Our Festival

Chippenham Folk Festival has been bringing people together through traditional music, dance and song since 1971. Proudly independent, the festival is organised by a volunteer-led Community Interest Company (CIC).

Held over three days during the late May Bank Holiday, the festival comes to life in the market town of Chippenham, creating a lively and inclusive celebration of folk culture, community and participation.

The festival is very much about taking part. Alongside our packed programme of concerts, featuring some of the finest names in folk and traditional music, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to get involved. From lively ceilidhs and social dance to a wide-ranging programme of workshops and music and song sessions, there are lots of opportunities to discover new interests, try something different and develop existing skills.

There’s plenty to discover between events too. Relax in the festival bar, enjoy its great selection of beers and catch one of the informal music and song sessions, or browse our fabulous range of clothing, craft and specialist music stalls.

We’re also proud to offer a free community festival at our Island Park festival hub, where you’ll find entertainment for all ages and a wide range of free activities for children.

Make a weekend of it. Our two town-centre campsites are both a short distance from the main festival venues, with accessible camping available. There’s also a good choice of hotels and B&Bs in and around Chippenham with easy access to festival events. A weekend ticket gives you access to the full festival programme, making it easy to dip in and out of concerts, dancing, workshops and sessions and enjoy the festival at your own pace.

For more than 50 years, Chippenham Folk Festival has championed the traditions that connect us with the past while keeping folk culture vibrant, welcoming and relevant for the future.

Chippenham Folk Festival. Rooted in Tradition. Keeping the Flame Alive.