FAQs

General Information

  • What is Leigh Folk Festival?
    Leigh Folk Festival is believed to be the UK’s largest free folk festival, celebrating music, arts, and culture across multiple venues in Leigh-on-Sea.

  • When and where does the festival take place?
    The festival takes place 26th – 29th June 2025 in Leigh-on-Sea, with events across various indoor and outdoor venues.

Tickets & Entry

  • Is the festival free?
    Yes, most events are free to attend, though some special performances and workshops may require tickets.

    However, Leigh Folk Festival thrives on community support! As a charity, we navigate rising costs and limited funding, but with your help, we can keep the festival accessible to everyone. We kindly suggest a minimum donation of £5 per day, which is voluntary. Some events also have suggested donations. Your contribution helps us continue offering incredible free events while supporting artists and festival operations.

    We may arrange fundraising concerts or events during the festival, if so these will be ticketed.

  • Do I need to book in advance?
    For most events, no booking is required, but some ticketed performances may sell out—check the festival website for details.

Getting There & Accessibility

  • How can I get to Leigh Folk Festival?

    Leigh-on-Sea is easily accessible via train, bus, and car. C2C runs a regular train service between Shoeburyness and Fenchurch St. Leigh-on-Sea is the closest train station. Parking is limited, so public transport is recommended.

  • Is the festival accessible for people with disabilities?

    Yes, we strive to use venues that are accessible. The Fishermen’s Chapel venue is not easily accessible by wheelchair users. The lower field in Leigh Library Gardens has a significant slope so may be difficult to access. Please contact us in advance at info@leighfolkfestival.com for specific accessibility concerns.

Festival Experience

  • Will food and drinks be available?

    Yes! There will be festival bars and food stalls serving a range of options, including vegetarian and vegan choices.

  • Can I bring my own food and drinks?
    You’re welcome to bring food, but alcoholic beverages may be restricted at certain venues. Note: Fishermen’s Chapel is a no-alcohol venue, and St. Clement’s Church permits only beer and wine purchased at its own venue bar. Please note: No glass is allowed anywhere in Leigh Library Gardens. The bars operate a Challenge 25 policy for alcohol sales.

  • Are dogs allowed?
    Yes, but with some restrictions! Dogs are permitted in Leigh Library Gardens and St. Clement’s Church, but they are not permitted in indoor venues elsewhere. Please keep them on a lead at all times, and consider whether the festival’s busy, loud atmosphere is suitable for your dog.

  • Are there toilets?
    Toilet facilities will be available inside Leigh Library Gardens during the festival. The nearest public toilets are located just off Broadway West (beside Ugo’s). Venues will have their own facilities.

  • Where can I pick up a festival guide or festival merchandise?

    Visit the Leigh Library Gardens Merch/InfoTent to buy event guides, festival merchandise, and souvenirs.

Events & Activities

  • What kind of performances can I expect?

    The festival features a wide range of musical styles many rooted in tradition, storytelling sessions, dance performances, and family-friendly activities.

  • What family-friendly events do you offer?
    Our Children’s area includes an exciting programme of activities for children in Leigh Library Gardens. Expect Arts and Crafts and other activities. We also arrange Storytelling for Children at other venues.

  • Are there age restrictions?
    Most events are all-ages welcome. If an event contains potentially adult content, we will advertise a minimum age restriction. You should check other venues policies regarding age restrictions.

  • Can I participate in workshops or open-mic sessions?
    Yes! Many workshops and sessions encourage audience participation—check the schedule for details.

Safety & Policies

  • What should I do in case of an emergency?

    In the event of an emergency at the festival, stay calm and notify festival staff or security immediately. Follow instructions from emergency personnel, locate exits, and use designated evacuation routes. If safe to do so, assist others, especially vulnerable individuals, and call 999 if necessary. Always move to safety and follow official guidance to ensure your well-being.

  • What happens if the festival is cancelled?
    If the festival is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, such as extreme weather or safety concerns, we will communicate this as soon as practicable via email to subscribers, as well as through our social media channels and website. As a free, non-ticketed event, we are unable to contact attendees as we do not hold contact details.
    Unfortunately, we would be unable to refund any travel or accommodation costs incurred or unused as a result cancellation.

  • Are there any items I cannot bring?
    Large umbrellas, glass containers , unauthorised drones and unauthorised sound systems, BBQs, generators, paraffin lamps, candles, laser pens, Chinese lanterns, flares, air horns, gazebos, pop up tents and similar item. Flags, offensive signs, banners, or materials. We discourage Alcohol brought from outside (festival bars are available).
    Any prohibited items may be removed or confiscated without compensation.

Will there be cash machines on site?

No, there will not be a cash machine inside the festival site. The closest ATM is at Tesco Express on Leigh Broadway. Bars and food stalls accept card payments.

How can I volunteer or help organise the festival?

Leigh Folk Festival is depends on volunteers.Some dedicate time all year round to planning, promoting, booking acts, and managing logistics. Others volunteer during the festival weekend. We always welcome new members! Contact: info@leighfolkfestival.com for details.

How do I apply to play at the festival?

We receive hundreds of applications each year, so we can only reply to those who are selected. Many smaller stages are curated by local music organisations, so additional performance opportunities may be available through them. Don’t forget you can apply for our open mic competitions.

To register your interest, contact: artists@leighfolkfestival.com or info@leighfolkfestival.com. To apply for a June Festival, email from January onwards.

How do I apply for a trader stall?

We work with mainly independent, local businesses to curate our makers’ market and food offerings. If you’d like to be considered details will be provided on social media with a portal for you to register your interest : Email concessions@leighfolkfestival.com with any questions.

Pitches fill up quickly. To apply for June festival, email from January onwards.

If you have any other questions not answered above please contact
info@leighfolkfestival.com