Stendhal Festival

Stendhal Festival is an intimate summer music and arts festival that invites you to bring a little perspective into your life. In 2026 it returns for its 16th edition from July 2-4 in the heart of Roe Valley, County Londonderry. This family-friendly gathering combines live music, creative arts, and hands-on workshops all set on a scenic countryside farm. Over the course of three days you’ll discover an array of performances and activities for all ages; from foot-stomping indie bands and laid-back acoustic sets to dawn yoga circles and nature-inspired art sessions. With its warm, open-air atmosphere and beautiful rural backdrop, Stendhal offers a welcoming escape from the everyday.

At Stendhal you’ll wander between multiple stages spread across fields, riverside clearings and shaded woodlands, each with its own vibe. On the main stage you might find an upbeat rock or pop band setting the day’s soundtrack, while in a forest glade a DJ or drum circle could be pulsing late into the night under the trees. Beyond the music, creativity is everywhere: art installations and live painting encourage you to look at the world differently, while the artisan market offers local crafts, artisan foods and feel-good finds. Keep your ears open and you may stumble upon spoken-word performances, intimate theatre pieces or whimsical circus skills workshops tucked around the site. At Stendhal the spirit of discovery is part of the fun.

One of Stendhal’s greatest charms is its welcoming spirit. This is very much a festival for all ages, so expect to see toddlers in face paint as much as tattooed friends drifting from stage to stage. The Kids' Adventure Centre will keep little ones entertained with crafts, puppet shows and nature trails, while workshops and chill-out zones give everyone space to play or unwind at their leisure. Many visitors describe Stendhal as Northern Ireland's friendliest family festival, a place where thousands of people come together like one big community, sharing smiles, stories and good music.

The rural setting is more than just a pretty backdrop; it’s one of the weekend’s highlights. The festival sprawls across emerald-green fields beside the River Roe, with forest trails and hilltop views just steps away. Take a quiet moment along the riverbank or climb a viewpoint to see the whole site beneath the wide blue sky. As dusk falls, colourful lights and lanterns glow in the trees and bonfires flicker under the stars. Waking up in a camping tent to fresh country air and birdsong only adds to the magic. In a place like this, Stendhal really feels like a nature escape full of surprises.

The organisers pour passion into every detail, from cosy campsite bars to eco-friendly practices, so you can feel good at every turn. Come hungry, because local food trucks and juice bars will treat you to everything from hearty stews to ice-cold ice cream. Grab a warm drink and make new friends, dance with abandon under the sun or the stars, and let your creative side run wild. Whether you bed down in a tent in the fields or find a comfy guesthouse in nearby Limavady after the music ends, this three-day festival will leave you feeling refreshed, inspired and connected, and kick off the summer in the best possible way.