Cottingham Folk Festival

Cottingham Folk Festival 2026

Taking place from 27-30 August 2026, Cottingham Folk Festival returns to the historic village of Cottingham in East Yorkshire. This late-summer event fills the village with live folk music, welcoming all ages to enjoy traditional and contemporary performances across local venues.

Music

The festival features a diverse programme of folk music, from acoustic sets to singer-songwriters. Performances spread across multiple venues including the Civic Hall, St. Mary’s Church, and local pubs. Past line-ups have included notable artists like The Shires, Frank Turner, and Judy Collins, mixing established stars with emerging talent.

Community and Atmosphere

Cottingham Folk Festival is a genuinely inclusive event, bringing together locals and visitors in a warm, friendly setting. The village’s stone-paved streets and greens buzz with activity, hosting craft stalls, local food vendors, and pop-up bars. Visitors often continue the festivities after official events with informal music and storytelling under the stars.

Family and Workshops

Family-friendly activities include folk dancing, workshops, and storytelling sessions during the day, ensuring there is something for all ages. The festival encourages participation and creates a welcoming environment for both children and adults.

By car: Cottingham is easily reached by road. Visitors from the west or south should take the M62 towards Hull, cross the Humber Bridge (on the A63) and then take the A164 north into Cottingham. From the north (York or Scarborough), take the A1079 (via Beverley) onto the A164 south into Cottingham. Follow local signs to the village centre. The Civic Hall, St Mary's Church and other venues are all in the village centre, with public car parks and street parking nearby. Space is limited on busy weekends, so arriving early or carpooling can help secure parking.

By train: Cottingham is served by its own station, about a 5-10 minute walk from the festival venues. Regular trains run on the Hull–Bridlington line (via Beverley), so it’s just a short ride from Hull station (around 10 minutes) or Beverley station. Services also run from towns like Bridlington and Scarborough. If you’re coming from farther away (Leeds, Manchester, etc.), you can change at Hull or Doncaster to reach this route. Taking the train means you can relax on your way to the show, with just a quick stroll from the platform to the concert hall.

By bus: Local bus services link Cottingham with Hull, Beverley and other nearby towns. Stagecoach runs frequent routes (for example, the 111 Beverley–Hull service) through Cottingham village. The bus trip from Hull to Cottingham takes around 20–30 minutes. Buses stop near the village centre, so all festival venues are within easy walking distance. This can be a stress-free alternative to driving, especially when traffic is heavy or parking is tight.

By air: The nearest airport is Humberside Airport (about 30 minutes away by car), which has flights to major UK destinations and Europe. Other nearby airports include Leeds Bradford (around 1.5 hours’ drive) and Manchester (about 3 hours). From these airports you can rent a car or catch trains into Hull or Doncaster, and then take a local train or bus to reach Cottingham.

Accommodation: There are options to suit all budgets. Cottingham has a few local guesthouses and B&Bs, and the nearby market town of Beverley (just 4 miles away) offers a larger selection of hotels and inns. Hull (about 8 miles south) also has many hotel choices. For countryside stays, visitors often consider campgrounds, caravan parks or holiday cottages in the East Yorkshire countryside. Booking early is wise, as rooms and campsites tend to fill up on the busy festival weekend.