FolkEast
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20 August - 23 August 2026 Nr Beccles, nr Beccles, NR347TY
Come join FolkEast, a lively folk music festival set in the beautiful Suffolk countryside. For four days in late summer (Thursday to Sunday in August), this friendly festival brings together people of all ages to celebrate traditional and contemporary folk culture. Now held at the historic Sotterley Estate near the town of Beccles, FolkEast unfolds in the estate's rolling parkland: a place of ancient woods, a peaceful lake, and charming heritage. Over the course of the festival, multiple stages and venues spring to life with a rich tapestry of music, dance, crafts, and storytelling. Whether you are a lifelong folk fan or just curious to experience something new, you'll find a warm welcome and a deeply creative atmosphere at FolkEast.
FolkEast's music line-up is delightfully eclectic. Throughout each day and into the evening, multiple stages host performances big and small. The main lakeside stage features headline acts and rousing anthems, while a woodland stage nestled among the trees offers intimate acoustic sets. You will hear soulful harmony singing by masterful folk singers, lively ceilidh bands, and even international folk acts bringing Mediterranean and Celtic sounds to the Suffolk fields. On many evenings you might catch the skirl of Northumbrian pipes, the pulse of an American banjo, or the soaring energy of English folk-rock, all woven together into one vibrant tapestry of sound.
A day at FolkEast is about more than just listening to music. Wander among craft and record stalls, browse handmade instruments and local art, or indulge in tasty street food from local vendors. There's usually a dedicated craft and family area where kids can try folk-inspired activities, while adults might join dance workshops or storytelling sessions. With locally brewed ales, ciders and regional delicacies on offer, you can savour the flavours of East Anglia as you soak up the festival fun.
As evening falls and the crowds wind down from the main stages, FolkEast doesn't stop. The festival's cosy pub tents come alive with informal singaround sessions, where anyone can pick up a guitar or fiddle and join in the fun. Meanwhile, families often gather around campfire circles (provided for campers) to swap stories and sing songs under the stars. No matter where you are on the festival site, whether dancing beneath strings of fairy lights or simply relaxing on the grass, you'll feel part of a friendly community celebrating music and heritage together.
Many visitors choose to camp on site, adding to the weekend community spirit. Tents and campervans fill the fields, creating a friendly, communal atmosphere with campfire singalongs and sunrise yoga sessions marking each day. The site provides facilities like hot showers and toilets to keep everyone comfortable. If camping isn't your style, the nearby town of Beccles offers cosy B&Bs, inns and glamping options. Wherever you rest your head, you'll be just a short walk or shuttle ride from all the music and camaraderie.
FolkEast 2026 runs from 20-23 August at the Sotterley Estate in Suffolk, near Beccles. Mark your calendars and prepare to celebrate folk music, dancing and crafts surrounded by lush fields and friendly faces – FolkEast is a summer highlight not to be missed!
The nearest railway station is Beccles, on the East Suffolk Line. Direct trains serve Beccles from Norwich (about 45-60 minutes) and Ipswich (around 1.5-2 hours) several times a day. On folk festival weekends, there is often a shuttle bus or coordinated transport meeting trains at Beccles to bring attendees to the festival site; if not, a taxi (the trip is just a few miles) is quick and easy. Regional buses also link Beccles with Norwich, Ipswich and Great Yarmouth, so check current timetables if you plan to use them (services may be more limited on Sundays).
By car, the Sotterley Estate (FolkEast site) is well signposted. From Norwich, take the A146 south towards Beccles. From the south (Ipswich, London), use the A12/A14 to connect with the A146 northbound. On approach, watch for festival road signs directing you to the entrance. There is ample on-site parking, but it can fill up quickly on Friday and Saturday, so arriving early is advised. Traffic volunteers and official directions help keep vehicles moving on the busiest days.
The closest airport is Norwich International (NWI), roughly 35-40 miles west of Beccles. Norwich offers domestic flights and some European routes. A larger international option is London Stansted (about 85-90 miles south); from Stansted you can rent a car or take a train toward Norwich or Ipswich and then continue by rail. London Gatwick and Heathrow are farther away (over 100 miles), but could be used if needed. National Express coaches run to Norwich and Ipswich, where you can transfer to local trains for Beccles.
Beccles and the nearby coast have plenty of places to stay. The market town of Beccles offers cosy bed-and-breakfasts, inns and small hotels, though spaces fill up fast in summer. Alternatively, try Suffolk's coastal towns like Southwold or Lowestoft (20-30 minutes by car) for additional guesthouses and seaside lodging. If you prefer, on-site camping and glamping are available when the festival is running – you'll be steps away from the music and atmosphere. In all cases, booking early is recommended to secure the best options when visiting Suffolk.
Nr Beccles, nr Beccles, NR347TY
