Holmfirth Festival of Folk
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8 May - 10 May 2026
Join us for the 2026 Holmfirth Festival of Folk - a weekend of traditional music, dance and good cheer from Friday 8th to Sunday 10th May at the historic Holmfirth Picture Drome in scenic West Yorkshire. Each spring, Holmfirth - a charming Pennine town nestled in the Holme Valley - bursts into life as locals and visitors celebrate. You'll find toe-tapping concerts, vivacious ceilidh dances, and street performances featuring Morris dancers and folk musicians weaving through the crowds. The Picture Drome - a restored old cinema with its own bar - provides an intimate backdrop for headline acts and evening concerts, ensuring every performance feels special. Whether you're a devoted folk fan or just curious, every day brings joyful songs and a warm friendly atmosphere that's impossible not to love.
In Holmfirth's village streets and halls, every corner hums with folk heritage. Daytime workshops welcome newcomers and experts alike - you might learn the basics of clog dancing, try out a fiddle or concertina, or join a lively singing circle. Concerts by homegrown stars and visiting folk bands fill the afternoons, while colorful dance teams (sometimes called 'sides') parade and perform in the high street. As night falls, the festival's energy builds to a joyful crescendo: ceilidh dances sweep everyone onto the floor with upbeat reels and jigs. Don't worry if you've never danced before - friendly callers guide you through each set so you can join in at your own pace. And be sure to explore the spontaneous music sessions in Holmfirth's cosy pubs - you never know when a fiddle and flute duo will set up shop and break into an impromptu tune.
What sets the Holmfirth Festival of Folk apart is its warm community spirit. This isn't a corporate extravaganza - it's a lovingly volunteer-run celebration that makes everyone feel at home. Locals pitch in everywhere: you might spot the town's schoolchildren performing a traditional dance, or shopkeepers playing guitar tunes in their storefronts. Families are especially welcome; there is often a children's ceilidh and folk craft activities to keep little ones busy. Between events, visitors love strolling Holmfirth's quaint high street - grab a local pasty and cream tea from a cosy cafe, or take a leisurely walk along the serene boardwalk by the River Holme. By weekend's end you'll feel like part of the community, having shared laughter and music with neighbors and new friends. It's a true celebration of Yorkshire life and folk heritage that you'll remember long after the music fades.
By car, Holmfirth is well-connected via the M62 motorway. If traveling from Manchester or Leeds, take the M62 to junction 23 (Huddersfield), then follow the A629/A6024 south into Holmfirth. Depending on traffic, the drive from Manchester Airport is about 45 minutes. Entering the town, follow signs for the Holmfirth Picture Drome or town centre. Several public car parks (including those on Market Place and Station Road) are just a short walk from the venue. Note that spaces tend to fill quickly during busy events, so it's sensible to arrive early or car-share if you can.
By public transport, the nearest mainline station is Huddersfield, with regular services to Leeds, Manchester, London and more. From Huddersfield, local buses (such as the First 310) run to Holmfirth roughly every hour. The main Holmfirth bus stop on New Mill Road (near the Phoenix Centre) is only a few minutes' walk from the Picture Drome. Local taxis are also available outside the station if needed. Once in Holmfirth, the town is small enough to explore on foot, with most venues and amenities within easy walking distance.
From the air, Manchester Airport (about 25 miles away) and Leeds Bradford Airport (around the same distance) are the closest. Both airports provide car rentals, taxis and public transport links to Huddersfield, where you can connect to Holmfirth. In terms of accommodation, Holmfirth itself offers a handful of cosy hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs - it's wise to book early when a big event is on. Huddersfield and the surrounding villages have a larger selection of lodgings and are only a short drive away. Wherever you stay, you'll wake up to views of the Yorkshire countryside and be just minutes from the festival action.
Holmfirth Picture Drome, Holmfirth, HD91DA
