It’s all happening in Newhaven this Summer. Hot on the heels of last month’s Port Of Cool one-day festival, local promoter Melting Vinyl has announced a two-day folk festival to kick off the August Bank Holiday weekend.
This will also take place in The Sidings, which is located 200 meters from Newhaven Town railway station, with bus stops for the 12 and 12a buses from Brighton & Eastbourne. (Please note, the 12x and 13x stop at Newhaven town centre only and not at the station.)
There is free, but limited, parking in front of The Sidings, with more available just a short walk across the bridge at Dacre Road and West Quay car parks.
Across two days the festival will be celebrating the rich musical heritage of the Ouse Valley and the artists keeping folk culture vibrant, evolving and deeply rooted in community. Set against the riverside backdrop of The Sidings in Newhaven, the festival brings together traditional music, contemporary folk, storytelling, workshops and dancing for an intimate celebration of one of Britain’s most enduring musical traditions.
Friday 28 August 6pm start
The festival opens with an evening of contemporary folk and boundary-pushing performance from Goblin Band and Bloody Bones, followed by DJs into the evening. It’s the perfect way to ease into the weekend, with music that draws on tradition while looking firmly towards the future.
Saturday 29 August, all day 10.30 pm finish
Saturday expands into a full day of music, performance and family activities. The line-up features Paul Hartnoll (Orbital) presenting his extraordinary Folk Horror Electro Techno Disco Roadshow alongside Ouse Valley Morris, plus live performances from Nick Pynn & Kate Daisy Grant, The Kites, Rob Abbott, Pemma and the newly added Golden Samphire Band.
Throughout the day, you’ll also find performances from members of Folk Against Fascism, family-friendly animal mask-making with Stealthy Rabbit, storytelling, dancing, and opportunities to explore the traditions, customs, and creativity that continue to shape folk culture today.
Whether you’re a lifelong folk enthusiast, a lover of live music or simply curious to discover something new, the Ouse Valley Folk Festival offers a warm welcome, outstanding musicians and a thoughtfully curated programme celebrating the many faces of contemporary folk.
Tickets are on sale via Ticket Tailor.
There are various day/weekend and concession tickets available.
Under 14s must be accompanied.
