Willowman Festival

Willowman Festival 2026

Taking place from 18–21 June 2026 at Hillside Rural Activities Park, Oaktree Bank near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, Willowman Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary with a four-day midsummer event set in the scenic countryside.

Music

Music defines Willowman, with a diverse lineup ranging from reggae and ska to folk, blues, indie rock, and country. Local and established bands perform across multiple stages, offering live sets from sunrise to late-night DJ sessions.

Arts & Creativity

The festival features woodland art installations, colourful murals, craft workshops by local artists, storytelling sessions, and roaming street performers including jugglers and drummers.

Family Activities

Willowman welcomes all ages with a dedicated Kids' Zone offering face painting, puppet shows, scavenger hunts, yoga, and dance classes, ensuring engaging fun for children.

Food & Drink

A vibrant village of food stalls serves global dishes such as spicy curries, wood-fired pizzas, and gourmet burgers. The Willowman Arms bar offers local ales, craft lagers, cocktails, and soft drinks.

Camping & Accommodation

• On-site camping with family zones and areas for caravans and motorhomes (vehicle pass required)
• Nearby Thirsk provides B&Bs, pubs, and hotels just minutes from the festival
• Wake to fresh countryside air and birdsong each morning

Atmosphere

Willowman is known for its warm, friendly community spirit where visitors connect through music, art, and shared experiences under the open sky.

The Willowman Festival site is located at the Hillside Rural Activities Park (Oaktree Bank) near Knayton, just outside Thirsk in North Yorkshire (postcode YO7 4AX). By car, the festival is easily reached via the A19 highway. If travelling from the south (including London), take the A1(M) north before switching to the A19; from the north (Durham/Teesside) head south on the A19; from the west (Manchester or Leeds) use the M62/A1 to York and then local roads. Road signs for Knayton or the venue will help guide you. The site offers on-site parking for ticket holders; car-sharing is encouraged to make the drive smoother and help avoid parking congestion.

For public transport, the nearest train station is Thirsk, about 7 kilometers away. Thirsk Station is on the East Coast Main Line with regular services from London, Edinburgh, Manchester and other cities. From Thirsk, a taxi is usually the easiest way to cover the short distance to the festival. Local buses run between Thirsk and nearby villages like Knayton or Allerton on a limited schedule, so if you choose to use the bus, check timetables in advance and allow plenty of extra travel time. (Alternatively, you can travel via York or Harrogate and connect by bus or taxi from there.)

If flying in, the closest airports are Durham Tees Valley (around 35 minutes by car), Leeds Bradford (about 50 minutes) and Newcastle (around 75 minutes). Manchester and East Midlands airports are also options with longer travel times. From any airport, the easiest route is usually to rent a car (available on-site) or take a train/coach to York or Leeds with a connecting train to Thirsk. Please plan extra time when arriving late, as taxis in the area may be less available at night.

Many visitors choose to camp on site under the stars. The festival offers general camping and family camping zones on its grounds; vehicle passes are available for campervans and caravans (book early as spaces are limited). If you prefer indoor lodging, the nearby town of Thirsk (about 10–15 minutes by car) has an array of welcoming B&Bs, hotels and pubs. The historic market town of Northallerton is another option slightly farther away. Wherever you stay, consider arriving on Thursday or early Friday to get settled in. Note that rural roads around the venue can become busy on arrival and departure days, so please follow the directions of parking attendants and event staff when you arrive.