What’s On?

With so much going on at Leigh Folk Festival - we've pulled together highlights, must-sees and best bits so you don’t miss out. From hours of free music across two stages and children’s activities in Leigh Library Gardens a makers market, great independent food traders, an open mic competition, storytelling, spoken word, singarounds and more…

Music

At the heart of Leigh Folk Festival is a plethora of some 100 performances across three entirely free stages and a series of free ticketed concerts. Carefully curated local talent, emerging artists and the internationally renowned will all join us for our 34th year.

Music in Library Gardens starts daily Saturday and Sunday at 11am until 7:30pm, entry to the park is free but may be restricted at busy times.

TICKETED EVENTS

Leigh Folk Festival’s ticketed concerts and shows bring nationally celebrated performers to intimate and unique settings. All of this years ticketed events in The Fishermen’s Chapel are FREE but donations are warmly welcomed. Secure your tickets on the link below.

Sessions & Workshops

Returning this year, we have a dedicated Sessions and Workshops venue where all the activities will take place. Café Bar Hogar Del Mar, located at the end of St Clement’s Arcade, handily located across the road from the Leigh Library Gardens. Whether you want to learn a new skill or just join in a rousing chorus, we have something for you!

  • DANCE

    Showcasing traditional folk and international dance sides has long been an integral part of the fabric of Leigh Folk Festival. From taking part in a ceilidh to stumbling across a colourful troop of dancers with an abundance of movement, or simply witnessing the festival’s dance displays on Sunday - we recommend you get involved.

  • SPOKEN WORD & STORYTELLING

    On Thursday, enjoy Poetry & Spoken Word by Candlelight—an open mic hosted by Lola Lewis in the candlelit St Clement’s Church. Friday night features Skin & Blister, a tale of siblings, sorcery and shapeshifting from acclaimed storyteller Hannah Brailsford, with live music by local legend Peter Monk (aka Peter Optical). Suitable for ages 14+. On Saturday, bring the family for Children’s Storytelling with Shane Ibbs, also at St Clement’s.

  • CHILDREN'S AREA

    Our dedicated family-friendly area behind Leigh Library will be awash with colour and a hive of activity. Traditional Facepainting, try your hand at arts and crafts, potting and planting, storytelling sessions plus live street art and theatre. (Big kids welcome too!)

makers market

Championing independent makers and traders both local and from across the region - support a range of local, organic and sustainable self-made businesses in Leigh Library Gardens on Saturday & Sunday.

Our market includes boho clothing, artwork, sustainable zero-waste accessories, handmade jewellery, skate wear, vintage clothing, 3D printed surprises and independent art and photography prints.

open mic comp

Could you be crowned our 2025 winner and play at the Leigh Folk Festival the next day? Applications are open to anyone who would like to perform at the Competition. 14 performers from a variety of musical backgrounds will play for a place in the final four. From there, a winner will be chosen and given a spot on one of the Festival stages on Sunday June 29! Our only stipulation is that you are not already booked to play at the Festival.

You'll need to have two songs to perform (originals or covers) and a possible third if you are selected for the final.

APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED

street food

We’ve handpicked a number of sustainably-minded food traders to keep you well-fed throughout the weekend. Our food market will be based in Leigh Library Gardens with a mix of cuisines, savoury and sweet, great coffee and ice cream. The perfect accompaniment to a pint of Leigh-on-Sea Brewery Beer!