faqs & information

The 2026 Sidmouth Folk Festival begins on Friday 31st July and runs through until the evening of Friday 7th August. 

Pre-Festival events are on Thursday 30th July (pm) & Friday 31st July (afternoon)

The Festival Campsite is open for arrivals from noon on Wednesday 29th July, and closes at noon Saturday 8th August.

The torchlight procession finale is 10pm on Friday 7th August.

The Festival takes places in multiple venues across the Regency seaside town of Sidmouth, East Devon, in the South West of England. Sidmouth is on the English Channel and part of the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site.

BY ROAD: Sidmouth is on the East Devon Coast, 10 miles from junction 30 of the M5 and 9 miles from Honiton. 

BY COACH: National Express Coaches arrive in nearby Exeter and there’s a regular bus service to Sidmouth. 

BY RAIL: There are fast trains from London Waterloo to Honiton, and a regular bus service from Honiton station to Sidmouth (except on Sundays). Trains from the North, the Midlands and London Paddington arrive into Exeter St Davids. Take a bus from the train station to Exeter bus station, and connect with the regular bus service to Sidmouth. Visitors are advised to consult Stagecoach Devon and National Rail Enquiries. 

BY BOAT: Travel to Sidmouth in sustainable style by boat! Stuart Line Cruises will be departing from Exmouth on select dates during the festival and landing in Sidmouth beach, in the heart of the festival. Passengers will be able to spend 3 hours ashore before returning to Exmouth by boat but if you’d prefer to have longer at the festival, just request a one-way ticket. 

Not only is this a more environmentally conscious mode of transport, but you can also discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site Jurassic Coast along the way, with a live commentary from the Skipper on the fascinating history, geology, and wildlife east Devon’s magnificent coastline. Advanced booking is strongly recommended. More information and online booking via their website here. 

BY AIR: Exeter airport is 30 minutes from Sidmouth. Scheduled services for domestic and international flights. 

An institution all of its own! We have Week Tickets (available in advance), Day Tickets or you can pay per journey on the bus (cash or card).  Week Tickets are the best option if you’ll use the bus more than once a day. Festival Buses run regularly to and from the entrance of the campsite, from early morning until after all events are finished for the night. Individual single trips also available on the bus, card and cash accepted.

Available from Friday 31 July to Friday 7 August 2026 with reduced services on Wednesday 29 July, Thursday 30 July and Saturday 8 August 2026.

Detailed times, routes and charges will be available in the Festival Programme.

Week Festival Bus passes can be bought in advance online . Week and Day Festival Bus passes can be purchased in person from the Campsite Box Office and the Ham Box Office. Individual single trips also available on the bus, cash or card.

Festival Car Park at Bulverton
The Festival car park is situated just above the Bulverton Marquee. It allows direct access to the Marquee and avoids delays of finding parking in the town. Follow the signs from the A3052, down Bulverton Road, past the campsite. Use the one way system (following the ‘diversion’ signs), up Broadway, turn right into Bickwell Lane then left into Higher Greenway Lane. The route is along country lanes, so please drive very carefully, especially when wet.

Exit signs will direct you round the remainder of the one-way system back onto the Bulverton Road just below the campsite. To access the town from the car park, walk past the Bulverton Marquee, down the hill to the bus stop opposite the Campsite entrance.

A word about motor homes … Each year the festival organisers consult with the Council, police, fire service and local residents, to ensure that our arrangements are safe and considerate of the local community, as well as meeting legal requirements. We have become concerned in recent years about the growing number of people sleeping in motor homes on the streets, and camping on verges, during the festival. Apart from the disturbance this can cause to residents, it is illegal and may cause a hazard to traffic and put lives at risk. We would therefore ask visitors to the Festival to ensure that you do not put yourself or others at risk in this way. The police have also asked us to warn you that they will be regularly monitoring the situation once again this year.

Please note motorhomes are only permitted to park in East Devon District Council (EDDC) car parks between 8am to 10pm.

Yes! There’s an online version & interactive Google map here, plus the map is in the Festival Programme.

We produce a Taster Programme in Spring, a free Children’s Festival Programme & the Full Festival Programme (£8) in July. Details are also available on the website & the programmes can be downloaded once published.

All in One & Week Season ticket holders get a programme with their tickets. You can order more online for collection at the Festival and in person at the Festival Box Office during the festival.

Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome on the Festival Campsite, at The Hub, in Connaught Gardens, the Anchor Garden and in Blackmore Gardens. No dogs are allowed within festival venues* except recognised assistance dogs.  

*Please note festival venues include Peacock Lawn and the Blackmore Gardens Marquee. There are selected areas of Sidmouth’s beach that are dog friendly all year around but do check local signs for the latest information.    

We use a whole host of venues, many of which are undercover, so there’s always something to do!

However, In the event of wet or windy weather some outdoor events, or those in temporary venues,  may be combined, others may be cancelled.

See Information notice boards & online communications for details. If conditions at the campsite or any temporary car parks operated by The Sidmouth Folk Festival become too wet, vehicular access to and from such sites may be restricted for safety reasons.

Cricket Club, Fortfield Terrace, Sidmouth EX10 8NT (Festival Supporter)
The Cricket Club operates a car park during the festival: charges are made for the day and part day. Cash only.

Rugby Club, Heydons Ln, Sidmouth EX10 8NJ (Festival Supporter)
The Rugby Club operates a car park during festival: charges are made for the day and part day.  Cash only

Bedford Lawn car park (Festival Donor)
Located next to the Bedford Hotel, on the Esplanade, at the end of the B3176.
Pay as you enter.

The Ham East, The Ham West and Roxburgh short stay car parks (EDDC)
The Ham car parks are on Ham Lane, just off the eastern end of the Esplanade (EX10 8XR). The Roxburgh car park is on Russell Street. Charges are made 8am to 6pm daily. 3 hours maximum stay: No return within 1 hour. 7 Day Tickets/Permits: Ticket/Permit valid for one visit only of up to 3 hours in each day. No return that same day. Annual Parking Permits: Permit valid for one visit only of up to 3 hours in each day. No return that same day.

Manor Road car park (EDDC)
The Manor car park is at the western end of Manor Road, opposite the Westcliff Hotel. Charging Period: 24 hours daily. 24 hours maximum stay: no return within 1 hour. 7 Day Tickets/Permits: 24 hours maximum stay. No return within 1 hour. Annual Parking Permits: 24 hours maximum stay, no return within 1 hour.

For many, a fully immersive festival experience starts with the buzz of a festival campsite. Our Official Festival Campsite offers great atmosphere, stunning views across the valley, and a convenient location near The Bulverton. Read more.

There are two rates – Ticket holder & Non-Ticket holder (NT) rates, and an additional charge for Live in Vehicles.  There are also a limited number of Electric Hook-Ups (EHUs) available.

A large section of our campsite is pedestrian only, with no vehicles allowed. Campers will be able to drop and collect on arrival and departure at the top of the campsite.

Free car parking is available at the Festival Car Park adjacent to the Bulverton Marquee for the days of your Camping Pass.

If you want to park your car on the campsite your car cannot be moved on and off the campsite during your stay.

Should you wish to have the option to use your vehicle during the week, you must park at the Festival Car Park.

Special arrangements may be made for mobility vehicles by prior arrangement, please email access@sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk.

Please note that some areas of the campsite may not be suitable for people with mobility difficulties. Please contact us to discuss requirements and pre-book space in the more accessible areas.

You can request camping within the Accessibility Area of the Festival Campsite by emailing access@sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk.

Special arrangements may be made for mobility vehicles by prior arrangement, please email access@sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk.

Please note that some areas of the campsite may not be suitable for people with mobility difficulties.

We do provide facilities for charging personal mobility devices.

There is a range of accommodation available in Sidmouth, from hotels and B&B to self-catering cottages. More information.

The festival campsite is arranged on a first come, first served basis. Space cannot be reserved but our on-site volunteers will do their best to accommodate reasonable requests and groups usually find themselves together.

A large section of our campsite is pedestrian only, with no vehicles allowed. Campers will be able to drop and collect on arrival and departure at the top of the campsite.

Free car parking is available at the Festival Car Park adjacent to the Bulverton Marquee for the days of your Camping Pass.

If you want to park your car on the campsite your car cannot be moved on and off the campsite during your stay.

Should you wish to have the option to use your vehicle during the week, you must park at the Festival Car Park.

Special arrangements may be made for mobility vehicles by prior arrangement, please email access@sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk.

Please note that some areas of the campsite may not be suitable for people with mobility difficulties.

There is a dedicated camping field for live in vehicles. Remember to buy your Live In Vehicle pass.

There are water points & Elsan Disposal points and there are a limited number of electric hook ups available.

Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome on the Festival Campsite. Please pick up after them!

Dogs (other than assistant dogs) are not allowed inside Festival venues but are welcome at The Hub, in Connaught Gardens, the Anchor Garden and in Blackmore Gardens (except the Marquee). The main beach at Sidmouth has restrictions for dogs between 1st May and 30th September but there are selected areas that are dog friendly all year around. Many Sidmouth shops & pubs are dog friendly. Check local signs for the latest information.

See Venues for a google map and details of venues.

An excellent programme of music awaits at our two largest concert venues, The Ham, a seated concert marquee at the seafront, and The Bulverton, a large marquee, home to a lively programme of standing concerts and ceilidhs, located opposite the Festival Campsite.  

Child (0-11) tickets allow entry to all events as for Adult tickets except for The Bulverton Late Night events after 2230. Children 0 to 11 years (and Youths under 16 for Bulverton Late Night Extra events) must be accompanied by a ticket-holding adult at main festival events. Stewards reserve the right to refuse admission to Children and Youths under the requisite ages not accompanied by a ticket-holding adult.

Under 16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult in any licensed bar area. Under 18s must be booked with a responsible adult on the Festival Campsite. 25 & Unders must provide appropriate photographic ID that includes date of birth (eg passport, driving licence) when collecting tickets.

Children’s Festival events held on Peacock Lawn are free to Children (0-11), subject to availability.

Some workshops for over 6’s are progressive and may lead to a final performance. Priority at these events will be given to children who have attended previous sessions. These events are indicated in the Children’s Programme.

Pay on the door Family Tickets for Family Concerts and Ceilidhs are for 2 adults and up to 2 youths (12-17) or 1 adult and up to 3 youths (12-17). Priority will be given to children and people with children.  Children (0-11) go free.

6 to 11 year olds need to be signed into some Children’s Festival workshops once the venue and stewards are ready to receive them. Children must be collected when the workshop ends.

Adults responsible for young children attending the Children’s Festival should check the Children’s Programme for events where children must be accompanied by an adult.

Seats are not numbered or pre-allocated. The Bulverton is a standing venue with only some limited seating for people with mobility issues.

Queues at some events will be inevitable. There are tight turnarounds between events for artists and our teams. Please be patient and co-operate fully with our volunteer stewards who will let you in as soon as they are able. 

Priority is given to season ticket holders up to 10mins before advertised start time.

We produce a Festival newsletter for the start of the Week which highlights any changes, this is also available online. Once the festival starts, any changes will be notified on the website (news section), socials, and signage at the venues. If relevant, ticket holders may also be notified by email.

Smoking or vaping is not permitted in any Festival venue. Please note that this includes Peacock Lawn.

Dogs are not allowed within festival venues with the exception of recognised assistance dogs. Please note that this includes Peacock Lawn and The Blackmore Gardens Marquee.

Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome on the Festival Campsite, at The Hub, in Connaught Gardens, the Anchor Garden and in Blackmore Gardens.

For the enjoyment of all Festival goers, please refrain from using flash photography, filming, and excessive mobile phone use during concerts. Professional camera equipment is not allowed to be used in festival venues unless you’re a photographer/videographer on our official Press List. Some artists may have requested no photography or filming. If this is the case then there will be an announcement about restrictions at the start of the event.

Buy Online via the website.

Sidmouth Resident Discount tickets can be purchased online or in person with relevant identifying documents (proof of address and ID).

Buying In Person / By Phone / By Post

The Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre provides a Festival Box Office before the festival.
Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre Box Office, Ham Lane, Sidmouth, EX10 8XR. Tel: 01395 577952

Pre-Festival Box Office – until Sunday 26 July 2026 at 16:00

Open:
November-April, Monday-Saturday 1000–1330, Sundays closed.
Closed from 21 December 2025-1 January 2026 inclusive.
May-September, Monday-Saturday 1000-1700, Sundays & Bank Holidays 1000-1600.

• Purchase by telephone, in person, or by post (please use a booking form –downloadable from the website – and provide a stamped self-addressed envelope).

• Payments by credit/debit card can be taken over the phone as well as in person where you can also pay in cash. Payments by post are by cheque only in advance, please see below.

• Cheques for booking tickets through the Sidmouth TIC Box Office must be made payable to ‘Sidmouth TIC’ and the booking must bereceived no later than 29th June 2026.

Ham Box Office – from Monday 27 July 2026
Open 27 July 13:00-20:00, 28 July to 6 August 09:00-20:00, 7 August 09:00- 18:00.
The Ham Box Office is sited near the Swimming Pool and Tourist Information Centre. Tel: 01395 577952
In person only sales.
Payments by credit/debit card or cash.

Campsite Box Office – from Wednesday 29 July 2026
The Campsite Box Office is sited on the Festival Campsite from noon on Wednesday 29 July 2026.
Opening times will be notified on the Campsite Box Office.
In person only sales.
Payments by credit/debit card or cash.

Please see Terms & Conditions for full details.

For detailed lists of what is included with each ticket, please refer to Terms & Conditions. Our handy comparison table may be helpful too! See Buy Tickets.

Early Bird season tickets, Camping, Bus and Workshop passes will be available from 9th December 2025.

Full price season tickets are available when the Early Bird tickets have sold out.

Ham, Bulverton and Manor individual event tickets are available in April, please check website for details.

The age categories are determined by the age on 31 July 2026:

Adults (aged 26+)

Young Adults (aged 18-25)

25 & Under (aged 12-25)

Children (aged 0-11)

These tickets give guaranteed admission to specific events at the Ham, Manor Pavilion and Bulverton venues.

The number of advance tickets available for each event is limited.

All advance event ticket buyers will be issued with an e-ticket for that event which includes a QR code. Having this code either printed or available on your mobile device is essential in order to gain entry at the venue. There are no physical event tickets to collect from any box office.

There are no advance event tickets available for any other venues.

Event tickets are available at the door for most events, subject to capacity (for the Bulverton Late Night Extra please see below). Admission will be from 10 minutes before the event starts, after all Festival ticket and Advance Event ticket holders have been admitted.

Please note that ‘Advance Tickets no longer on sale’ for any specific event means that any tickets not taken up will be available on the door, on sale from about 10 minutes before the event starts.

Bulverton Late Night Extra (LNE) Event Tickets. Entry to the LNE events are included in the Bulverton evening concert ticket for the same night, apart from the last Friday where there is a separate ticket. These are available in advance. Entrance on any other night to the LNE alone is only possible by paying on the door.

All Festival Season ticket holders are admitted to workshops free of charge on the day/s of their tickets except for Bulverton-in-One Seasons (admitted to workshops at the Bulverton only).

Customers without an appropriate Festival Season can buy a Workshop Book online, from the Festival Box Offices or on the door of any workshop.

The Workshop Book is a single ticket with 6 passes on it, the book can be ‘traded in’ at all workshops marked with ‘W’ in the Festival Programme until all the passes are marked off.

You can share the book with another person, one pass marked off per person per workshop.

You can buy more than one book.

Alternatively, customers may pay on the door for individual workshops.

All workshop admission is subject to space being available.

Personal Assistant Ticket

· This is available to a ticket buying person requiring assistance to attend the festival.

· Tickets can be booked online and in order to qualify you will need to provide the box office/door staff at the festival with one of the following when collecting your season tickets or using your e-tickets:

• Front page of DLA / PIP award letter (no specific rate)
• Front page of Attendance Allowance letter (no specific rate)
• Evidence that registered severely sight impaired (blind)
• Recognised Assistance Dog ID card
• Access Card (with the ‘+1’ symbol)

· The qualifying documentation must be an original and current as of the dates of the festival.

· All Personal Assistants should be aged 18+ years.

· Personal Assistant tickets are not available against Child tickets of any type as the child would already need to be in direct supervision and guidance by a parent or other adult guardian.

· If special requirements exist, such as positioning of a wheelchair, it is the ticket holder’s responsibility to contact the venue management early to make sure that their requirements are known. Venue stewards will do their best to accommodate all such requests.

· If you have any access needs please email access@sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk to request an Access Information Form