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Your guide to the Festival — including how it works, what’s free and which ticket to choose.

First time at Sidmouth? Welcome!

Whether you’re planning a day out, a weekend away or a full week by the sea, welcome to Sidmouth Folk Festival.

From 31 July–7 August 2026, Sidmouth comes alive with music, dance, song, storytelling, workshops and celebration. With more than 800 events across eight days, there is something for everyone, whether you’re a lifelong folk fan or simply looking for a brilliant day out. Some visitors come to see a favourite artist. Others watch the dance displays, join a workshop, explore the Festival Village or simply wander through the town and see what they discover.

There is no right or wrong way to experience Sidmouth.

EXPLORE THE PROGRAMME
CHOOSE YOUR TICKETS

Is Sidmouth Folk Festival for me?

You don’t need to know anything about folk music to enjoy the Festival.

You might spend the morning watching dancers on the seafront, discover a new artist in an intimate venue, join a singing or craft workshop, enjoy free family activities or finish the day at a headline concert.

Come for a few hours, one day, a weekend or the whole Festival. You can plan every detail or simply follow the music.

Which ticket is right for me?

I’m just coming for the day

A Day Season Ticket is a great choice if you want to explore the Festival for one day.

It includes a wide range of concerts, workshops, dance, talks, storytelling and participation events taking place on your chosen day. Some major evening concerts are booked separately.

[VIEW DAY SEASON TICKETS]


I’m making a weekend of it

A Weekend Season Ticket gives you time to settle into the Festival atmosphere, discover different venues and enjoy a mixture of concerts, workshops, dance and events around the town.

Choose from the opening or closing weekend, with different ticket options available depending on whether you would like the Ham evening concerts included.

[VIEW WEEKEND TICKETS]


I want the full Sidmouth experience

A Week Season Ticket is usually the best-value choice if you are staying for most or all of the Festival.

It includes a huge range of concerts, workshops, dance, song, storytelling, sessions and participation events throughout the week. Saturday–Thursday Ham evening concerts are not included, but can be added separately.

For an even more complete experience, the All-in-One Week Ticket includes Festival events throughout the week, including the Ham evening concerts.

[COMPARE WEEK TICKETS]


I want everything included

Choose an All-in-One Ticket if you want the simplest option.

It includes the events covered by the relevant Week or Weekend Season Ticket, plus the applicable Ham evening concerts, so you can enjoy the Festival without booking those concerts separately.

Camping is not included.

[VIEW ALL-IN-ONE TICKETS]


I mainly want evening gigs and dancing

The Bulverton-in-One Ticket is designed for people who want the full run of Bulverton evening events, Late Night Extras and Festival camping.

The Bulverton is Sidmouth’s standing big top, with high-energy concerts, ceilidhs, dancing and late-night Festival atmosphere.

[VIEW BULVERTON-IN-ONE]


I only want particular concerts or shows

That’s absolutely fine.

Many Ham Marquee, Bulverton and Manor Pavilion events can be booked individually, so you can simply choose the artists or performances you want to see.

[BROWSE INDIVIDUAL EVENT TICKETS]


We’re bringing children

Sidmouth is wonderfully family-friendly.

The Children’s Festival offers free activities, performances, creative workshops and chances to join in throughout the week. Young people can also enjoy substantial ticket discounts.

Children aged 11 and under are admitted free to many Festival events, although tickets may still be required where capacity is limited.

[EXPLORE THE FAMILY FESTIVAL]

Do I need a ticket for everything?

No. One of the joys of Sidmouth is how much you can enjoy for free.

During the Festival you can discover:

  • dance displays around the town
  • music and activity in Blackmore Gardens
  • the Children’s Festival
  • sessions in pubs and public spaces
  • street performances and unexpected moments along the seafront
  • the colourful atmosphere of a whole town celebrating together

Many visitors combine the free Festival with one or two ticketed concerts or activities.

A Festival ticket opens up an even wider programme of concerts, workshops, dance, talks, storytelling and participation events.

[EXPLORE FREE EVENTS]

Where does it all take place?

Unlike many festivals, Sidmouth is not held in one field.

The whole town becomes the Festival.

You’ll find music, dance and performance in large marquees, theatres, gardens, churches, halls, pubs and public spaces, as well as along the seafront.

Many central venues are within walking distance of one another, while Festival buses connect the town with the Bulverton, official campsite and car park.

[VIEW FESTIVAL VENUES]
[TRAVEL, PARKING AND BUSES]

What might a day at Sidmouth look like?

There is no such thing as a standard Festival day, but yours might include:

Morning
Watch dance displays around the town, join a workshop or enjoy a relaxed concert.

Lunchtime
Explore Blackmore Gardens, find a session or stop for food and drink.

Afternoon
See a show, listen to storytelling, join in with music or dance, or spend time by the sea.

Evening
Choose a headline concert, an intimate performance, a ceilidh or a big night out at the Bulverton.

Late night
Keep dancing, find a session or simply enjoy the Festival atmosphere.

You can fill every hour — or leave plenty of room for unexpected discoveries.


I’ve Never Been to a Folk Festival…

Perfect. You certainly won’t be the only one.

You don’t need to know the songs, understand the dances or arrive with an instrument. Come to see someone you already love, try something new, enjoy a family day out or simply wander around and soak up the atmosphere.

Comfortable shoes help! And your curiosity does the rest.


Planning your first visit

You’ll find detailed information here:

[TRAVEL AND PARKING]
[FESTIVAL BUS SERVICE]
[FESTIVAL CAMPSITE]
[OTHER ACCOMMODATION]
[ACCESSIBILITY]
[FOOD AND DRINK]
[FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS]

Still Not Sure?

Our friendly team will be happy to help you choose the most suitable ticket.

Ticket enquiries
tickets@sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk

Tickets can also be purchased in person or by phone from Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre on 01395 577952 during opening hours.

For access enquiries, email:
access@sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk

[CHOOSE YOUR TICKETS]