Allen Valleys Folk Festival

About Allen Valleys Folk Festival

Established in 2014, Allen Valleys Folk Festival 2026 returns to Allendale Town as a folk music event with traditional dance and spoken word in the mix.

The format is village-scale. Music moves around Allendale rather than into a single arena, with the Marketplace central to the Saturday-night Allendale Wolf procession and bonfire.

Lineup and Programme

The 2026 programme runs on two named stages: the David Crellin Stage at St Cuthbert’s Church and the Session Tent next to Allendale Village Hall.

Folk music sits alongside traditional dance and spoken word. Programme elements include folk concerts and open mic sessions, plus workshops, guided walks, spoken word events and a family ceilidh. Marketplace dance and the Wolf bonfire procession are also part of the published programme.

Who Is It For?

The audience is the village-festival end of the folk circuit. Allen Valleys describes the event as a small village-based festival run by volunteers, with community activity built around the programme.

Family programming includes a family ceilidh. The recreation ground includes a children’s play area and skatepark.

The Venue and Site

Allendale Village Hall, the Marketplace and St Cuthbert’s Church form the main festival map. Allendale Village Hall sits on Leadgate and has two halls. It also has a stage and bar, with a catering kitchen on site.

Camping is at Bridge End, Allendale, a short walk from the village centre. The campsite has grass and hardstanding areas, a toilet block and no mains power. It opens from Friday morning to Monday morning for tent, motorhome and caravan pitches.

Travel

Allendale Town sits in Northumberland, about 10 miles south-west of Hexham. Newcastle upon Tyne is about 26 miles away, with Carlisle about 27 miles away.

• Nearest stations: Hexham railway station and Haydon Bridge railway station.
• Road access: A69 via Hexham, A686 via Haydon Bridge, B6295 via Langley, and B6303 / Station Road into Allendale.
• Parking: Allendale Village Hall has no off-road parking; parking is available in the village square.