Heart of England News
Warwick Folk Festival brings £1m benefit to town
The 2025 Warwick Folk Festival brought in just under £1million to the town in terms of additional economic benefit which has been revealed in an ‘Economic Impact Analysis’ report. It has also been revealed that the festival days in 2023, 2024 and 2025 averaged a footfall uplift of +46% in the town centre, compared to the average footfall on the same non-festival days. Data also showed that 2025 had the largest footfall increase over the festival period, of +59%. Based on survey data, 70.5% of visitors stayed overnight in Warwick or on the festival site and 70% of visitors came from outside Warwickshire.
The organisers are already in full planning mode as the festival returns to Castle Park in Warwick from Thursday 23 – Sunday 26 July 2026. From legendary headliners to incredible up-and-coming artists, this year’s festival promises to be the most successful yet! The family friendly festival brings the local community together for a celebration of folk history, dance, and general revelry. This year the festival has a stellar line up including Fisherman’s Friends, Natalie McMaster & Donnell Leahy, Eddi Reader, FLIT Trio ft Will Pound, Sherburn Bartley Sanders, TRIP, The Wilderness Yet, Ellie Gowers Trio, Sam Carter sings Nic Jones, Tom McConville & Michael Biggins, Keith Donnelly and Lauren South.
Dick Dixon, Festival Director said “We’ve delighted that the report has acknowledged the significant economic benefit that the festival brings to Warwick. Many of our festival goers support the town by buying meals in local restaurants, going to local shops, staying in local hotels and using local and regional transport. It’s great to learn how much the festival gives back to the town. We’re also thrilled to reveal our stellar line up of acts and headliners for 2026 which promises to be a superb fun-filled 4 days of first-class entertainment to suit all tastes and ages!”
Visitors will once again be able to enjoy a full programme of concerts, sing-arounds, dance, intimate acoustic performances or full-on gigs. They can soak up the atmosphere, sit in the beer tent, join in with the sessions, shop in the craft stalls, learn a new skill, taste street food, or relax with friends in the wine and cocktail bar. In the town centre there will be a vast array of colourful dance displays, pub music sessions and open-air concerts. As always, Warwick offers the perfect backdrop – cobbled streets, charming cafés, and the iconic castle – the perfect blend of history and culture to complement the fabulous music and dance.
New for last year were glamping options which proved very popular. These will also be available this year for visitors who want to enjoy the festival with the comfort and style of a luxurious stay in a bell tent with bed, perfect for those who want to relax and recharge in between all the folk-filled fun! The festival is committed to making sure that everyone can enjoy the magic of live music, dance and community. There is wheelchair access through the site, along with electric buggies and accessible camping.
Sponsorship packages are available for local businesses who wish to promote their products/services to a wide audience. The festival is volunteer run, and funded entirely by ticket sales, sponsorship, and grants. Sponsorship can be in the form of a small donation and a mention on the “Wall of Fame” to sponsoring an entire concert or stage. For more information, please email sponsorship@warwickfolkfestival.co.uk
Tickets are already on sale with weekend ticket prices starting from just £145. Visitors can choose from Friday – Sunday tickets, Thursday – Sunday tickets or just visit for the day, plus under 14s go free! For more information and to book tickets please visit www.warwickfolkfestival.co.uk
