Gate To Southwell Festival

Every summer, Gate to Southwell transforms the Nottinghamshire countryside into a vibrant music community. Held in early July at a scenic lakeside site near Southwell, this four-day roots and acoustic festival immediately feels welcoming. As you pass through the gates, you enter a colourful world of tents, stages and fields by the water’s edge, where the ordinary outside world feels far away. The rolling meadows and shady trees create a perfect outdoor setting for four days of music, laughter and camaraderie. Whether arriving by car, campervan or on foot, you’ll feel right at home from the very first song.

The heart of Gate to Southwell is its rich and diverse music lineup. You’ll hear over 60 international artists across multiple stages – everything from traditional folk and fiddling to global roots. Expect lively Appalachian and blues tunes, Celtic ceilidh sets, plus jazz, world fusion, Americana and more. Three main tents host the evening headliners, while intimate pavilions and barns offer quieter daytime sessions and spontaneous jam circles. It’s common to see artists play more than once: perhaps performing a solo acoustic set in the afternoon and then returning with a full band for a big night-time show. This variety keeps the magic alive – no matter your taste, you can discover new favourites around every corner.

Gate to Southwell is about so much more than concerts. Wander through craft stalls and a food market selling local cheeses, pies and street food. Grab a pint of real ale or cider and watch street performers drift by between stages. Families will find plenty to enjoy too: children's workshops, puppet shows and a special kids' zone keep the little ones happily busy. As the sun sets, the community spirit really shines – late-night campfire singalongs and impromptu ceilidh dances appear around the site, creating magical moments when musicians and festival-goers intermingle. It's not unusual to share a song or a beer with a stranger who quickly becomes a new friend.

Set just a short drive from the charming market town of Southwell – famous for its medieval Minster cathedral – the festival’s lakeside setting feels truly enchanting. Wide open fields slope down towards a tranquil lake, merging nature’s calm with soaring music. Relax on a picnic blanket by the water between acts, or wander through nearby lanes for a brief countryside walk before diving back into the fun. The location’s beauty is woven into every moment of the festival experience: from sunny acoustic morning sets under the trees to evenings when the sky above the lake turns pink at sunset.

Gate to Southwell is run entirely by volunteers, so every admission helps build the next year’s festival and keeps the event true to its community spirit. You might arrive with muddy boots and camping gear, but you’ll leave carrying much more than that: new friendships, inspired songs and a little bit of festival magic. For music lovers, Gate to Southwell is an escape you won’t want to miss. Mark your calendars for 2nd-5th July 2026, when Gate to Southwell will open its gates once again for another unforgettable celebration of roots and acoustic music.