramas. Wheelchair-friendly paths (firm gravel where grassy) snake through the site, linking accessible RADAR toilets, welfare tents with quiet nooks, and shuttles from afar lots; assistance dogs get water stations and shaded rests. Medical team's on-call with NHS ties for seamless support, pyrotechnics announced ahead, and minimal queues via fast-tracks—volunteers, trained in sensitivities, lend arms or gear hauls. The compact layout keeps distances short, and CIC investments amp ramps yearly. Attendees cheer the thoughtful flow, letting all—from elders to enablers—savor Rusby-esque fiddles and woodland whispers barrier-free; email ahead for tent tweaks or BSL interpreters.
Can I bring my own food and drink, and what's the on-site policy?
Picnics are a resounding yes—pack blankets and coolers (no glass/cans for safety) to sprawl under oaks for homemade feasts amid the folk fiddles, embracing that fete-style charm while dodging queues. Arena's booze-limited to the licensed bar (local ales ~$5 pint, ciders for tots' mocktails) for family-safe licensing, but campsite sipping's fine responsibly. On-site, boutique vendors dazzle with Yorkshire grub like gourmet pies, vegan global bites, and wood-fired sweets (~$6-12), plus three free water hubs for hydration heroics. No BBQs in main areas (parkland rules), but campsite raised grills spark communal suppers. This BYO-plus-provision mix sparks shared plates and chats, amplifying the CIC's community pulse—many swear it trumps overpriced fest fare, pairing perfectly with sunset sets and starry toasts.
