We're taking a break in 2015, but keep your ears to the ground for news on Edale Folk Festival in the future.
Ode to Edale
written at the Edale Folk Festival 2013 writing workshop
Edale, where the arduous road begins
And even the youngest lambkin sings

Edale tucked into the valley rings
And pubs all echo to the sound of strings

Head to Cooper’s Caff, their breakfast’s great
Or the Penny Pot for yummy cake

Mountain bikers, hikers all turn out
Climbing Jacob’s Ladder, Kinder Scout

Gather round the fire at Rambler’s Inn
Or the Old Nag’s Head for tots of gin

And we are singing loudly in the rain
Dancing for hours in spite of any pain

Edale, where there’s music to be found
Edale, fit to burst with joyous sounds

Edale where there’s folkies by the score
And the late night crowd is yelling ‘We want more!’

  • RACHEL SERMANNI
    Powerful and graceful songwriting
    from Scotland's brightest young star.
  • TIM EDEY
    Dazzling award winning multi-instrumentalist.
  • THE OLD DANCE SCHOOL
    Duelling fiddles and cinematic crescendos
    from Birmingham's forward thinking septet.
  • BELLA HARDY
    The young folk scene's favourite
    fiddle singer comes home to Edale.
  • THE LONG NOTES
    Foot stomping trad heavyweights
  • SON YAMBU
    Authentic rhythms from Santiago de Cuba
  • BISON
    Big brass from the superhero herd from Sheffield
  • CEILIDH
    Get dizzy at our big Saturday night ceilidh!
  • JACK MCNEILL & CHARLIE HEYS
    Spell binding, spine tingling soundstories
  • KIDNAP ALICE
    Festival favourite bluegrass daredevils come to Edale
  • GREN BARTLEY
    Prolific troubador of the road
  • 4SQUARE
    Breathtaking firey young talent from Manchester
  • Folk Train
    All aboard the famous folk line from Sheffield or Manchester
  • River Wolton
    Writing workshop with River Wolton.
  • Beautiful Setting
    Take a walk around the spectacular scenery of Edale.
  • Real Ales
    Enjoy great local ales from the beer tent.
  • Local Arts and Crafts
    Explore something new from the local talent!
  • Workshops
    Music, writing, and performing arts
    workshops for all the family.
A weekend of folk and fun in the Peak District
Once again national stars and locally bred musicians will be at the heart of a programme of music, art and poetry, where you can camp in beautiful surroundings, take a walk on Kinder Scout, dance in the Ceilidh, play in the sessions, and be inspired and entertained.

We are delighted to welcome back our award winning folk singer/songwriter/musician Bella Hardy, who grew up in Edale to serve up some more local delights. There will also be more bands from Sheffield and surrounding areas, including the Old Dance School plus other favourites from the national and local folk scene. The village playing field will be the focus for concerts, with fringe sessions taking place in nearby pubs and cafes, and the Hope Valley folk train is also expected to put in an appearance.

As well as a jam packed programme of live music, there'll also be workshops for up and coming musicians and plenty of opportunity to try out your licks at the sessions and open mics. Former Derbyshire Poet Laureate River Wolton will run a writing workshop and other workshops will be run by local craftspeople, with work on display for visitors to buy or just admire. It all takes place in the natural amphitheatre of Edale Valley, where anyone wanting a break from the music can climb the gentle slopes up to Kinder Scout, scene of the famous Mass Trespass in support of the right to roam.