The festival ‘builds on the town’s rich history of traditional music, song and dance, from the founding of Barnsley Folk Club in 1962 and the many successful and influential folk artists that have sung and played there, to the folk music concerts that have taken place at Barnsley Civic over the decades’.
The event is part of Civic 150, an 18-month celebration marking 150 years of Barnsley Civic.
The Yorkshire Post’s photographer James Hardisty went down to capture the best of the action.
1. Barnsley Folk Festival 2026 held in Mandela Gardens
Barnsley Folk Festival 2026 held in Mandela Gardens, Barnsley. Pictured Members of Wath-Upon-Dearne Morris Dancers preforming their Flamborough Sword Dance. Picture: James Hardisty. Date: 30th May 2026. Photo: James Hardisty
2. Barnsley Folk Festival 2026 held in Mandela Gardens
Barnsley Folk Festival 2026 held in Mandela Gardens, Barnsley. Pictured Rosalie Roberts one of young members of the Morris Minors part of the Wath-Upon-Dearne Morris Dancers group. Picture: James Hardisty. Date: 30th May 2026. Photo: James Hardisty
3. Barnsley Folk Festival 2026 held in Mandela Gardens
Barnsley Folk Festival 2026 held in Mandela Gardens, Barnsley. Pictured Beatrice Johnston, (centre) one of the many people taking part in the Folk Dancing during this event. Picture: James Hardisty. Date: 30th May 2026. Photo: James Hardisty
4. Barnsley Folk Festival 2026 held in Mandela Gardens
Barnsley Folk Festival 2026 held in Mandela Gardens, Barnsley. Pictured Beatrice Johnston, (centre) one of the many people taking part in the Folk Dancing during this event. Picture: James Hardisty. Date: 30th May 2026. Photo: James Hardisty