Whitchurch Folk Festival

Whitchurch Folk Festival 2026

Celebrate traditional music and dance on Saturday 9 May 2026 at the Whitchurch Folk Festival, held in the picturesque riverside town of Whitchurch, Hampshire.

Music & Dance

Enjoy a full day of folk music and dance throughout Whitchurch, with performances in pubs, village halls, and open-air venues, featuring top folk musicians and lively ceilidhs.

• Intimate seated concerts of traditional ballads and dance tunes
• Spirited sessions and impromptu jams in local pubs
• Family-friendly ceilidh dancing and children’s music activities

Market & Performances

Explore craft stalls with handmade instruments and folk art, along with food vendors offering local pies and craft ales. Watch traditional Morris and folk dance displays, plus the vibrant Jack-in-the-Green procession.

Atmosphere

Experience the warm community spirit of Whitchurch, with volunteers creating a welcoming, friendly environment for all ages to enjoy music, dance, and local traditions.

By car: 28 London Street is easily reached from the A34 trunk road. From the north (London/Oxford), take the M4/M40 to Newbury and then follow the A34 south into Whitchurch. From the south (Winchester) or west (via the A303), head north on the A34. The town centre offers limited on-street parking and nearby public car parks - these can fill up quickly on busy days, so allow extra time or car-share if you can.

By train: Whitchurch (Hampshire) station (code WCH) is about a mile east of 28 London Street. South Western Railway trains connect Whitchurch with London (Waterloo) via Basingstoke (journey ~1.5–2 hours), and with Salisbury/Romsey via Andover. You may need to change at Basingstoke, Salisbury, or Andover depending on your route. From base stations like Basingstoke or Andover, local taxis or the Stagecoach 76 bus can carry you the final few miles to Whitchurch (the bus journey from Andover takes roughly 20 minutes).

By air: The closest airport is Southampton (about 30 miles south, around 40-45 minutes by car). London Heathrow and Gatwick airports are farther (70-80 miles north), but you can fly there and take a train to Basingstoke or Andover followed by local transport. Bournemouth Airport (about 60 miles west) is another option. For any airport arrival, planning ahead for transport onward to Whitchurch is recommended.

Accommodation: Whitchurch has charming local guesthouses and B&Bs, though space can be limited on popular weekends. Nearby Andover and Basingstoke (each a 15-20 minute drive) offer many hotels, inns, and bed-and-breakfasts. Many visitors also enjoy renting self-catering cottages or staying at campsites or farm stays in the scenic North Wessex Downs countryside. It is wise to book your lodging early to ensure a comfortable place to stay during the festival.