Warwick Folk Festival

Warwick Folk Festival 2026

Join the 45th Warwick Folk Festival from 23rd to 26th July 2026 at Warwick Racecourse, Warwickshire. Set in spacious grounds near historic Warwick Castle, this four-day event celebrates traditional and contemporary folk music, dance, and arts.

Music & Dance

Enjoy live performances on multiple stages featuring British folk, folk-rock, roots, and world fusion. Participate in workshops and join evening ceilidh and barn dances to experience traditional dances.

Workshops

Take part in workshops on dance, singing, songwriting, and instrument playing led by experienced folk artists throughout the festival.

Family Activities

A children’s folk adventure area offers music and dance activities to keep young attendees engaged and entertained.

Food & Drink

Local craft stalls and food vendors provide traditional British dishes and international street food. Relax at the beer tent with a rotating selection of local cask ales and other beverages.

Atmosphere & Location

The festival offers a friendly, community-focused atmosphere with spontaneous jam circles and open mic sessions. Warwick Racecourse’s open parklands ensure a spacious, welcoming setting close to Warwick’s castle and historic town centre.

By car: Warwick Racecourse is conveniently located just east of Warwick town, near the junction of the A46 and A4177. Drivers arriving from the north typically follow the A46 via Leamington Spa, while those from the south can use the A46 through Stratford-upon-Avon. The M40 motorway (Junction 15) is about a 15-minute drive away for anyone coming from Birmingham, London or beyond. On festival weekends there is generally ample on-site car and coach parking (often free), but spaces may fill up quickly. To avoid delays, consider arriving early or car-sharing with friends.

By train and bus: Warwick has good rail connections. Warwick Railway Station, on the line connecting Birmingham and London, is roughly a 15- to 20-minute walk from the Racecourse (taxis are also available). Trains run frequently from Birmingham, Coventry and London (with a change at Coventry or Birmingham New Street). Alternatively, Leamington Spa station nearby offers more frequent long-distance trains — from there you can take a short local train or bus to Warwick. Local Stagecoach buses serve Warwick town centre often, and on big event weekends there may be special shuttle buses to the Racecourse. Always check current train and bus timetables, as schedules can vary on weekends and holidays.

By air: The nearest major airport is Birmingham Airport (BHX), about 25 miles north of Warwick (roughly a 30- to 40-minute drive). From Birmingham Airport you can catch a shuttle train at Birmingham International to reach Warwick (usually changing once, at Birmingham New Street or Coventry). Coventry Airport is much smaller with limited service. Many international visitors fly into London Heathrow or Gatwick; from those airports the easiest route is often to take the Heathrow Express or Gatwick Express to central London and then a train from London to Coventry or Birmingham, followed by a local train or bus to Warwick. Because July is peak travel season, it’s wise to book flights and onward transportation well in advance.

Accommodation: There is a wide range of places to stay in Warwick and nearby. In Warwick itself you’ll find charming Bed & Breakfasts, historic inns and boutique hotels, many of which are within easy reach of the racecourse (and Warwick Castle). Just 3 miles away, Royal Leamington Spa offers larger hotels and familiar chain hotels if needed. If you prefer a countryside setting, consider farm B&Bs or campsites in the Warwickshire countryside around the town. Because mid-summer is a busy tourist season, accommodations can book up fast — it’s recommended to make reservations early. Whether you choose a cosy B&B or a local campsite, friendly hospitality awaits after a full day of festival fun.