Priddy Folk Festival
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Join us at the Priddy Folk Festival, a three-day summer celebration of music, dance and community life set in the gorgeous Mendip Hills of Somerset. The festival returns on 10–12 July 2026 to the little village of Priddy, where a welcoming crowd gathers on the village green under open skies. Known for its relaxed, family-friendly vibe, Priddy Folk Festival is often celebrated as one of the friendliest folk gatherings in the UK. Whether you’re a die-hard folk fan or just curious, you’ll feel right at home here: many attendees picnic on the grass at dusk, listening to outstanding folk bands while children dance and neighbors mingle over hot soup and local ale.
The program is as varied as it is lively. Across several stages and venues (including marquees, barns and the village pub), you’ll hear a rich mix of traditional and contemporary folk music. Expect classic English ballads and fiddle tunes alongside modern acoustic acts. Dance is a big part of the fun — there are workshops in Morris dancing, ceilidhs and folk steps where beginners are encouraged to join in. During the day, a vibrant free Fringe keeps the action going with extra gigs, storytelling, poetry readings and craft demonstrations. For younger festival-goers there are special kids’ workshops and family concerts, so the next generation can discover the joy of folk arts first-hand.
Food and community spirit lie at the heart of the festival. Local volunteers and traders serve up everything from hearty stew and scotch eggs to gourmet wood-fired pizza and local cider. You can browse market stalls of handmade crafts, or simply relax in a deckchair as a full-bodied fiddle tune drifts across the green. As evening falls, lanterns and campfires light up the scene and music continues late into the night — it’s common to find an impromptu sing-along or dancing in a barn until the early hours. The friendly, volunteer-run nature of the festival means it’s a true community event: the festival began in 1991 as a small fundraiser for the local school, and today it’s still run entirely by volunteers with all profits ploughed back into village projects, local arts and music education. By attending, you’re giving back to the area as well.
All of this happens in an extraordinary setting. Priddy itself is a picture-perfect Somerset village with stone houses and welcoming pubs. It lies just five miles from the historic city of Wells, with its famous medieval cathedral, inns and shops where the music season continues after dark. A short drive brings you to the dramatic cliffs of Cheddar Gorge and the underground wonders of Wookey Hole Caves, if you fancy a day trip before or after the festival. But many visitors agree that once the festival begins, the best place to be is right on the village green, soaking in the music and the smiles. Whether you’re arriving with family or coming solo, from across the county or even from abroad, the Priddy Folk Festival promises a warm welcome and a chance to make lasting summer memories under the Somerset sky.
By road: Priddy is about 19 miles from both Bath and Bristol, sitting high on the Mendip Hills. Use postcode BA5 3BB for satnav directions. The last few miles are on narrow country lanes, so drive carefully and watch for signs directing you to the festival parking area. There’s a large field on Wells Road (just outside Priddy) used for parking. It generally costs a small fee per car per day (free if you’re a ticket-holder with camping). If you’re camping, you can park near your tent. Note that mobile phone signal is often weak in these hills, so have maps downloaded in advance. There are no fuel stations in Priddy itself; plan to fill up in Wells, Cheddar or Farrington Gurney beforehand.
Public transport: Direct public transport to Priddy is very limited. The nearest train stations are in Bath or Bristol (each about a 40-minute drive) or Castle Cary (30 minutes). From any of these, take a bus or coach to the city of Wells. In Wells you’ll find more options: local buses from Bristol, Bath and surrounding areas stop at Wells Bus Station. From Wells to Priddy is about a 5-mile taxi ride up into the hills. (There is no public bus service that reaches the village itself.) Many visitors find it best to get to Wells first and then share a taxi or arrange a shuttle for the final 10-15 minutes. Car-sharing services and lift-share websites can also help reduce the number of cars on the narrow lanes.
Airports: The closest airport is Bristol Airport (about 30 miles away, roughly a 45-minute drive). From there you can rent a car (recommended) or take a train to Bristol Temple Meads and continue as above. Other regional airports include Cardiff or Exeter (each about 1.5–2 hours by car), though they have fewer transport links. Visitors flying in from London typically take a train to Bath or Bristol, then proceed by road as described. In general, Bristol Airport is the most convenient for most domestic and European flights.
Accommodation: On-site camping is available when you buy a festival ticket (you must book a camping pass in advance). These often sell out early, so if you miss out there are great nearby alternatives. Popular choices include Ebborways Farm and the Camping and Caravanning Club’s Mendip Heights site, both within easy walking distance. The cathedral city of Wells (5 miles away) has several hotels, B&Bs and rustic inns. You can also search for holiday cottages or farm stays on the Mendip Hills if you prefer self-catering. Even Bath or Bristol are options if you don’t mind a longer drive each day. Because July is peak season, we strongly recommend booking your accommodation as soon as your travel plans are confirmed.
Other tips: Remember that Priddy is a small village, so amenities are limited. Wells, just down the road, has supermarkets, cash machines and a busy market (Wednesdays and Saturdays) if you need supplies. Bring some cash for small purchases, though most festival stalls take cards. The weather can be changeable even in summer – pack layers and waterproofs just in case. Finally, if travelling with friends, consider carpooling or booking taxis together to help reduce traffic and parking congestion. With a little advance planning, your journey to Priddy Folk Festival will be smooth, so you can relax and enjoy the music and the views when you arrive!
| Name | Star | Distance | Prices From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BEST WESTERN PLUS Swan Hotel | 0.2 ml | £82.00 | Book | |
| The Wookey Hole Inn | 1.4 ml | £50.00 | Book | |
| Wookey Hole Hotel | 1.5 ml | £29.99 | Book | |
| Beltane Bed and Breakfast | 2.0 ml | £80.00 | Book | |
| Beaconsfield Farm | 2.3 ml | £110.00 | Book | |
| The Crossways | 2.8 ml | £39.00 | Book | |
| Seekings | 2.8 ml | Book | ||
| Middlewick Holiday Cottages | 4.2 ml | £75.00 | Book | |
| The Bothy at Manor Farm | 4.6 ml | £90.00 | Book | |
| The Highwayman Inn | 4.7 ml | £39.00 | Book | |
| Snoozebox Glastonbury | 4.7 ml | £399.00 | Book | |
| The Dusthole /The Kings Arms | 4.9 ml | £55.00 | Book | |
| Haydn House | 5.1 ml | £32.00 | Book | |
| The George and Pilgrim | 5.2 ml | £49.00 | Book | |
| The Who d A Thought It Inn | 5.2 ml | £85.00 | Book |
Priddy, Somerset., BA53BB
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