Lichfield Festival of Folk
Lichfield Festival of Folk 2026 returns for its 14th year — a celebration of Staffordshire’s rich folk heritage and the wider folk scene, the festival offers incredible live music, energetic dance displays, welcoming pub sessions, and a special gatherings of traditional folk dancers.
From family-friendly activities and hands-on community events to a free fringe programme across the city, there’s something happening around every corner. Experience unforgettable performances from brilliant artists in the stunning surroundings of the historic Guildhall. Whether you’re a lifelong folk fan or discovering it for the first time, this is a weekend of music, culture, and atmosphere not to be missed.
Lichfield Festival of Folk Songwriting Competition 2026
Singers, songwriters, and musicians, are invited to enter the Lichfield Folk Festival 2026 Songwriting competition which is now open for entries until August 1st 2026.
Once again, kindly sponsored by Lichfield’s Duke of York Pub, the competition offers cash prizes and performance opportunities. The Lichfield Arts Song Writing Competition aims to support, encourage and develop new folk songwriting. Prizes include cash prizes of £100 for Best Overall Song and £50 for the runner-up.
For the purposes of this competition, Lichfield Arts defines ‘folk’ in the widest sense of the genre, encompassing both traditional and contemporary styles. Folk song carries beyond borders and cultures, and in acknowledgment of this we welcome entries in any language and from anywhere!
The songwriting competition is all about giving talented songwriters the chance to perform, and for our audiences to discover new songs and people. We are interested in developing song writing, in line with this, emphasis is given to the writing and composition, above the quality of performance.
The competition is open to all ages! If you have a song itching to get out or know someone that does, we would love to hear your creative talents.
We request that any songs that are entered are not available commercially and we require that no AI technology has been involved in the creation of the piece.
Please send in a copy of the song lyrics. If the song is written or performed in another language, please include a written English translation. Songs can be written by either an individual, or a group, but we request that all writers are listed.
All songs should be less than five minutes long, with a limit of two songs per entrant. The competition is free to enter.
Send your songs as either MP3 File, Sound cloud or YouTube link to:
Entries for those under the age of 18 years must be made by a parent or guardian.
Entrants should identify if they are available to perform their piece on either:
- 20th September 2026 at Lichfield Folk on the Farm, in Whittington (Nr Lichfield) and/or
- 26th September 2026 at our final festival concert at Lichfield Guildhall.
Availability is NOT a requirement for entry.
Deadline for entrants: August 1st 2026.
Folk Train 2026 –
Wednesday 23rd Sept
Music fans, singers, and musicians are invited to join Lichfield Arts for an evening of live music and fun aboard the 2026 Folk Train. Travelling on the Cross City Line from Lichfield City railway station to Sutton Coldfield railway station, the Folk Train transforms an ordinary journey into a rolling folk session.
The event is absolutely free, other than the cost of a train ticket.
Join the music from 17:30 at The Angel Inn, hop aboard at any station along the route and either join in or simply sit back and enjoy the entertainment in the rear carriage. After arriving in Sutton Coldfield, the session continues at The Three Tuns before the return journey to Lichfield.
The train leaves Lichfield City at 19:12, where there will be Lichfield Arts stewards to direct people. Anyone can join at any of the intermediate stations between Lichfield and Sutton Coldfield and can find the music in the rear-most carriage.
Participants can also join as at the Angel Inn from 17:30 or Three Tuns from approximately 19:40. We will be heading back to Lichfield on the 22:57 from Sutton Coldfield.
The timings for the intermediate stations are:
- Shenstone – 19:17
- Blake Street – 19:21
- Butlers Lane – 19:23
- Four Oaks – 19:26
(Please check all train times nearer the event date in case of timetable changes, etc)
Lichfield Folk on the Farm 2026 – Sunday 20th Sept
Lichfield Folk on the Farm continues this year’s celebration with a vibrant one-day family festival at the beautiful Woodhouse and Garden CIC.
With live performances, workshops, and activities for all ages in a stunning farm setting, it’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in folk traditions and enjoy a memorable day with family and friends. Tickets on sale 30th May!
Friday Evening Concert –
Friday 25th September
Hold on to your tri-corn hats — Blackbeard’s Tea Party are in town! Blending sea shanties, folk tunes, and anarchic glam-rock energy, this riotous six-piece deliver soaring harmonies, heavy riffs, wild stage antics, and unstoppable dance rhythms.
With dazzling musicianship and infectious energy, their legendary late-night shenanigans have wowed crowds from Glastonbury Festival to Cambridge Folk Festival — and now they’re ready to raise the Guildhall roof.
Saturday Evening Concert – Saturday 26thSeptember
Melrose Quartet bring together internationally acclaimed singers and instrumentalists for an unforgettable night of powerful harmonies, stirring tunes, and joyful folk traditions.
Featuring acclaimed performers Nancy Kerr, Jess Arrowsmith, James Fagan, and Richard Arrowsmith, the quartet combine dazzling musicianship with infectious stage chemistry. Join us on Saturday 26th September for an unmissable evening at the historic Lichfield Guildhall.