Your Complete Guide to What's On at the Kirkbymoorside Music Festival 2026

Get ready for a weekend of brilliant tunes and good vibes, because the Kirkbymoorside Gateway to the Moors Music Festival is back, and it’s shaping up to be massive. After a fantastic start last year, the 2026 festival is promising an even bigger line-up of performers and events. From Friday 31st July to Sunday 2nd August, this historic market town is turning into one giant stage. The whole thing is built around celebrating Yorkshire Day on the Saturday, so it’s a proper local affair with a huge heart. Expect music spilling out of all sorts of venues, from town centre stages to cosy pubs and cafes. Some events are ticketed, but lots are free or ask for a small donation, making sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this amazing community festival.

Time to get dancing

If sitting still isn’t really an option, then this is the music festival for you. The organisers have packed in way more dance this year, bringing back some firm favourites:

• Bollywood dance classes

• Line dance sessions

• Performances from 400 Roses Morris side

• A lively, all-in Ceilidh for everyone to join

Saturday night highlights:

• The Maestros (hits from the 60s, 70s, and 80s) – expected to sell out

Friday night highlight:

• Kirkby Soul band bringing classic soul sounds

Chilled sounds and amazing voices

For those who prefer to sit back and soak in the atmosphere, there’s a brilliant line-up of singer-songwriters and acoustic acts:

• John Drakes (Whitby songwriter with a distinctive warm voice)

• Lost in Eve (harmonious female duo)

• Boo Hewerdine (internationally renowned artist, special guest appearance)

• Tymisha (powerful Hull-based vocalist)

Emerging talent to watch:

• Casper

• Emma Lynne

Jazz fans can also enjoy:

• John Lane performing smooth jazz at All Saints’ Church (Saturday evening)

A proper Yorkshire Day celebration

Saturday 1st August is all about celebrating Yorkshire Day with folk and traditional music centred at the Methodist Church:

• Ukulele lessons

• Bodhrán (Irish drum) workshops

Live performances from:

• Mills and Farrell

• The Browns

• Nessy Williamson

To round off the day:

• Celtic Music Circle

• Community ‘sing-around’ – bring an instrument and join in

From country tunes to a mighty brass band

The festival showcases a huge variety of music across multiple venues.

At The White Swan:

• Alkelda

• Spanking Monkeys

• Diva Strop

• The Moorside 3

• The Infernos

• Grayson and Jacobs

• The Cover Ups

At the Memorial Hall (Sunday):

• Howard Hebron Band (country music)

• Jackhare Ceilidh Band

All weekend:

• Acoustic Bar (free entry)

• Featuring Cox Brothers and Stubbsie

• Special “KirkbymoorCidar” available

At All Saints’ Church:

• Weighton Waytes Choir (Sunday afternoon)

Festival finale:

• Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band

• Special performance: Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts BRASS Band

Tickets for main events are available now on Eventbrite, with early bird deals on offer. This is a music festival that truly celebrates its community—don’t miss it.