ISSUE 220 March 2026

This is the place for Yorkshires Grassroots festivals

Yorkshire will host a variety of music and performing arts festivals in 2026,

Also the Swaledale Festival (May 23 - June 6), Deer Shed Festival (July 24-26), and Staxtonbury Family Music Festival (July 16-20). Major music events will also include the Reading and Leeds Festivals (August 27-30) and Mint Festival (May 2-4).

 

Grassroots Festivals 

Aberford Literature Festival is back for 2026 — now a 3-day, all-weekend event! It's bigger - it's better - but most importantly it's still local, and it's all about community! Come along and enjoy! Friday 19th, Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st June 2026

The Aberford Literature Festival (ALF) , a joyous three days of author talks, workshops, and the ALF Awards at The Arabian Horse pub and local venues. Featuring guest speakers including  playwright John Godber, it focuses on celebrating local writing, children's literature, and community participation. Located at Aberford Village Hall, The Arabian Horse pub, and local venues in the village.  Key Highlights Include workshops, book signings, a murder mystery evening, and the "ALF Awards" named after the mascot, Aberford Alfie. 

Don't  miss this great Yorkshire Festival.

Organized by the Aberford Authors group.;

Tickets and Information: The event features free entry for most events, with a few paid options. 

Tickets are available Here

Otley Folk festival announces the first line-up of artists for this years 35th Otley Folk Fesival. 

Happening 18-20th September 2026 festival goers can look forward to experiencing the musical talents of… Jez Lowe and The Bad Pennies, Martin Simpson, John Spiers and Jackie Oates, Sherburn, Bartley and Sanders, Tim Dalling, Katie Spencer, Patsy Matheson, Plumhall, Dave Vermond, Fenton / Lennox, Duncan McFarlane Band, Jon Palmer Acoustic Band, The Hall Brothers, Gordon Tyrrall, Monkeys Fist plus a host of local artists. 

More artists will be announced in the coming weeks. 

 From Friday evening through to Sunday evening, the festival offers something for everyone. 

Otley based ‘Folk For All’ will be running slower sessions for those of you who are just getting in to playing. 

Larger Concerts will take place at the Parish Church and Otley Common plus more intimate concerts at the Black Horse and the Labour Rooms. 

  ‘Early Bird’ tickets available in the next week or two and a full adult weekend ticket will be on sale for £70. Along with your ‘early bird’ ticket camping will be available at half price. 

There will be a limited amount of these tickets so we would advise you to book early. We look forward to seeing you all in Otley in September. 

See Here for more details

MORE FESTIVALS;

Newsam Green Farm, Leeds. • Harrogate International Festivals: June and July (dates to be confirmed). • Towerfest: June 18-21, North of England's premier open-air country music festival. • Deer Shed Festival: July 24-26. • Staxtonbury Family Music Festival: July 16-20, near Scarborough. • Leeds Festival: August 27-30, Bramham Park, Leeds. • Performing arts festivals • Harrogate Competitive Festival for Music, Speech and Drama: March 6-8, 13-15, and 20-22. •

Harrogate Music Festival: April 3-8, featuring music and performing arts. • York Mystery Plays Festival: June 26 and July 5 (main events), with sunset shows on June 30 and July 1. • Swaledale Festival: May 23 - June 6, includes music, arts, and walking events. •

 Other festivals • Sheffield Chamber Music Festival: May 20, 2026 (features a relaxed concert).