A long weekend of music, dance and family entertainment awaits at the Swanage Folk Festival with events taking place across the town – much of which will be completely free to enjoy.
Taking place from Friday 11th to Sunday 13th September 2026, more than 65 dance sides and over 650 dancers will perform around Swanage in Dorset throughout Saturday and Sunday.
The Main Stage on Sandpit Field
Free live music
Highlights include the colourful Saturday afternoon procession and the traditional Sunday afternoon dance in the sea.
On the Main Stage at Sandpit Field there will be five hours of free live music on both Saturday and Sunday, alongside a craft fair, food stalls, festival beer tent and free children’s entertainment.
In addition, the festival fringe will fill venues around the town with more free live music throughout the weekend.
Building on the success of 2025’s Gnome Hunt, this year families can pick up a free children’s activity pack from the Information Tent, including an expanded Gnome Hunt.
Every child returning a completed pack receives some chocolate, while completed Gnome Hunt entries go into a draw to win a £50 toy shop voucher.
The sea always offers a great way to cool down after dancing
Setting up for a performance in the bandstand
“Swanage becomes part of the festival for the weekend”
Festival chair Jon Baker said:
“People sometimes assume you need a ticket to enjoy a festival, but not in Swanage. You can spend the day watching the dancing, listening to live music, exploring the craft fair and keeping the children entertained without paying to get in.
“We’ve also increased the size of the festival fringe, so there’s more free music around the town.
“Swanage becomes part of the festival for the weekend – whether you’re a committed folk fan or simply happen to be walking through town.”
Sandpit Field not only hosts the Main Stage in the large marquee but is also the centre of activity for all the craft stalls as well as refreshments
The evening performances feature bands from across the UK
Tickets available for evening concerts
For those wanting more, the weekend also includes ticketed evening concerts featuring favourites The Longest Johns, Merry Hell and Gerry Colvin Band.
Following the 2025 festival, £10,000 was donated to local good causes. Swanage Folk Festival is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, run by unpaid volunteers. Any surplus is returned to local good causes.
Further information
- Full programme and festival information on the Swanage Folk Festival website
