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Inspiration • August 7th, 2026
|This weekend, from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 August, Saltburn is set to come alive with a magical free family festival that promises to delight both children and adults alike. The Saltburn Folk Festival is introducing some whimsical characters, including a mischievous troll named Trolliver, a woodland puppet called Merkel, and a lively group known as the Wild Beasts of Silly. These enchanting creatures will be popping up in various spots around town, offering playful encounters and storytelling experiences.
Meet The Characters
Families visiting the festival will have the chance to meet some fascinating characters created by talented local puppet maker Georgia Hill. Trolliver, the cheeky troll, is known for his love of mischief and surprises. He will be exploring popular locations in Saltburn, including the Woodland Centre and the iconic Cliff Lift. Children can spot him during scheduled meet-and-greet sessions on Saturday, where they can take photos and enjoy his playful antics.
Merkel, the woodland puppet, is designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Inspired by the beauty of local woodlands, Merkel is not only a character to meet but also a source of inspiration for children participating in the festival's Woodland Creatures workshops. These workshops encourage creativity as families craft their own characters inspired by the forest.
Wild Beasts of Silly
Another exciting feature of the festival will be the Wild Beasts of Silly, a group of curious and chaotic creatures created by Jo Feijó from Made by Raccoons. These non-verbal characters will invite families to join them in silly games and explorations as they navigate the wonders of Saltburn. They will be seen at various locations, including Saltburn Station and the upper promenade, engaging with festival-goers and sparking laughter with their antics.
Jo Feijó shared their excitement:
“The Wild Beasts have travelled from their own very silly dimension and are still trying to work out how our world operates. They are curious, chaotic, and fascinated by absolutely everything - even bins, bushes, and small steps.”
This playful approach aims to encourage children and families to interact with the characters, making the festival a fun and engaging experience.
Festival Activities
The festival is not just about meeting these whimsical characters; it also features a variety of free activities designed for families to enjoy throughout the weekend. Here are some highlights:
Saturday 8 August
9.30am - 10.30am: Early Years Music Making with Nicola Beazley
11am - 12.30pm: Meet Trolliver sessions
1pm - 2.15pm: Woodland Creatures Workshop with Merkel
3pm - 4pm: The Wild Beasts of Silly performance
Crafts workshop with Katie Lock from 10.30am to 3pm
3.30pm - 5pm: Come and Try Folk Instruments with Nicola Beazley
Sunday 9 August
11am - 12pm: The Wild Beasts of Silly performances
1pm - 2pm: More performances by the Wild Beasts
3pm - 4pm: The Wild Beasts at Saltburn Station
12pm - 1.30pm: Youth Folk Band Workshop and Jam
Throughout both days, there will be free performances at the bandstand, showcasing a range of talented folk artists. This variety ensures that there’s something for everyone, making it a perfect outing for families looking to enjoy a day out in Saltburn.
Community Spirit and Creativity
The Saltburn Folk Festival aims to promote not just entertainment but also a sense of community.
Elinor Creaby-Attwood, the festival’s Artistic Director, emphasised the importance of storytelling in folk culture:
“Folk is about storytelling, and it encompasses the tales we tell, the characters we create, the things we make, and the traditions passed between generations.”
This year’s festival marks an exciting expansion with the Valley Woods Family Festival, which includes various activities that allow children to play, create, and engage with folk arts in a beautiful setting. With the weekend’s events free of charge, families can enjoy the festival without the worry of ticket prices, making it accessible for all.
