First Names for FolkEast 2026
FolkEast announces first names for 2026 as the festival nestles into its stunning new home on the Sotterley Estate.
FolkEast is delighted to announce the first of the artists who will be performing across the weekend of the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd August 2026, as the festival returns to the beautiful Sotterley Estate.
Festival Director John Marshall-Potter said: “Sotterley felt like home from the moment we arrived and we couldn’t be more thrilled to bring FolkEast back. It’s a place steeped in heritage, craft and story—and that spirit runs right through this year’s fabulous line-up.”
A Line-Up That Blends Legend, Innovation and Deep Tradition
Leading the way will be Richard Thompson, one of the UK’s most influential songwriters and guitarists. Fresh from the acclaim surrounding his 2024 album Ship to Shore, Thompson’s trademark mix of intensity, wit and masterful musicianship promises a standout performance from a true icon of British folk-rock.
Also joining the bill is Eddi Reader MBE, whose extraordinary voice and emotional presence have made her one of the most affecting performers in modern music. From her early chart-topping success with Fairground Attraction to her much-loved interpretations of Robert Burns and ten acclaimed solo albums, Reader continues to captivate audiences with her inventive approach to song and her unmistakable warmth on stage.
After the resounding success of the festivals a triumphant first year at it’s new homeSotterley, , 2026 sees the homecoming of FolkEast’s much loved beloved patrons, The Young’uns, marking their first performances at the new site, a moment the festival team and audience have long awaited.
The acclaimed multi award winning English folk trio from Stockton-on-Tees – Sean Cooney, Michael Hughes, and David Eagle – have gained a reputation for combining original songs that have a strong social conscience and contemporary relevance with engaging humour and infectious enthusiasm in their live shows. Saturday afternoon will also see the welcome return of The Young ‘Uns Podcast,Live at FolkEast where anything and everything can happen.
Co-director Becky Marshall-Potter added: “Having The Young’uns back as our patrons for their first Sotterley shows is incredibly special. This programme feels rooted, relevant and full of heart—everything FolkEast strives to be.”
FolkEast audiences can also look forward to the exhilarating energy of Elephant Sessions, the multi-award-winning electronic folk band from the Highlands of Scotland. Known for their driving blend of intricate tunes, funk-laced bass and soaring fiddle and mandolin lines, the band has become a global festival favourite, with appearances at WOMAD, SXSW, Glastonbury and major international stages. Their powerful, modern take on Scottish traditions promises a high-octane highlight.
Two of the folk world’s most celebrated instrumentalists, Michael McGoldrick and Tim Edey, bring decades of virtuosity and boundary-pushing musicianship. McGoldrick, former BBC Folk Musician of the Year and an influential master of flute, whistles and uilleann pipes and Edey, award-winning guitarist and melodeon player known for his work with The Chieftains and many more join forces in a duo renowned for its warmth, humour and astonishing musical chemistry.
Singer-songwriter Sam Carter brings a deeply personal and lovingly researched project, Ballads and Songs: Sam Carter Sings Nic Jones, celebrating one of English folk’s most revered voices. Carter’s reputation for immaculate guitar work and emotional clarity makes this tribute both a heartfelt homage and a fresh artistic statement.
Also appearing are The Magpies – Bella Gaffney, Holly Brandon, Ellie Gowers -whose vibrant musicianship, rich harmonies and genre-spanning blend of transatlantic folk, bluegrass and modern songwriting have brought them wide praise and an ever-growing following across UK festivals.
As well as appearing with The Magpies, Ellie Gowers will be bringing her trio to the festival. Ellie’s blend of contemporary acoustic textures and the storytelling traditions of folk has earned praise from The Guardian, BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music—also joins the weekend. Her recent EP You the Passenger and its 2025 extended edition explore themes of distance, longing and identity, cementing her status as one of the most distinctive new voices in the scene.
A Festival Rooted in Story, Community and Craft
Alongside its musical programme, FolkEast will once again deliver an array of craft makers, workshops, the bustling Art Arcade, the Librarium & Bookshop, the Youth Moot, plus a wide range of family activities. The festival’s atmospheric pubs will be alive with late-night sessions and singarounds, honouring the communal spirit at the heart of the folk tradition.
John Marshall-Potter added: “What we’re building at Sotterley is a festival that honours the past while giving today’s creators the space to be bold, brave and most importantly themselves. This year’s artists all tell stories that matter and that’s what makes FolkEast special.”
Early Bird weekend ticket prices have been extended until Twelfth Night, Jan 5th, 2026, and can be found at www.folkeast.co.uk, with options for adults, over-65s, youth tickets and family passes. As always, children 11 and under go free, and a range of camping options will be available.
