Calling all Songwriters: The Leigh Folk Festival Open Mic 2026 - APPLICATIONS OPEN FROM TODAY We’re looking for 12 acts to compete in this year’s Open Mic Competition at St. Clement’s Church on Saturday 27th June. The winner gets a spot on the Library Gardens Stage Apply at leighfolkfestival.com

Delighted to announce I've been invited to perform at @leighfolkfestival.bsky.social this year! I've always wanted to play at this festival, so am very excited to be heading East to the other sea in June More details to follow soon... #LFF26 #LFF2026 #LeighFolkFestival

we’re back at @leighfolkfestival.bsky.social this year! www.leighfolkfestival.com

It is very sad news regarding the passing of Andy Kershaw. We’d like to share this piece of his legacy with you of Andy recorded in conversation with journalist Ian Sanders for Leigh Folk Festival in 2013, which captures exactly what made him such an influential figure. youtu.be/Z9HBmVvGTGE?...

Music line up for 2026? Well here you are...will be a blast!

Venue Highlight There’s a reason performers and audiences alike are drawn to the sanctuary of St Clement’s during the Leigh Folk Festival. It isn’t just about the history; it’s about how the space demands a different kind of presence. The natural reverb of the stone walls is an instrument in itself.

In case you missed the live show, you can now catch Chris Robson and Steven Hastings when they joined Sadie Nine and Al Cooper-Nine on BBC Essex to chat all things Leigh Folk Festival in 2026! Streaming now on BBC Sounds www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

Leigh Folk Festival venue spotlight, we’re looking at the one space where you can forget just watching the show—at Hogar Del Mar, you’re part of it. From rowdy singarounds to hands-on workshops, it’s the place to sharpen your skills or get lost in a chorus of strangers-turned-friends.

SHARE YOUR VIEWS – Leigh-on-sea Town Of Culture Would you like to see Leigh-on-Sea be 2028's UK Town of Culture? Do you have a £3million idea for Leigh? If so, give us your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions via the link ASAP to be a part of our bid! Take part 👇 my.linkpod.site/LOS-For-Town...

MEET THE TEAM: INTRODUCING OUR NEW MUSICAL DIRECTOR We are absolutely delighted to officially introduce the creative lead steering the sound of 2026: Chris Robson has stepped into the role of Musical Director for the Leigh Folk Festival!

WANT TO GET INVOLVED? To register your interest please complete the VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FORM at www.leighfolkfestival.com/get-involved

STAGE CALL: PERFORM AT LEIGH FOLK FESTIVAL 2026! The UK’s largest free folk festival is officially back from 25th–28th June 2026, and we’re looking for our next soundtrack! Ready to join the lineup? www.leighfolkfestival.com/applications Deadline for application: 1st March 2026 #LFF2026

BIG NEWS: Leigh Folk Festival 2026 Dates Announced! Get those diaries out! We are thrilled to announce that the UK’s largest free folk festival will be returning of Leigh-on-Sea from Thursday 25th – Sunday 28th June 2026 #LFF2026 #LeighFolkFestival #freefestivaluk

2025 stats! Over 200+ Performers & 10,000 festival goers over 4 days! And in 2026 we are back! Dates confirming and performer applications open this week (closing 1/03/2026)

After a hugely successful return in 2025 we have the go ahead that the Leigh Folk Festival - the largest free folk festival in the UK - will be back in summer 2026! Applications for bands will open this week and be closing March 1st 2026. Watch this space!