Barnsley Folk Festival Returns with Kate Rusby as Headliner

Get ready, because something special is coming back to Barnsley. The Barnsley Folk Festival is returning, lighting up the town centre from May 29th to 31st. It's all part of the massive Civic 150 celebration, marking an incredible 150 years of the Barnsley Civic. This isn't just any festival; it's a huge weekend of music, dance, and tradition, with events happening at the iconic Barnsley Civic and the lovely Mandela Gardens right next door. And kicking things off is a massive deal: a rare hometown gig by the one and only Kate Rusby.

Image: Kate Rusby Spring 2026

A proper Barnsley welcome for Kate Rusby

Imagine this: the festival opens on Friday, 29th May, and the headliner is one of the most famous voices to ever come out of Barnsley. Kate Rusby is a superstar in the folk music world. For over thirty years, she's been telling stories through songs that feel like a warm hug. People all over the world love her music, but this performance is extra special. She'll be playing in the cosy Assembly Theatre inside the Barnsley Civic, with a unique setlist created just for a three-piece band. It’s going to be an intimate, unforgettable night of music and stories, supported by local indie-folk duo Eletto.

This festival is a massive part of the town's story. Barnsley has a long history with folk music, stretching way back to the Barnsley Folk Club starting in 1962. It's a tradition that has been kept alive by other brilliant festivals over the years, and now it's back, bigger and better. Kate Rusby herself has a powerful connection to this event, a story that brings everything full circle.

She said:

“40 years WOW! 40 years ago I was inspired to be an actual singer, I was 12. In the old Barnsley Civic, Barnsley Folk Festival, there I was in the dark sat beside my dad, who was sound engineer for that concert. I was captivated by Barnsley’s own Dave Burland. I remember the moment, thinking to myself, how lovely and amazing that would be to sing to people like that, tell stories, make people laugh, move people to tears, all through music. I had been brought up with folk music of course, but also listened to anything and everything I could get my hands on via the incredible Barnsley Library music department, I had learnt to play fiddle and chords on the guitar, worked out chords on the piano, but that was “the moment”. Here we are all these years later, 34 years in the music industry, lucky enough to tour the world (always told the audiences how brilliant Barnsley is) but always it remains…. Barnsley in my blood, Barnsley in my brain, born to be an advocate of all things Barnsley, now a very proud Freeman Of The Borough…… all due to music and that moment. I cannot wait to take to the Barnsley Civic stage myself 40 years after that "light bulb moment". Full circle complete. You never know, there may be another 12 year old in the audience at the new Barnsley Folk Festival who may be inspired! Such a fabulous weekend of music planned, come along, bring your kids too, you never know what will happen!! Thank you Dave Burland. Thank you to my folks who brought me along to the gig.”

More than just a headline act

The weekend is packed with brilliant stuff for everyone. On Saturday, 30th May, from 11am to 4pm, Mandela Gardens will be buzzing with a completely free event. It’s a celebration of traditional music, dancing, and crafts. The Rhythm Chaps Ceilidh Band will be there – and get this, they’re the exact same band that played at the festival 40 years ago! They'll be joined by musicians Barnsdale Hood and Katrina Tia Charles. There's so much community spirit in this event.

But what’s a folk festival without some dancing? You’ll get to see performances from amazing groups like:

• Barnsley Longsword

• Silkstone Greens North West Morris

• Horizon Community College’s sword dance group

• Wath Morris and Wath Morris Minors

And it’s not just about watching. There will be free workshops where you can try out traditional crafts or even learn a few dance moves yourself. The whole day is a perfect example of the Civic's commitment to community engagement.

Then, on Saturday evening, the party moves back into the Barnsley Civic’s Assembly Theatre. This time, it's for an evening of local bands who are all inspired by folk music and storytelling. Headlining are Passion Killers, a band with a fascinating history. They started as a punk band back in 1979, later joined the famous Leeds group Chumbawamba, and have now reformed as an acoustic duo. They'll be joined by Parson's Lot, Common Culture, The Rolling Down Hills, and Gabriela y Antony. It promises to be an electric night.

A Sunday ceilidh and the heart of the community

The festival doesn't slow down. It wraps up on Sunday, 31st May with a proper afternoon ceilidh. If you’ve never been to one, a ceilidh is basically a big, fun, social dance. You don’t need to know the steps – a caller explains everything, and it’s all about having a laugh. Musician Chris McShane and friends, along with Penistone Folk Ensemble and the Barnsley U3A Ceilidh Group, will be leading the fun. It’s the perfect way to finish a fantastic weekend.

This whole festival is part of the amazing work the Barnsley Civic does. Found on Eldon Street, Barnsley, S70 2JL, it's a central hub for all kinds of contemporary arts. As a registered charity (charity number 1129765), its goal is to be a welcoming place for creativity to flourish. The artistic programme, overseen by a dedicated manager, includes everything from music and comedy to exhibitions and events for families, often working with groups like the Cross the Sky Theatre Company. The Community Engagement Manager and their team work tirelessly to connect with local people. Anyone who needs to contact the team can pop into the main office or give them a call. This festival is just one piece of a huge puzzle of events and opportunities that make the Barnsley Civic so important for the town and its people.

Tickets for the two brilliant evening concerts are already on sale. You can grab them online, by phone, or by visiting the Box Office in person. And if you're already thinking ahead, the first announcements for the 2027 festival will be made later this summer!