Welcome to Yorkshire
Inspiration • August 8th, 2026
|The Saltburn Folk Festival kicked off in spectacular fashion on Friday, 7 August 2026, with nearly 50 local singers performing at the stunning viewpoint above Saltburn. This year’s festival opened with a special show from the choir known as the "Saltburn Sirens," who brought a mix of folk and classic pop and rock songs to life against the beautiful backdrop of the sea and coastline.
Saltburn Sirens' Performance
The Saltburn Sirens, an inclusive choir led by Mimi O’Malley, delivered a memorable performance that marked the start of the festival. O’Malley, who also runs the Saltburn School of Music, has a rich musical background, having played various instruments from a young age and performing in numerous settings.
She expressed her excitement about the choir’s involvement in the festival:
“It feels really special to come back in a different role, bringing a wonderful group of local singers into the festival and having the opportunity to perform at such an iconic location.”
The choir first joined the festival in 2025 and has been working with musician Janice Burns to enhance their folk performance skills. The experience has been transformative for many members, offering them a chance to connect through music. O'Malley highlighted the importance of the choir as a welcoming space for women, non-binary individuals, and gender minorities, emphasising the positive impact that singing has on mental health and well-being.
Festival Highlights
The Saltburn Folk Festival is not just about the performances; it aims to create opportunities for young musicians as well. On the opening day, the festival featured the talented youth music group Wear’d Aliens, followed by the Fosbrooks, a folk company from Stockport that showcases dance, music, and song across the UK. The festival organisers are committed to passing down folk traditions to younger generations and revitalising the folk arts scene.
Throughout the weekend, attendees can enjoy a variety of free events. These include musical performances at the bandstand, singarounds throughout the town, and pop-up dancing and puppetry. A highlight for families is the free Valley Woods Family Festival, offering activities specifically designed for children, making it an exciting weekend for all ages.
Free Family Activities
The festival features a packed schedule of family-friendly activities, including:
Saturday, 8 August
9:30am - 10:30am: Early Years Music Making with Nicola Beazley at the Woodland Centre (outside)
11am & 12pm: Meet Trolliver at the Woodland Centre (outside)
1pm - 2:15pm: Woodland Creatures Workshop with Merkel at the Woodland Centre (outside)
3pm - 4pm: The Wild Beasts of Silly at the Woodland Centre (outside)
10:30am - 3pm: Crafts workshop with Katie Lock at the Woodland Centre (inside)
3:30pm - 5pm: Come and Try Folk Instruments with Nicola Beazley at the Woodland Centre (inside)
Free performances at the bandstand throughout the day
Sunday, 9 August
Free performances at the bandstand throughout the day
11am & 1pm: The Wild Beasts of Silly beside the Cliff Lift on the upper promenade
12pm - 1:30pm: Youth Folk Band Workshop and Jam at Earthbeat Studio 2
Families are encouraged to take photographs with the characters they meet and share their experiences by tagging Saltburn Folk Festival on social media using the hashtag #SaltburnFolk. The festival's events are completely free, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy, with no tickets required unless stated otherwise.
Community Spirit
Elinor Creaby-Attwood, the Artistic Director of the Saltburn Folk Festival, shared her vision for the event:
“Folk is wide-ranging, and for everyone. More than anything, the events are community-led and open to all.”
She emphasised the importance of showcasing emerging talent alongside renowned artists, highlighting folk music as a medium for storytelling that connects generations.
The festival not only celebrates music but also involves the community in various creative activities. The introduction of the free family festival at Valley Woods is a significant addition, providing a space for children to engage in crafts, music, and imaginative play in a beautiful natural setting. With a range of events planned throughout the weekend, the Saltburn Folk Festival promises to be an unforgettable experience for all who attend.
