Common Folk

Common Folk 2026

From 25 to 27 September 2026, Common Folk returns to 1852 Brewery Co in Wigston Magna, Leicester, for a weekend celebrating folk music and community spirit in a lively brewery setting.

Music and Workshops

Enjoy a diverse lineup of local and visiting folk artists, featuring energetic bands, soulful singer-songwriters, and ceilidh dancers. Daytime activities include acoustic sets, storytelling sessions, and instrument workshops, with opportunities to try traditional folk instruments like the bodhrán drum. Evening concerts showcase headline performers in an intimate festival atmosphere.

Food, Drink and Venue

The family-friendly 1852 Brewery Co offers a cozy taproom and a newly opened beer garden, serving craft beers brewed on-site, homemade ciders, and delicious pub food including stews and artisanal pies. It’s a relaxed environment suitable for all ages.

Community Spirit

Common Folk is a genuine celebration of local folk culture and community connection. Join spontaneous sing-alongs, ceilidh dance circles, and browse a lively market featuring handcrafted folk instruments and artwork. This welcoming festival encourages everyone to take part and enjoy the shared experience of music and friendship.

Leicester is well connected by rail, with frequent trains from major cities such as London, Birmingham and Manchester arriving at Leicester Railway Station. From there, 1852 Brewery Co (in Wigston Magna) is only a short trip away. You can grab a taxi for about 10 minutes, or take one of the local buses. Bus route 48 (Arriva) runs regularly between Leicester city centre (Haymarket Bus Station or Charles Street) and Wigston Magna Station Road, right by the brewery. Local transport apps and planners will help you find the best schedule.

Wigston Magna is also easy to reach by car. The town sits just south of Leicester, near junctions 21 (M1) and 21A (M69). Drivers can follow signs for Wigston or Oadby and then head onto Station Road to reach the venue. The brewery has a small parking area and there is street parking nearby, but spaces can fill up during busy times. If parking is difficult, consider car-sharing or parking in Leicester and taking a short taxi or bus ride south.

The nearest airports are East Midlands Airport (about 35 miles north of Leicester, roughly a 45-minute drive) and Birmingham Airport (about 50 miles west, roughly an hour's drive). Both airports offer rental cars and connections via coach or train into Leicester city centre. From Leicester, you can continue to Wigston Magna by local bus or taxi. These options make arriving from farther afield quite convenient.

For overnight stays, Leicester offers lots of lodging to suit every budget. You will find hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs in the city centre as well as in suburban areas like Oadby and South Wigston. Booking early is recommended for a busy weekend. Staying in Leicester or nearby Wigston and Oadby will put you within easy reach of the festival (just a short ride away), ensuring you can enjoy Common Folk at a relaxed pace.