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, culture and community across multiple venues in Leigh‑on‑Sea.

• When and where does the festival take place?

  The 2026 festival runs from 26–28 June, with additional events in the preceding week. Activities predominantly take place in Leigh Library Gardens and indoor venues throughout Leigh‑on‑Sea.

• Is there an official festival app or digital schedule?

  Yes — the full programme, clashfinder, and venue map will be available on our website, with a downloadable PDF for mobile use.

• How do I stay updated during the festival?

  Follow us on Instagram andFacebook for real‑time updates, set‑time changes, and important announcements.

Events & Activities

• What kind of performances can I expect?

  Expect a wide range of musical styles (many rooted in tradition), dance, spoken word, and family‑friendly activities.

• How do I find out what’s on?

  Our printed festival guide will be available from volunteers. We ask for a small donation. It includes the full programme and a clash‑finder. The same information is also available on our website. 

• What family-friendly events do you offer?

  Our Children & Family Area in Leigh Library Gardens hosts arts & crafts activities, facepainting, music and more throughout the weekend. 

• Are there age restrictions?

  Most events welcome all ages. If an event includes adult content, we will advertise a minimum age. Some venues have their own age policies — please check before attending.

• Can I take part in workshops or open‑mic sessions?

  Yes — many workshops and sessions encourage participation. Check the programme for details.

• Are events indoors or outdoors?

  The festival uses a mix of indoor venues and outdoor stages, activities are predominantly located in Leigh Library Gardens.

• What happens if it rains?

  Outdoor events continue in light rain — please dress for the weather. Severe weather updates will be posted on social media.

Tickets & Entry

• Is the festival free?

  Yes — entry to the main festival site in Leigh Library Gardens is free. Some special performances and workshops at other venues may require tickets.

  Leigh Folk Arts Association is a registered charity: Charity Number 1171298. Rising costs and limited funding mean we rely on community support. We suggest a voluntary donation of £5 per adult per day to help keep the festival free and accessible.

• Do I need to book in advance?

  We have the option for you to make your voluntary donation in advance, if you do so we can claim 25% additional gift aid.  Further details are available here Hyperlink https://leigh-folk-arts.yapsody.com/event/index/870683/leigh-folk-festival

  We recommend booking in advance for ticketed events and checking the event details top see if this is compulsory. 

• Do you accept card payments for donations?

  Yes — card and contactless donations are accepted by volunteers across the festival site, in venues and at the information/merchandise tent.

Getting There & Accessibility

• How can I get to Leigh Folk Festival?

  Leigh‑on‑Sea is accessible by foot, cycle, train, bus, and car.

• Train: C2C, our official travel partner, runs services between Shoeburyness and Fenchurch Street. Leigh‑on‑Sea is the nearest station.  We recommend travel by train if feasible.    C2C Website 

• Buses:Several buses serve the station, with stops a short walk from Leigh Library Gardens.

• Taxis: Available from the station.

  The walk from the station is steep — consider alternatives if this may be challenging.

Where can I park my bike?

• Public cycle parking is available on Leigh Broadway and near Leigh Library. Space is limited — please lock bikes securely in designated areas and be considerate in what you lock them to. 

Is the festival accessible for people with disabilities?

• We aim to use accessible venues wherever possible.

  • The Fishermen’s Chapel is not easily accessible for wheelchair users.

  • The lower field in Leigh Library Gardens has a significant slope.

  For full details, please see our Accessibility page on the festival website.
  For specific needs, email info@leighfolkfestival.com in advance.

Is there an accessible viewing area?

• Yes — a small accessible viewing area will be available near the main stage in Leigh Library Gardens. Space is limited and steward‑monitored.

Festival Experience

• Will food and drink be available?

  Yes — bars and food stalls at the festival offer a range of options, including vegetarian and vegan choices, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

• Can I bring my own food and drinks?

  You may bring your own food. Alcohol rules vary by venue:

  • Fishermen’s Chapel: no alcohol permitted

  • St. Clement’s Church: only beer and wine purchased at the venue bar

  • Leigh Library Gardens: no glass permitted

  • Bars operate a Challenge 25 policy.

• Are dogs allowed?

  Dogs can come into Leigh Library Gardens (only assistance dogs are permitted at the Friday night concert) and St. Clement’s Church. They are not permitted in other indoor venues. Please keep dogs on a lead and consider whether a busy and loud festival environment is suitable for them.

• Are there toilets?

  Yes — temporary toilets including accessible units and baby-changing will be available in Leigh Library Gardens. Public toilets are located beside Ugo’s on Broadway West. Indoor venues have their own facilities.

• Where can I get a festival guide or buy merchandise?

  Visit the Merch/Info Tent in Leigh Library Gardens.

• Is there seating?

  Indoor venues have limited seating.
  For outdoor stages, we encourage visitors to bring picnic blankets.
  We discourage chairs, especially high‑back chairs, as they obstruct views and reduce space. Please note that in the event of increased crowds the use of your own chairs will be prohibited and you may be asked to fold these away.

• Is there Lost Property?

  Yes — Lost & Found is located at the Merch/Info Tent. After the festival, email info@leighfolkfestival.com.

• Is there a Lost Child point?

  Yes — report immediately to the Merch/Info Tent, Welfare/First Aid Tent or speak to any volunteer or security staff.

• Can I bring a pushchair?

  Yes — though some outdoor areas may be uneven.

• Is there camping at the festival?

  No — Leigh Folk Festival does not offer camping or overnight facilities.

  If you’re travelling from outside the area, Leigh‑on‑Sea, Westcliff-on-Sea and Southend offer a range of hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs within reach of festival venues. 

• Photography

  Volunteer photographers will be active across the festival. You may be photographed or filmed for promotional use. If you have concerns, speak to the photographer.
  Personal photography is encouraged — tag us with #LFF26 and #LeighFolkFestival.

Sustainability

• Is there a water refill station?

  Yes — a standing water tap will be available in Leigh Library Gardens.

• What is your recycling policy?

  Recycling and general waste bins will be provided. Please help us keep the site clean by using the correct bins and taking litter home where possible.

• Do the bars use reusable cups?

  Yes — our bars operate a reusable cup scheme to reduce waste.

Safety & Policies

• What should I do in an emergency?

  Stay calm and notify festival staff or security. Follow instructions from emergency services and use designated evacuation routes. Call 999 if appropriate.

• Is there first aid on site?

  Yes — trained first aiders are present, with a First Aid & Welfare point in Leigh Library Gardens.

• What items are prohibited?

  The following are not permitted:

  • Glass containers

  • Large umbrellas

  • BBQs, generators, paraffin lamps, candles

  • Flares, air horns, laser pens, Chinese lanterns

  • Gazebos, pop‑up tents

  • Unauthorised drones or sound systems

  • Offensive signs or materials

  • Flags, signs and banners of size

  We discourage bringing your own alcohol.
  Prohibited items may be confiscated without compensation.

• Will there be cash machines on site?

  No. The nearest ATM is at Tesco Express on Leigh Broadway. Bars and stalls accept card payments.

• Will there be capacity restrictions?

  Yes - For the safety and comfort of all attendees, this event has a maximum capacity. Once the main site, Leigh Library Gardens, reaches capacity, we may temporarily restrict entry and operate on a ‘one in, one out’ basis until space becomes available.

  Other venues will have their own capacity restrictions, and a “one in, one out”  basis may be necessary, please contact them directly for details.

• What happens if the festival is cancelled?

  If cancellation is necessary (e.g., extreme weather), we will announce this via email to subscribers, social media, and our website. As a free event, we cannot contact all attendees individually. We cannot refund travel or accommodation costs.

Traders, Performers & Volunteering

• How can I volunteer?

  We rely on volunteers year‑round and during the festival weekend. Email volunteers@leighfolkfestival.com to get involved.

• How do I apply to perform?

  We receive many applications and can only respond to selected artists.

  Some smaller stages are curated by local organisations. Open‑mic opportunities are also available.
  Applications will be open via a portal for a period announced on our social media channels.

• How do I apply for a trader's stall?

  We prioritise independent, local businesses.

  Applications will be open via a portal announced on our social media channels.   

  For questions, email concessions@leighfolkfestival.com.

Any other questions?

Email info@leighfolkfestival.com and we’ll be happy to help.