Manchester Folk Festival has announced the first acts for the 2026 festival, which runs from Thursday, 19th to Saturday, 21st March 2026. The three-day festival will once again aspire to bring together the best contemporary and traditional folk, roots and acoustic artists from across the UK. Performances will take place at venues including Band on the Wall, Hallé St Peter’s, New Century Hall, The Stoller Hall, Night & Day, The Castle, Hallé at St Michael’s and The Smithfield Market Tavern.
The first wave of act announcements includes Fairport Convention, Seth Lakeman, The Young’uns, Angeline Morrison, Shovel Dance Collective, Daudi Matsiko, Bella Hardy, Taff Rapids, Jenn Butterworth and McGoldrick, McCusker & Doyle.
The organisers have also confirmed an expanded folk dance programme for 2026, including a ceilidh. The festival also plays a key role as host of English Folk Expo (EFEx), an international showcase of the most exciting artists from or based in England, bringing together over 170 music industry delegates with Manchester audiences.
EFEx 2026 will run from Wednesday 18th March through to the early hours of Saturday 21st March, with most delegate activity taking place Wednesday-Friday. Delegates will then depart on Saturday morning.
First release festival wristbands, offering access to all festival shows, are now on sale following a sell-out early bird tier. Prices will rise again in September. Wristband holders can curate their own festival experience, moving effortlessly between intimate venues and main stages while enjoying a selection of over 20 artists each evening. Perks for 2026 wristband holders also include access to exclusive concerts and an opening reception. You can find the wristbands at this link.
Manchester Folk Festival t-shirts, featuring the signature floral logo, are also now available for purchase at checkout with proceeds directly supporting Sound Roots’ charitable work.
David Agnew, Chief Exec & Artistic Director of Sounds Roots, says, “After the remarkable response to our busiest festival in 2025, we’re carrying that momentum into 2026 – curating an even more exciting programme that champions bold new voices alongside much-loved folk favourites. With an expanded dance offering, added perks for wristband holders, and intriguing new projects still to be revealed, we’re proud to keep growing a festival that feels truly rooted in the heart of Manchester.”
