Running from 2nd – 9th August, Sidmouth’s famous folk festival is back for another year. This year’s festival promises to be something special as they are celebrating their 70th anniversary!

With a host of events and performances throughout the town, Sidmouth Folk Festival is one of the biggest parties in Sidmouth’s calendars and this year promises to be just as energetic and exciting as ever. The festival first started in July 1955, as part of the English Folk Dance & Song Society, when they decided that Sidmouth would make an excellent addition to their already established festival in Stratford. Apart from extraordinary circumstances, it has continued to flourish in Sidmouth, attracting bigger crowds every time!

This year, the line up includes a host of performers from around the world, with the festival being kicked off by the Fisherman’s Friends and the Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain. Throughout the festival, there is a chance to get arty with a host of workshops and a free children’s festival with a whole programme of events running across seven days!

Find out more here.

The performances and workshops are being held at various venues across the town, you can find accessibility information, as well as details about where to catch your favourite performers here.

As usual, the festival bus service will be running all day, every day throughout the festival between Bulverton Campsite and the Triangle bus stop in the centre of town. The first bus leave each day at 8am and the last one returns to the campsite at 12.10am. The buses are wheelchair accessible and leave every 20 minutes. You can find more details about the shuttle service, including times, stops and prices here.

If you’re coming to the festival this year, we recommend using the bus service, but if you are bringing your own vehicle, please take note of the following car parks.

Festival car park at Bulverton
This is located above the Bulverton Marquee, follow signs from the A3052. Parking costs £6 a day for arrivals before 5.30pm and £3 per car per day after 5.30pm. Season ticket holders get free parking. Please be aware, the walk to the bus stop is uneven.

Cricket Club, Sidmouth EX10 8NT
Parking is available here during the festival, charges TBC at the club and are cash only.

Bedford Lawn, Bedford Hotel
Located on the Esplanade, next to the Bedford Hotel, pay as you enter.

You can also find car parking at the town’s short stay sites, including the Ham East, the Ham West and Roxborough. Charges are made 8am – 6pm daily, with 3 hours maximum stay.

Alternatively, Manor Road carpark, opposite the Westcliff Hotel has a 24 hour maximum stay, charges apply here too.

Are you coming to this year’s folk festival? Keep us in the loop by tagging us in your photos and experiences!