Chester Folk Festival

Chester Folk Festival is an annual celebration of folk music and dance that promises a lively, welcoming experience for everyone. Returning for a long Spring Bank Holiday weekend from Friday 22nd to Monday 25th May 2026, the festival invites musicians, dancers, and music fans to join in four days of traditional songs and contagious community spirit. Set in the scenic Cheshire countryside just outside the historic city of Chester, the festival’s main stage and village green will buzz with guitars, fiddles, accordions and drums. Whether you love to dance or simply listen, there’s something here for every member of the family and all folk fans. From the first guitar strum at sunrise to the final ceilidh bells at twilight, the festival’s energy is electric and uplifting, offering an unforgettable experience for attendees of all ages.

Over a Spring Bank Holiday weekend, audiences can enjoy a rich lineup of folk performers and bands from across England and beyond. Each year the program mixes familiar melodies with fresh creative takes on tradition – from foot-stomping jigs and catchy reels to soulful ballads and world-inspired rhythms. Daytime workshops teach everything from fiddle and guitar skills to dance steps for beginners. After dark, lively ceilidh dances get everyone on their feet – cheerful band callers will guide you through each swing, reel or waltz even if you’ve never danced before. Music continues late into the night in village pubs and around campfires, where both scheduled sessions and impromptu singalongs help create a magical atmosphere under the stars.

One of the festival’s greatest charms is its warm, community spirit. Locals and visitors mix freely – you might be sipping hot cider by a bonfire while listening to a singer spin an old tale, or browsing stalls of handmade crafts and tasty local treats between concerts. Casual jam sessions often spring up when someone starts playing an instrument and everyone around joins in the chorus. Children are catered for too, with a kids’ area offering crafts, puppet shows and storytelling to keep little ones smiling. Throughout the site you’ll find chances to make memories: whether clapping along to a lively tune, learning a new dance step, or simply relaxing on the grass soaking up the joyful scene, the festival truly welcomes you as part of its family.

Set in the rolling hills of Cheshire, Kelsall is a charming village just a short drive from Chester, and its green countryside provides a perfect rustic backdrop. Each morning you’ll wake to birdsong at the campsite and stroll through flower-dotted fields to reach the marquees and stages clustered near the village pub. The short distance to the historic city of Chester means you can easily combine a city break with festival fun. Wander Chester’s Roman walls, visit the cathedral or explore the unique black-and-white 'Rows' architecture during any downtime. Whether you come for the music, the dancing, or just the warm sense of community, Chester Folk Festival promises a friendly welcome and the chance to make musical memories that last long after the Bank Holiday is over.