Chippenham Folk Festival

Chippenham Folk Festival 2026

Taking place from 22nd to 25th May 2026 in Chippenham, Wiltshire, the Chippenham Folk Festival is a four-day celebration of traditional and contemporary folk music set in the charming market town.

Music

The festival features stages and pop-up venues across parks and squares, showcasing fiddle, guitar, accordion and more, alongside buskers and open-mic sessions. Workshops and sessions offer opportunities to learn songs, tunes and dances, including harmonising sing-alongs, barn dancing and ceilidhs.

Family Activities

Family-friendly venues include puppet shows, storytelling, craft workshops and musical play areas for under-5s. Parents can relax while children enjoy safe, engaging activities throughout the weekend.

Food & Drink

Local food vendors, bakers and brewers provide a variety of tasty treats and picnic snacks to enjoy between performances around the town.

Community

Organised by local volunteers, the festival fosters a welcoming atmosphere where visitors and locals connect over music. Chippenham’s historic streets and nearby River Avon add to the relaxed, friendly vibe.

Chippenham is easy to reach by train or coach. The town lies on the Great Western Railway line, with frequent trains to and from London Paddington (journey time around 1 hour 15 minutes) and to Bristol and Bath (each roughly half an hour away). Chippenham station is within a short walk of the historic town centre. Many national coach services (such as National Express) also stop in Chippenham, providing connections from London, Bristol and beyond. Once in town, most venues and attractions are easily reached on foot, or you can hop on a local bus or taxi to explore further out.

By road, Chippenham is conveniently located just off the M4 motorway at Junction 17. Follow signs toward the town centre after leaving the motorway. The A4 and A350 also link Chippenham to the South West and the Midlands. Drivers will find several public car parks in town, including a large lot by the train station, and on-street pay-and-display spaces throughout the centre. Arriving early on busy days is advised, as parking can fill up during local markets or events.

For travel by air, the nearest major airport is Bristol Airport (about 25 miles west of Chippenham), which offers flights across the UK and Europe. It is roughly a one-hour drive (or slightly longer by public transport) to Chippenham from Bristol Airport. London Heathrow Airport (around 85-90 miles east) is the main international hub; from there you can take a train (via London Paddington) or drive west on the M4. Cardiff Airport and Southampton Airport are larger regional airports about two hours' drive away and may offer additional flight options. Whatever airport you use, it is best to check transport connections and book onward travel (bus, train or rental car) in advance.

Chippenham and the surrounding area provide a range of places to stay. In town you will find cosy hotels, historic inns and friendly bed-and-breakfasts, as well as modern accommodations. Many visitors also stay in nearby Bath (about 15 minutes by train), which has a larger selection of hotels and guesthouses. Be sure to book early for weekends or special events, as rooms tend to fill up. For those who prefer camping, there are several parks and sites for tents and campervans in the Wiltshire countryside around Chippenham. No matter where you stay, it is wise to confirm parking arrangements or transport from your accommodation (especially if it is outside town) to ensure an easy arrival and departure.