Mighty Dub Fest
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Mighty Dub Fest returns to the picturesque Pastures of Alnwick Castle for four days of music, camping and fun from 18–21 June 2026. This award-winning Northumberland festival celebrates the vanlife scene, VW culture and live music with a warm, inclusive vibe. Set against the dramatic medieval walls of Alnwick Castle, the event is a magical blend of old-world charm and modern festival culture. Whether you arrive in a brightly painted camper van or just in your everyday clothes, you’ll fit right in with a friendly crowd of music fans, families and outdoor adventurers. The castle’s rolling lawns are transformed into a buzzing festival village, where the sound of live bands and DJ sets drifts through the air while campers and wagons park side by side under the open sky.
The heart of Mighty Dub Fest is its live music, with multiple stages hosting an eclectic lineup across the weekend. You might find reggae and dub rhythms on one stage, funk and folk on another, and electronic or acoustic sets elsewhere — there’s always something to move your feet. Beyond music, the festival offers a wonderful variety of entertainment. By day, visitors can join craft workshops and wellness sessions (like yoga and meditation) to recharge their batteries. Kids and creative types can try circus skills, drumming or painting, or join playful group games in the family-friendly zones. Keep an eye out for the fun fairground rides that spin and whirl, and shop for amazing arts, crafts and vintage goods from the independent market stalls dotted around the site.
One of the highlights at Mighty Dub Fest is the famous VW show-and-shine, where classic camper vans and Beetles from all decades are displayed and admired. It’s a dream come true for vintage car lovers, but even if you’re not a petrolhead you’ll enjoy the eye-catching designs and friendly competition. Throughout the weekend there are also dog shows (so you can bring your well-behaved pet), street art performances, and impromptu jam circles where musicians from different bands join forces. As the sun goes down, the atmosphere comes alive with outdoor bars serving craft beers, local ciders and refreshing drinks, and plenty of street food traders cooking up everything from international wraps and curries to gourmet burgers and sweet treats. There’s truly something to satisfy every taste – vegan, gluten-free or classic – as you mingle on picnic benches beneath lantern light.
Throughout the festival there’s a wonderfully relaxed, make-yourself-at-home spirit. Families picnic on blankets, children play on grassy slopes, and everyone seems to find new friends to share a laugh with. If you want to fully soak it in, pitch a tent or park your campervan on-site (camping tickets are available) – this way you can wake up to dawn birdsong and step right into the festival each morning. The event crew organizes games and activities around the campgrounds too, so you might find communal sports or a singalong (weather permitting) after the live music ends for the night. With hot showers, clean toilets and charging stations on hand, camping is surprisingly comfortable — even for first-time campers. Meanwhile, the stunning castle in the background reminds everyone they’re in the heart of one of England’s most historic settings.
With its unique blend of vibrant music, creative activities and laid-back camping vibe, Mighty Dub Fest has earned a reputation as one of the region’s most beloved summer events. It consistently wins awards for family-friendliness and atmosphere because there’s truly something here for everyone. Don’t worry if you’re new to festivals or the VW scene – friendly volunteers and regulars help everyone feel welcome. By the final morning you might find yourself planning next year’s trip, reminiscing about dancing under the stars and greeting the dawn light on the castle walls. In short, whether you come for the music, the community spirit or simply a carefree weekend outdoors, Mighty Dub Fest promises a joyful, unforgettable experience at the very heart of Northumberland.
By road, Alnwick is easily reached from the north or south via the A1 trunk road, which runs just a few miles east of town. From London or the Midlands, drivers follow the A1(M) north, continuing past Newcastle before exiting at Widdrington to join the A1068 into Alnwick. From Scotland, you can take the A1 south from Edinburgh or a more scenic route via the A697 before joining the A1. The castle and festival fields (at The Pastures) lie just off the A1068 once you reach Alnwick. Ample parking is available around the festival site and in nearby public car parks – arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.
By train and bus, Alnwick is accessible even though the town has no station of its own. The nearest mainline rail stations are Alnmouth (on the East Coast line) and Morpeth. From either station you can take a taxi or a local Stagecoach bus (X18 or X20) north to Alnwick (about a 15–30 minute ride). You can also travel to Newcastle (which has frequent services from London, Edinburgh and other cities) and catch the direct X18 bus to Alnwick from Newcastle’s city centre. Bus travel is reliable but a bit slower than driving, so be sure to check timetables and leave plenty of travel time, especially if you have baggage. Once in Alnwick you will find local buses and taxis running to the castle – the festival site is about a 20-minute walk from the town centre along quiet village roads.
The nearest airport is Newcastle International, about a 45-minute drive from Alnwick. From there you can hire a car or take a taxi to Newcastle city, then continue by bus or train to Alnwick. Other airports within reach include Edinburgh (roughly 1.5–2 hours drive) and Teesside International (around 1.5 hours), though these routes are more useful if you are combining the trip with wider travel. Whichever airport you use, allow extra time for travel: summer weekends can bring heavy traffic on the A1. Once on the road, navigate to postcode NE66 1NG (Alnwick Castle) to find The Pastures festival grounds.
Accommodation options include on-site camping as well as local hotels, inns and B&Bs. Camping and campervan pitches can be booked as part of your festival ticket, allowing you to stay right at the event site. Otherwise, Alnwick town and nearby villages such as Alnmouth, Amble or Seahouses offer places to stay. Options range from friendly pubs and budget inns to charming B&Bs — but rooms can fill up quickly, so book early. Some local hosts also allow campervans or tents for a small fee. If you stay off-site without a car, note that walks from Alnwick or nearby villages may take 20–30 minutes, so you might want to arrange a taxi for late evenings or check return-bus schedules.
Alnwick, Alnwick, NE661NQ
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