Never too soon for a festival – here’s an early chance to get into the mood…. final line up news from the Late Spring Folk Festival.

Late Spring Folk Festival unveils its full lineup, with the Grammy-nominated Olivia Chaney and celebrated singer and guitarist Jon Wilks set to play headline slots.

Olivia Chaney by Phil Sharp; Jon Wilks by Jon Nice

Headliner Olivia Chaney says: “I am delighted to be playing this year’s event alongside friends and new names on the folk scene. As a burgeoning grassroots festival that champions folk music and culture, it is vital that we support independent events like this. It promises to be a magical day — so get your tickets quick!” 

The festival celebrates folk music and culture, fostering community and connection while offering an antidote to hyper-commercial events. Last year attracted an audience predominantly made up of under-40s, highlighting the genres’ growing appeal with younger generations and also reflecting a wider appetite to reconnect with folk culture. 

NEW FOR ’26

New additions for this year include The Garden Stage, independent food vendors, an ancient crafts market, and a dedicated tent for talks and activities. Attendees can participate in workshops such as mosaic making, basket weaving, pottery, and corn dollying – traditions kept alive by only a handful of dedicated artisans.

Other acts topping the bill include the ghostly lo-fi folk of Natalie Wildgoose, cowboy country act Alan Power & The Take Twos, and the travelling trad-rock band Les Caravanes.Taking place on May 23rd at Dummer Down Farm, Hampshire (its second edition as a full festival format) the event will showcase folk’s broad reach as a genre – bringing together traditional and contemporary music from across the UK, Ireland and beyond.

2026 introduces a new Garden Tent stage, an ancient crafts market, as well as talks and workshops throughout the day – combining community and folk culture, whilst proving an antidote to hyper-commercial music festivals.

ABOUT…

The Late Spring Folk Festival is a one-day live music event bringing together local communities, artists and families to celebrate musical innovation, good food and ancient crafts rooted in the world of folk at the eve of summer. Starting as a small event in a pub thrown by folk band Dead Pages in 2022, it has since expanded into a nearly one-thousand capacity event across multiple stages, featuring a packed-out lineup with big names from the contemporary folk scene alongside emerging artists, a new ancient craft market, and traditional workshops & demonstrations for all ages throughout the day. Previous headliners include Goblin Band, Brothers Gillespie, Nick Hart, Spitzer Space Telescope, and Maddie Ashman.

Check out the Festival website

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