UK Folk Festivals - Mainly Free

Folk Music Festivals Where Many Events are Free

Many folk festivals are organised by ordinary people. And just like you or me, they enjoy the music. They don't primarily run their festival as a business opportunity. In fact many have decided to include some free events - or even entirely free festivals! Here we list those festivals. Some ask for donations and support local charities - if you go to one of these events, please, please donate!

Remember, we can't check every ticket price, unfortunately, as some are not listed until closer to the event, so we advise you to check the prices yourself. It's possible that only a few events are free at a festival and the database has reported them here on that basis.

Click on a festival name and it expands to reveal the full details (like the first one).

Taking place in January

TradFest - 22nd Jan 2025 - Dublin, Dublin

Dublin's biggest and best festival of Irish Music and Culture, the Temple Bar TradFest will be back for the 9th year. The festival will include headline concerts in Christ Church, City Hall and The Button Factory. Other highlights include over 200 free events, music trail, singers club, open session, two outdoor stages, the international Celtic Irish dance festival, master classes and showcases, gigs for kids, children's club, pipe bands, street performers and much more.
Now with films and possibly live streaming!

Location: Dublin
Date: Wednesday 22nd January 2025 for 5 day(s)
Full Price: £0
Also available A mix of FREE and event tickets at 5 to 35 euros.
Contact for info: tickets@tradfest.com
Website: tradfest.com
County: Dublin
Country: Ireland


Taking place in February

Gloucester Folk Trail - 14th Feb 2025 - Gloucester, Gloucestershire

We have many performances from many acts in 16 venues, as well as storytelling, arts & crafts, talks, morris dancing, open mics and folk music sessions!

Except it will mainly be streaming, apart from workshops.

More info to follow, they say.

Location: Gloucester
Date: Friday 14th February 2025 for 3 day(s)
Full Price: £
Also available It's FREE
Contact for info:
Website: www.gloucesterfolktrail.com
County: Gloucestershire
Country: England


Taking place in April

Sheffield Folk Sessions - 18th Apr 2025 - Sheffield, Yorkshire

Site not fully updated on our last visit.

Hopefully more details will be available soon.

Location: Sheffield
Date: Friday 18th April 2025 for 4 day(s)
Full Price: £
Also available Seems to be FREE!
Contact for info:
Website: www.sheffieldfolksessionsfestival.co.uk/
County: Yorkshire
Country: England


Mull Music Festival - 24th Apr 2025 - Tobermory and Dervaig, Isle of Mull, Argyl and Bute

Multiple venues, appears to be free.
Variety of events and music styles to enjoy over four days of fun in the Inner Hebrides.

A weekend of Scottish music featuring folk-rock bands, fiddle, accordion, dance and ceilidh bands.

The events aren't ticketted, and most are very crowded!

See also https://www.facebook.com/MullMusicFestival/?locale=en_GB

Location: Tobermory and Dervaig, Isle of Mull
Date: Thursday 24th April 2025 for 4 day(s)
Full Price: £
Also available It's FREE, mainly.
Contact for info:
Website: visitmullandiona.co.uk/events/mull-music-festival-2024/
County: Argyl and Bute
Country: Scotland


Taking place in May

Kilkenny Roots Festival - 2nd May 2025 - Kilkenny, County Kilkenny

By now a national institution and an international buzz-phrase among the Americana / Roots movement...Ireland's most compact and hospitable music festival, where virtually everything is low-key but high grade.

Mixture of genres. All forms of music under the Americana/Roots banner are well represented over the four days.

Over 80 shows, including 50 free events on the pub gig trail!

Location: Kilkenny
Date: Friday 2nd May 2025 for 4 day(s)
Full Price: £
Also available Individual event tickets, many FREE gigs
Contact for info: info@kilkennyroots.com
Website: www.kilkennyroots.com
County: County Kilkenny
Country: Ireland


Bradford on Avon Green Man Festival - 10th May 2025 - Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire

A vibrant, family-friendly community gathering featuring traditional dance, music, song, and folklore throughout the town centre on Saturday 11 May 2024. And the best part is, its free!

Witness over 40 dance groups, including 320 dancers and 100 musicians, featuring Morris dancing and diverse European styles.

Join the whimsical journey of our 10ft tall Jack in the Green and Jill in the Green, visiting 12 town centre venues with bands and fantasy beasts.

You'll can also discover the kid's zone, artisan market, community hub, pagan arts and crafts.

Groove to a samba band, mummers' play, Folk Club stage, Wiltshire Music Centre stage, Blues @ The Shoes stage, live pub music, buskers and more!

Don't just watch - participate - wear something green and join in the fun.

Location: Bradford on Avon
Date: Saturday 10th May 2025 for 1 day(s)
Full Price: £
Also available It's free!
Contact for info: boagmf@icloud.com
Website: boagreenmanfest.org/welcome/
County: Wiltshire
Country: England


Fishguard Folk Festival - 23rd May 2025 - Fishguard, Pembrokeshire

Fishguard's Folk Festival brings together its unique mix of local talent and well-known performers to provide four days of songs, tunes and dance. Most events are still free, and whether you want to play, sing, dance or just watch and listen, there is always a choice of things to do in throughout this fun-packed friendly festival. Add in the beauty of the location on the world famous Pembrokeshire coast and you have the perfect weekend.

Location: Fishguard
Date: Friday 23rd May 2025 for 4 day(s)
Full Price: £
Also available TBA - It's mostly FREE, 4 ticketed events.
Contact for info: judy.whitehouse@gmail.com
Website: www.fishfolkfest.co.uk/
County: Pembrokeshire
Country: Wales


Wessex Folk Festival - 31st May 2025 - Weymouth Harbour, Dorset

Includes dance, sessions, celidh, workshops, and music, all set in the delightful surroundings of Weymouth's old harbour

With over 30 live stage performances throughout Saturday and Sunday this is without doubt not one to be missed!
Kicking off on Friday afternoon and evening with singalong folk music sessions in the harbourside pubs, the main festival lasts the whole of Saturday and Sunday with around 30 Morris sides dancing in the streets along the harbourside, fabulous trade stalls, eating, drinking, laughing singing and dancing all weekend long. When the harbour lights go on, the fun and music carries on in the harbourside pubs, way into the night. The challenge is to do the whole weekend and make it to the Survivors' Night on Sunday night at the Sailor's Return!

Location: Weymouth Harbour
Date: Saturday 31st May 2025 for 2 day(s)
Full Price: £
Also available It's FREE, mainly.
Contact for info: Info@wessexfolkfestival.com
Website: www.wessexfolkfestival.com/
County: Dorset
Country: England


Taking place in June

Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival - 13th Jun 2025 - Falmouth, Cornwall

Has three main aims in life

To create an enjoyable event for all involved

To raise money for the RNLI

To preserve and promote the maritime heritage of Falmouth and Cornwall.

Probably the largest free nautical music and song festival in Europe!

Location: Falmouth
Date: Friday 13th June 2025 for 3 day(s)
Full Price: £
Also available It's Free
Contact for info:
Website: www.falmouthseashanty.co.uk
County: Cornwall
Country: England


Fastnet Maritime and Folk Festival - 13th Jun 2025 - Ballydehob, County Cork

An international festival based in the picturesque village of Ballydehob, West Cork, featuring maritime and other folk music.
Sea songs, shanties, dance, craft market, maritime food stalls, workshops, sea songwriting competition, busking, music in the pubs and main stage on Ballydehob pier. There will also be an Art Expo throughout the weekend.

Location: Ballydehob
Date: Friday 13th June 2025 for 3 day(s)
Full Price: £
Also available It's FREE, mainly. 20 euros for star concert.
Contact for info: dickmiles77@gmail.com
Website: www.fastnetmaritime.com/
County: County Cork
Country: Ireland


Middlewich FAB Festival - 13th Jun 2025 - Middlewich Field, Middlewich, Cheshire

Celebrating over 30 years of the Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival a fabulous weekend of folk & roots music.

Friday is Rock n Roll night as is Saturday.
But there is a folk theme as well, waiting to be updated at the present moment. And there is an official fringe as well.

Up to 15 venues host music and dance from lunchtime on Friday through to Sunday night. On the canal-side and in the town centre, artists from around the UK - and beyond.


Location: Middlewich Field, Middlewich
Date: Friday 13th June 2025 for 3 day(s)
Full Price: £35
Also available Day tickets price is shown, some free events, some individual event tickets
Contact for info: events@middlewich.org.uk
Website: middlewichfabfest.com
County: Cheshire
Country: England


Taking place in July

Sandwich Folk and Ale Festival - 4th Jul 2025 - Sandwich, Kent

Many Sandwich Pubs will put on Folk music throughout the weekend, there will be street music and dancing.

The Pub events will be free to enter with main events at St. Mary's Arts Centre ticketed, see their website for details.

A free outdoor concert and Saturday and Sunday

Location: Sandwich
Date: Friday 4th July 2025 for 4 day(s)
Full Price: £
Also available Mainly free or individual event tickets.
Contact for info: sandwichfolkfestival@hotmail.com
Website: www.sandwich-folk-and-ale.org
County: Kent
Country: England


Beggars Fair - 12th Jul 2025 - Romsey, Hampshire

In the streets and in venues all around the town the best of local performers bring you folk, jazz, blues and world music, colourful dance displays and children's entertainment.

The Beggars Fair has been running since 1993 and is living up to its aims of showcasing local talent in a friendly environment. From big bands on the Cornmarket stage to intimate acoustic music in tranquil gardens, cheerful pub sessions and spellbinding storytelling, the day has a great atmosphere that keeps bringing people (and performers!) back year after year.

Location: Romsey
Date: Saturday 12th July 2025 for 1 day(s)
Full Price: £
Also available It's FREE
Contact for info:
Website: www.beggarsfair.org.uk/
County: Hampshire
Country: England


Taking place in August

Sidmouth Fringe Sessions - 2nd Aug 2025 - Salcombe Regis, Devon

This is a big fringe, over four evenings. Featuring a great line up, and it's all free!

All events in McBuzz's Barn.

The Fringe Sessions feature a mix of the most exciting emerging talent along with some established heavyweight favourites from across the UK and internationally. Entry is FREE to all music lovers but we have a donations bucket for the artists.

The music is an eclectic mix of many genres - and has included folk/roots, bluegrass, stomp, blues, acoustic, jazzfusion, world and indie rock/pop - plus everything in-between.

Location: Salcombe Regis
Date: Saturday 2nd August 2025 for 5 day(s)
Full Price: £
Also available It's FREE ! Donations will be accepted.
Contact for info: 01395 579564
Website: www.sidmouthfringe.co.uk/
County: Devon
Country: England


Taking place in September

Clonakilty International Guitar Festival - 18th Sep 2025 - Clonakilty, County Cork

It's a festival about guitars - the clue's in the name. So fair bit of acoustic stuff.

A celebration of the guitar. It is not starch collared or stuffy nosed, from virtuosos.

The Festival is run by a small not for profit organisation of music lovers and we are very proud of the rich, relaxed, educational, exciting & artistic environment our festival creates in our beautiful seaside town.

For the duration of our festival our whole town is the stage with performances & events happening in all manner of venue from the local schools & library to the bars & butcher shops!

Location: Clonakilty
Date: Thursday 18th September 2025 for 10 day(s)
Full Price: £
Also available Mainly free plus some individual event tickets. 10 - 25 euros
Contact for info: info@clonguitarfest.com
Website: clonguitarfest.com/
County: County Cork
Country: Ireland



The festivals below are older ones which, at the time of our last check, had not yet updated their websites for 2025.

This helps you check up on festivals we haven't yet confirmed are on for 2025. If you see any that HAVE recently updated to this year, let us know (email is given on the Contact page). And if we've missed a festival completely, do tell us.

Took place in May last year

Filey Folk Festival - 3rd May 2024 - Filey, Yorkshire

Filey Folk Festival is one of the mainstays of this North Yorkshire seaside town's musical year. Expect a broad range in styles of folk, blues, country and acoustic performers and bands, and a very warm welcome and a famously friendly atmosphere

Pub gigs run all weekend and admission is free for everyone.

Location: Filey
Date: Friday 3rd May 2024 for 3 day(s)
Full Price: £
Also available It's FREE! Mainly.
Contact for info:
Website: fileyfolkfestival.org.uk
County: Yorkshire
Country: England


Hastings Jack in the Green - 3rd May 2024 - Hastings, East Sussex

The Jack in the Green Festival is an annual event that takes place in various parts of the gorgeous seaside resort that is Hastings. It's a three day event and attracts thousands every year. This is a true British May Day celebration not to be missed. The four day event has been described as 'thee celebration of Morris dancing and traditional merriment, centering on the symbolic figure of Jack in the Green and culminating in a wild costumed parade - one of the most bizarre in Britain.' The long weekend event includes music of all genres from some of the best local and surrounding areas bands, sun, historic and social events, and is filled with family fun.

Location: Hastings
Date: Friday 3rd May 2024 for 4 day(s)
Full Price: £
Also available Multiple events, many are free.
Contact for info: hastingsjackinthegreen@gmail.com
Website: hastingstraditionaljackinthegreen.co.uk/
County: East Sussex
Country: England


Hutton Rudby FolkFest - 23rd May 2024 - Hutton Rudby, Yorkshire

A new one for us.

The festival will be held at 4 venues across the idyllic village of Hutton Rudby in May. Finn Forster, Black Sheep Band, Counterfeit Celts and Keith Newby will be part of the line-up for this festival among many others. A craft fair will feature on the Saturday.

In addition to music acts, there will be a folk craft fair, several bars / pubs with food and music and a large family style event at our Cricket Club venue.

Location: Hutton Rudby
Date: Thursday 23rd May 2024 for 3 day(s)
Full Price: £
Also available It's FREE
Contact for info: hrfolkfest@gmail.com
Website: fhrvh.co.uk/folkfest/
County: Yorkshire
Country: England


Feile Binn Eadair - 24th May 2024 - Howth, Dublin

Formerly known as Howth Tradfest.
A mostly free Irish and traditional Music Festival in the picturesque fishing village of Howth, 25 minutes from the centre of Dublin. This vibrant festival promises to immerse attendees in the melodies and rhythms of both the past and present, creating an unforgettable experience for music enthusiasts of all ages.
(Note: we were sent a link to https://www.feilebinneadair.ie/ but that didn't work. However the link we give does work.)

Location: Howth
Date: Friday 24th May 2024 for 3 day(s)
Full Price: £
Also available 27 FREE gigs and sessions + some ticketed events
Contact for info: paul.byrne@optophonic.com
Website: www.feilebinneadair.com
County: Dublin
Country: Ireland


Took place in June last year

Oban International Shanty Festival - 21st Jun 2024 - Oban, Argyll and Bute

Various locations in Oban.

New to our lists, but website looks promising.

Prices available soon.

Location: Oban
Date: Friday 21st June 2024 for 3 day(s)
Full Price: £
Also available It's got FREE bits
Contact for info:
Website: www.obanshanty.org.uk
County: Argyll and Bute
Country: Scotland


Took place in July last year

Keynsham Music Festival - 1st Jul 2024 - Keynsham, Somerset

Part of a seven day music festival, with Saturday being the folk day.
Rated as one of the top three UK free summer events.

Back with a June date again.

Location: Keynsham
Date: Monday 1st July 2024 for 8 day(s)
Full Price: £
Also available It's FREE!
Contact for info: info@keynshamfest.co.uk
Website: www.keynshammusicfestival.co.uk/
County: Somerset
Country: England


Dalry Folk Festival - 12th Jul 2024 - Dalry, Ayrshire

A new event, back for its third year.

Takes place in Ayrshire, Scotland.

Location: Dalry
Date: Friday 12th July 2024 for 3 day(s)
Full Price: £
Also available Several free events, some ticketed
Contact for info: Use facebook
Website: www.facebook.com/DalryFolkClub/?locale=en_GB
County: Ayrshire
Country: Scotland


Mitcheldean Festival - 19th Jul 2024 - Mitcheldean, Gloucestershire

A village-based festival in the Forest of Dean with concerts, Morris dancing, village fete, busking, poetry and storytelling, ceilidh dance, song writing competition, live comedy, and a folk walk on the Sunday. Happens every year, third Saturday in July.

Location: Mitcheldean
Date: Friday 19th July 2024 for 3 day(s)
Full Price: £
Also available It's FREE !
Contact for info: talktous@mitcheldeanfestival.fod.uk
Website: mitcheldeanfestival.fod.uk
County: Gloucestershire
Country: England


Bridport Folk Festival - 26th Jul 2024 - Bridport, Dorset

The festival supports several charities.

A fair number of morris related sides, workshops, music sessions, headline gigs, ceilidhs and barn dances, performance and story telling, artisans, a children's area and loads more are already booked.

Location: Bridport
Date: Friday 26th July 2024 for 3 day(s)
Full Price: £
Also available Outdoors - £3, workshops £5. Some ticketed events. It's FREE, mainly.
Contact for info: media@bridportfolkfestival.com
Website: bridportfolkfestival.com
County: Dorset
Country: England


Took place in August last year

Melton Folk Festival - 3rd Aug 2024 - Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire

A festival set in the ancient market town of Melton Mowbray. With Craft fair, local market, Morris Dancing, sing-arounds, music session, outdoor market stage and 13 venues collected around its atmospheric center. Three days of music and mayhem so if you fancy playing or just want to eat the pie - come to Melton Folk Festival.

Location: Melton Mowbray
Date: Saturday 3rd August 2024 for 2 day(s)
Full Price: £
Also available It's FREE !
Contact for info: meltonfolk@gmail.com
Website: meltonfolk.com/
County: Leicestershire
Country: England


Howth Roots and Blues - 9th Aug 2024 - Howth, Dublin

The HowthRootsandBluesFestival is a free music festival in Howth showcasing the best in Irish roots and blues artists.

While many of the artists are blues based the festival caters for fans of Country, Rhythm and Blues, Bluegrass, Americanna and reggae. Basically anything rootsy!!

The festival will take place across 6 local venues.

Location: Howth
Date: Friday 9th August 2024 for 3 day(s)
Full Price: £
Also available It's FREE !
Contact for info: paul.byrne@optophonic.com
Website: www.howthrootsandblues.com
County: Dublin
Country: Ireland


Piping Live! - 10th Aug 2024 - Glasgow, Renfrewshire

A very focused festival, on piping.

Glasgow become the heart of the Piping world with events happening around the clock.

Lots of individual events spread over 7 days and 14 venues.

Location: Glasgow
Date: Saturday 10th August 2024 for 8 day(s)
Full Price: £
Also available Prices range from free to about £10
Contact for info: contact@pipinglive.co.uk
Website: pipinglive.co.uk
County: Renfrewshire
Country: Scotland


Took place in September last year

Scalby Folk Festival - 6th Sep 2024 - Nag's Head, Scalby, YO13 0PT, Yorkshire

A three day event centred on the Nag's Head pub.

You can also view updates on Facebook,
https://www.facebook.com/scalbyfolkfestival

Location: Nag's Head, Scalby, YO13 0PT
Date: Friday 6th September 2024 for 3 day(s)
Full Price: £
Also available It's FREE
Contact for info: kathrynbell869@gmail.com
Website: scalbyfair.org.uk
County: Yorkshire
Country: England


Worcester Music Festival - 13th Sep 2024 - Worcester, WR1 2RS, Worcestershire

A mixed genre event, with a folk element for you to enjoy. More than 20 venues and 200 artists (!) to enjoy.

Worcester Music Festival are pleased to announce we will be working alongside Acorns Children's Hospice this year, with the money raised by the festival going towards Acorns' music therapy scheme.

Location: Worcester, WR1 2RS
Date: Friday 13th September 2024 for 3 day(s)
Full Price: £
Also available It's FREE !
Contact for info: info@worcestermusicfestival.co.uk
Website: www.worcestermusicfestival.co.uk/
County: Worcestershire
Country: England


Gobefest - 20th Sep 2024 - Cathedral Gardens, Manchester M4 3BG, Lancashire

NOTE THE NEW DATE !!!

Góbéfest, Manchester's original urban folk music and dance festival with strong Central and Eastern European leanings, is back.

Established in 2017, Góbéfest has its roots firmly in Transylvania and Hungary, but over the years has expanded its reach to cherry pick some of the finest performing artists from around the Carpathian Basin and beyond.

The weekend promises an expertly curated mix of bands and solo artists, folk dance troupes, choirs and more. Independent food and drink traders will be serving up favourites from around the Carpathian Basin, from giant pans of goulash, to the fried flat breads known as lángos and Transylvanian barbecued chimney cakes.

Alongside craft beer, there will also be a Hungarian wine stall and a palinka (Hungarian fruit brandy) bar. Free activities in the family tent include music and dance workshops, storytelling and crafts.

A Góbé is a friendly word for a 'crafty Székely'.

Location: Cathedral Gardens, Manchester M4 3BG
Date: Friday 20th September 2024 for 3 day(s)
Full Price: £35
Also available It's FREE on Sunday
Contact for info:
Website: gobefest.com
County: Lancashire
Country: England


Took place in October last year

Harwich International Sea Shanty Festival - 11th Oct 2024 - Harwich, Essex

A mixture of free open air entertainment, concerts, music sessions, classic boats, pub sessions and singarounds during the festival weekend. Events take place throughout the old town of Harwich at several local venues.

Location: Harwich
Date: Friday 11th October 2024 for 3 day(s)
Full Price: £
Also available Individual event tickets or FREE bits
Contact for info: info@harwichshantyfestival.co.uk
Website: www.harwichshantyfestival.co.uk/
County: Essex
Country: England


Lowender - 25th Oct 2024 - Redruth, TR15 1TA, Cornwall

Lowender, the festival that celebrates Cornish culture and its Celtic connections, is returning to Redruth, Wednesday 25th - Saturday 29th October 2023.
Expect Cornish music, dance, song and fun for all the family with a host of international Celtic performers from Brittany, the Isle of Man, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Music performances, dance sessions and workshops will be taking place in locations across Redruth Town Centre during the 4-day festival, whilst the main evening events will take to the stage at Redruth School.
Tickets are on sale now and kids go free!
This year will see Lowender, which has developed from the Lowender Peran festival, grow into a new organisation where connecting communities and championing Cornwall’s living traditions on a national and international scale is at the core of its values.
For over 40 years Lowender Peran developed an interCeltic festival, creating a powerful network of international friends, celebrating cultural exchange and helping to open Cornish culture to a wider audience.

Location: Redruth, TR15 1TA
Date: Friday 25th October 2024 for 3 day(s)
Full Price: £62
Also available And individual event tickets, some free events.
Contact for info: + 44 (0)7586 080623
Website: www.lowender.co.uk
County: Cornwall
Country: England


Sligo International Music Festival - 25th Oct 2024 - Sligo, County Sligo

Sligo Live Sessions is a national festival celebrating traditional, roots and acoustic music. Now in its eighth year, it has carved out a niche as one of the most relaxed, intimate and enjoyable music festivals in Ireland. Sligo Live.

100 events, many free, All Indoors. Intimate Concerts.Street Markets.Over 350 artists.Dynamic pub sessions. Cafe Culture & Sligo Live Showcase.

Location: Sligo
Date: Friday 25th October 2024 for 10 day(s)
Full Price: £0
Also available TBA Price in euros, many free events
Contact for info:
Website: sligolive.ie
County: County Sligo
Country: Ireland



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