Beardy Folk Festival

Beardy Folk Festival 2026

Beardy Folk Festival returns in 2026 at the picturesque 17th-century Hopton Court estate, Hopton Waters, near Cleobury Mortimer, Worcestershire. This four-day midsummer event celebrates folk, roots, and world music in a vibrant community setting.

Music

Live music features multiple stages with a mix of traditional folk, Celtic reels, modern singer-songwriters, and world music acts, from established bands to emerging artists.

Workshops & Community

Festival-goers can join workshops to learn traditional instruments, weaving, or group dances, plus open-mic sessions and storytelling circles under ancient oaks.

Family Activities

A dedicated children’s area offers puppet shows, crafts, gentle circus acts, storytelling hours, and nature treasure hunts, ensuring fun for all ages.

Food & Drink

The food village provides hearty local dishes and international flavours, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Bars serve local ales, ciders, wines, and spirits in reusable cups.

Campsite & Facilities

On-site camping includes standard pitches and glamping tents like yurts and tipis, with easy vehicle access, clean facilities, and a solar-heated sauna for added comfort.

Atmosphere

Beardy Folk fosters a warm, inclusive community where visitors enjoy music, dancing, and campfire gatherings beneath starry skies, creating lasting memories.

Hopton Court is set in quiet countryside, so most visitors find driving is easiest. The estate lies just off the A4117 road between Cleobury Mortimer and Ludlow. If you’re coming from the south or east, you might take the M5 north to the A456 towards Kidderminster, then follow regional roads and festival signs. From the north or west, approach via the A49 and secondary roads through the Shropshire Hills. Look out for the distinctive black and yellow Beardy Folk arrows marking the entrance to Hopton Wafers. Parking is available on-site or nearby with a valid camping or day-pass sticker.

Public transport options exist but are limited. The nearest train connections are in Kidderminster (on the Birmingham line) or Ludlow (on the Shrewsbury-Hereford line). From either town you can catch the number 292 bus towards Cleobury Mortimer, getting off at the Hopton Crown pub stop — just a few minutes’ walk from Hopton Court. Bus services run less frequently on weekends, so plan your trip in advance. Taxis from the train stations are also an easy option for a more direct journey; sharing rides is common and helps save cost.

For those flying in, Birmingham Airport (BHX) is the closest major airport — about 1.5 hours away by car. From there you can rent a vehicle or take the train into Birmingham city and onward to Kidderminster. Manchester Airport (around 2 hours away) and East Midlands Airport (about 1.5 hours) are alternative gateways, each with good rail links into the region. International visitors often choose Birmingham as the easiest route. Allow extra travel time on country roads, especially if arriving close to festival start or end times.

Accommodation is available to suit many needs. The festival offers on-site camping and glamping (such as bell tents and yurts) for those wanting to stay in the midst of the party — just remember to book camping passes along with your tickets. In the surrounding area you’ll find charming B&Bs, guesthouses and country inns in Hopton Wafers, Cleobury Mortimer and nearby villages. One local favourite is the Hopton Crown pub, which has comfortable rooms a short walk from the site. The larger towns of Ludlow, Kidderminster and Bridgnorth (20-30 minutes away) have hotels and more availability. If you plan on staying off-site, be sure to book well in advance, as rooms fill up for popular summer weekends. Wherever you stay, you’ll enjoy peaceful countryside views and easy access to the festival each day.