THE CORNWALL FOLK FESTIVAL 2025 TAKES PLACE IN WADEBRIDGE BETWEEN THURSDAY 21 AND MONDAY 25 AUGUST 2025. THIS IS THE BIG ONE, FOLKS! THE 53RD ANNIVERSARY OF THE BEST FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL IN CORNWALL!
You can’t beat a bit of folk music. Especially if it’s more than just a bit. In the case of the Cornwall Folk Festival 2025, it promises to be an incredible amount of awesome live music between Thursday 21 August and Monday 25 August 2025.
The festival celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022. Yes, half a century since the first edition. But in 2025, it’s the festival’s 53rd edition, and it shows no sign of being any lesser of a celebration of folk music than it was in previous years. Expect folk bands and artists in spades at this annual extravaganza that’s been going since 1972. Welcome to Wadebridge, home to one of the premier folk music festivals in the South West.
But who’s playing the Cornwall Folk Festival 2025? The first wave of acts has been announced, and it’s already shaping up to be another folk-filled scorcher. The Henry Girls, known for their beautiful harmonies, are on the bill, along with Merry Hell, who always know how to work a crowd. The Magpies bring their contemporary folk energy to the festival, and Tim Edey, a virtuoso musician with an international following, is also confirmed. Jackie Oates and Mike Cosgrave add a touch of traditional English folk, while Bagas Fellyon and Kessenyan will keep the Cornish folk spirit alive and kicking. Keep an eye on the official festival website for more lineup announcements as the festival draws closer.
In 2024, the festival featured performances by Tarren, Daphne’s Flight, Lady Maisery, Reg Meuross, Richard Trethewey, Annie Baylis, True Foxes, Suthering, James Dixon, and Detta Kenzie. The event also included a proper Cornish Nos Lowen on Thursday evening, followed by three evening concerts, additional gigs in a second main venue, and daytime performances from Saturday to Monday on the FAR Stage, featuring acts from across Cornwall and the Southwest. The whole of Wadebridge came alive, with music filling town centre streets and bars, creating an atmosphere that festival-goers will never forget.
The 2025 gigs are expected to take place at venues such as Wadebridge Town Hall, John Betjeman Centre, The Goods Shed, and the FAR Stage behind Wadebridge Wines. Other locations include Lower Molesworth St, Molesworth Arms, Saltbar @ The Saltbox, The Ship, The Swan, and Wadebridge Social Club. For all the finer details, do check the official website.
And, of course, there’s more to the Cornwall Folk Festival than just the music. Kid’s activities, face painting, local Cornish food offerings, and ace ciders and beers are all part of the experience. But at its heart, this festival is all about celebrating folk music, whether that’s classical Cornish, Celtic, or the countless other styles of folk that come together for this jam-packed weekend of tradition and fun. There’s nowt as great as folk. Get your tickets now.