Think Sidmouth Folk Week is just banjos, beards and sea shanties? Think again. This iconic festival has been drawing crowds to the Devon coast for over 65 years — and while folk music is still at its heart, the experience is so much bigger, brighter, and more family-friendly than many first-timers expect.
Whether you're a die-hard dancer, a casual toe-tapper, or someone who just enjoys a great atmosphere and a cold drink by the sea, Sidmouth Folk Week offers something for everyone.
Here’s why it might just surprise you.
1. It's a Whole Town Takeover
Unlike many festivals that fence themselves off, Sidmouth Folk Week spills into every corner of the town. From the seafront to the pubs, gardens to church halls, Sidmouth becomes one big open-air celebration. You’ll stumble upon pop-up performances, buskers, artisan markets and spontaneous ceilidhs (that’s folk-speak for a big, joyful dance).
Don’t fancy booking a full day of concerts? No problem. You can simply walk the town and soak up the atmosphere — it’s everywhere.
2. It’s Incredibly Family Friendly
There’s a whole programme just for children and families. We're talking craft sessions, circus skills, puppet shows, dance workshops and more. The festival field up at the top of the town (a short shuttle ride away) becomes a colourful, child-friendly haven during the week — with something going on every hour.
If you’ve got kids to entertain during the summer holidays, this is a dream.
3. You Don’t Need to Know a Single Song
New to folk? That’s absolutely fine. Sidmouth Folk Week is one of the most welcoming festivals in the country. Many visitors come without knowing any of the performers, and leave with a new favourite artist or an accidental addiction to clog dancing.
Dip into a workshop, watch a dance display, or join a late-night gig in a pub. You don’t need a wristband to enjoy a lot of it — just a bit of curiosity.
4. It’s Not All Folk Music
Yes, there are fiddles and ballads. But there’s also acoustic pop, world music, comedy, poetry, storytelling, and experimental sounds from across the UK and beyond. Some of the fringe events blur genres completely, with unexpected fusions that sound like they shouldn’t work — and absolutely do.
5. The Vibe Is Just… Special
There’s something about Sidmouth Folk Week that brings people together. It's joyful, unpretentious and full of character. Locals, returning fans, and first-timers all mingle — sharing picnic blankets, pint recommendations, and dance moves that may or may not have been rehearsed.
Whether you come for a day or stay all week, you’ll leave with that warm, fuzzy “wasn’t-that-great?” feeling.
So, Is It Time You Gave It a Go?
Even if you’ve never thought of yourself as a “festival person” or a “folk fan”, Sidmouth Folk Week just might change your mind. Come for the music — or the food, the fun, the sea air, the people-watching — and stay for the magic.