- Features
- Top 10 must sees at this year's Shrewsbury Folk Festival
Top 10 must sees at this year's Shrewsbury Folk Festival
While Shrewsbury Folk Festival hosts some of the top names in folk, the experience is all about discovering music that’s new to you so here’s some top must-see artists. Here's a breakdown of the top 10 must-sees, according to the organisers, to help you plan your festival weekend!
One of the most celebrated voices in folk music, Cara Dillon’s singing is instantly recognisable – pure, powerful and utterly captivating. You might recognise her as Disney’s Tinkerbell! Rooted in the rich traditions of Northern Ireland, her music blends timeless folk songs with contemporary arrangements, delivered with warmth, grace and emotional depth. (Friday August 28)
The festival will host the debut UK performance of Talisk x Gardiner Brothers: Unleashed – a new show which unites the Scottish musicians with dancers led by five-time world champions and former leads in Riverdance, Michael and Matthew Gardiner. It follows a successful tour of the USA in 2025 and this is the only chance to see this unique performance in the UK in 2026 (Friday August 28)
The Seeger Sessions Revival is a dynamic, high octane recreation of Bruce Springsteen's Grammy Award winning We Shall Overcome album. This 13-piece revives the spirit and sound - expect an infectious mix of bluegrass, gospel, Dixieland, and raw Americana (Saturday August 29)
In another exclusive, Ferocious Dog will be making their only UK festival appearance of the year with The Celtic Folk Orchestra at Shrewsbury. It’s their festival debut in their final year of touring so don’t miss this unforgettable farewell from these fabulous folk rockers! (Saturday August 29)
One of the festival’s many North American acts, Thunder and Rain is four-piece ‘new grass’ band from Nashville, Tennessee. The band delivers high-energy performances full of melodic hooks, rich three-part harmony, and skilful picking – check out their version of the Guns N’Roses classic, Sweet Child O’Mine. (Saturday August 29 & Sunday August 30)
Adriano Adewale and Friends: Rooted and Rising is one of the festival’s world music offerings. It will see acclaimed composer and percussionist Adriano Adewale joined by friends including Nancy Kerr, Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne and Kuljit Bhamra a unique and exciting new project commissioned by the EFDSS. This show will be inspired by the synergies between nature and folklore and folk music, uniting musical heritage from England, Scotland, Brazil, Haiti, Columbia, the US and the Punjab. (Sunday August 30)
An artist who refuses to be confined by genre or expectation, three-time Grammy Award winner Fantastic Negrito brings his raw, deeply personal blend of blues, rock, soul, and funk to Sunday night on the Severn stage. Expect a dynamic live show that weaves hard-hitting guitar riffs and gritty storytelling with explosive energy and the best in roots music. (Sunday August 30)
The Woodstock‑tinged blend of Americana, folk and psychedelia of The Slambovian Circus of Dreams is the perfect vibe for a summer festival. And, even better, one of the New York based band’s set will be dedicated to songs by the master, Bob Dylan too. (Sunday August 30 & Monday August 31)
The Irish five-piece Goitse blazes a trail as one of Ireland’s most dynamic and celebrated traditional ensembles. Redefining what it means to be ambassadors of Irish traditional music, pushing boundaries while honouring the past, you may recognise their music from the Apple TV series, Bad Sisters. (Monday August 31)
Rounding up the top 10 tips, Canada’s Pressgang Mutiny are one of two shanty bands at this year’s festival. Crossing the pond from Toronto for their Shrewsbury debut, expect a new take on the traditional seafarers songs and, of course, the chance for a great singalong! (Monday August 31)
Shrewsbury Folk Festival takes place at the DMOS People West Mid Showground over August Bank Holiday. For the full festival line-up or to book day or weekend tickets, visit shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk.
More like this...
Posted 19 January 2026
Where to experience live music in Shrewsbury
The music scene in Shrewsbury is vibrant, diverse and exciting! From small intimate gigs through to world-class festivals, you'll never be short of…
Posted 30 July 2024
Albert's Shed spotlighted by Independent Music's Main Stage initiative
The Music Venue Trust & Independent's Main Stage initiative is will highlight 12 grassroots music venues, and selected Albert's Shed as the pick of…
Join our newsletter
Sign up to our Original Shrewsbury newsletter to be first in the know about upcoming events, offers and promotions. We'll also send you handy guides to help you make the most of what our beautiful town has to offer.