FolkEast

FolkEast 2026

FolkEast 2026 takes place from 20-23 August at the historic Sotterley Estate near Beccles, Suffolk. Set in rolling parkland with ancient woods and a peaceful lake, this friendly folk festival celebrates traditional and contemporary folk culture over four summer days.

Music

The festival boasts an eclectic music line-up across multiple stages, including:

• Main lakeside stage with headline acts and folk-rock
• Woodland stage with intimate acoustic sessions
• Performances featuring Northumbrian pipes, banjo, Mediterranean and Celtic sounds

Food & Drink

Enjoy local street food, regional ales, ciders, and delicacies while browsing craft and record stalls featuring handmade instruments and local art.

Workshops & Family Activities

FolkEast offers dance workshops, storytelling sessions, and a dedicated family area with folk-inspired activities for children.

Community & Atmosphere

Camping on site fosters a communal spirit with campfire singalongs and sunrise yoga. For non-campers, Beccles nearby provides cosy B&Bs, inns, and glamping. Evening pub tent singarounds and campfire circles create a warm, inclusive atmosphere celebrating music and heritage.

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.