Folk by the Oak Festival 2025

Folk by the Oak 2025 is now finished. Check back soon for Folk by the Oak 2026 tickets!

Book Folk by the Oak 2025 festival tickets today!

The most uplifting festival of the summer returns to Hatfield in 2025 with the finest folk, roots and acoustic, only 21 miles north of London!

With live performances, family activities, high-quality performers and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, Folk by the Oak is the perfect festival experience for families and children!

"They've created a really special sanctum of folk music and fun!" - eFestivals

One of the best folk festivals in Hertfordshire

Cementing itself as a firm favourite in folk fans' calendars, Folk by the Oak is a unique festival with two stages in one tree-lined arena - so don't worry about the clash of the bands, as you've got time to catch every single set on the line-up!

With past artists such as Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls, The Proclaimers and Waterboys, this years line-up is jam-packed with chart-toppers, indie artists and folk favourites.

Folk by the Oak Line-Up 2025: 

  • Bear's Den
  • Kate Rusby
  • Fisherman's Friends
  • Grace Petrie
  • Melrose Quartet 
  • Project Smok
  • Suntou Susso
  • Janice Burns & Jon Doran
  • Holly & the Reivers

There's so many things to do and see at Folk by the Oak 2025

Creating the perfect mixture of local village fete activities and the full-on festival experience, Folk by the Oak isn't just reserved for music fans.

It's also a happy haven for families. Within the sight and sound of the Main Stage, there are plenty (mostly free!) of activities, workshops and experiences to get involved in:

Some of the family Activities at Folk by the Oak:

  • Archery
  • Juggling Try & Buy
  • Festival Face Painting
  • Brilliant Bubble Fun
  • Storytelling
  • Family Singing Workshops
  • Digeridoo Workshops
  • Circus Skills
  • Natural Toys
  • Flying with Strings Marionette Theatre
  • Henna Painting
  • Bees & Honey
  • Rock Climbing
  • Fairy Crafts & Dancing
  • Recycled Crafts
  • All Ages Yoga
  • Giant Kaleidoscope
  • Crown Making
  • The Willow Foundation: Bring pre-loved clothes and donate them to the festival's on-site charity shop
  • Craft Tent: Check out the Makers & Creators of beautiful local artwork, jewellery, leather items and much more in these inspiring Craft Tents!
  • Morris Dancing: The Young Miscellany Dancers will join the festival-goers for some colourful and traditional Maypole Dancing workshops!
  • The Hemlock Morris: Dancing a range of Cotswold traditions, find the Hemlock Morris dancers behind the sound desk when the Main Stage goes quiet!

With an inspiring array of arts, crafts, activities and folk music, your itinerary for Folk by the Oak is jam-packed with family fun and unforgettable memories.

"This Year’s Folk By The Oak Festival was a great family day out, a great venue and the entertainment was pretty great - I will be going next year. See you there!" - Julian Carstairs, UK Festival Guides

Music, dancing, crafts and more family-fun at Hatfield's folk festival

Unique to the festival world, the passionate team at Folk by the Oak festival actively encourage festival-goers to bring homemade picnics and drinks to enjoy with family and friends.

There is also a Food Village on-site that offers a wonderful array of world street food and traditional festival favourites. These delicious dishes offers a variety of dining options.

Folk by the Oak Festival 2025 Food Options:

  • Allergy-conscious dishes
  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Real ales
  • Cocktails and mocktails

Last year's festival included vendors such as Waffle Wands, Toastielicious, The ChockShop and The Greedy Vegan - watch this space for 2025's food stalls!

"The Folk by the Oak team continue their tradition of ensuring this is a great day out for the whole family, with children's activities and delicious food!" - Festival Kidz

Located in the beautiful leafy landscape of the Queen Elizabeth oak field at Hatfield Park, you're guaranteed to have a great family day out!

Book Folk by the Oak 2025 tickets today and secure your spot at the best festivals in Hertfordshire!

Location

Folk by the Oak

Hatfield Park,
Hatfield,
Hertfordshire,
AL9 5NQ
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How to find us

Address: Hatfield Park, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 5NQ

What3Words: crowd.reach.songs

By Car:

  • Postcode: AL9 5NQ
  • Parking: Festival parking and entrance is clearly signposted from all major routes into Hatfield.

By Train or Bus:

Bus:

  • Local bus services regularly drop off at Hatfield Railway Station.
  • The pedestrian entrance to Hatfield Park is opposite Hatfield Railway station.

Train:

  • The fast train from Kings Cross to Hatfield usually takes 20 minutes. 
  • London Underground links with the mainline at Finsbury Park: Piccadilly and Victoria lines.
Facilities
  • Toilets
  • Parking
  • Food and drink
  • Public transport accessible
  • Wheelchair accessible
More Info
Can I bring food and drink, and are there any refreshments provided at Folk by the Oak?
  • Folk by the Oak is unique and actively encourages festival-goers to bring your own food and drink (including alcohol) into the festival arena.
  • Please bring your own picnic and beverages to snack on throughout the afternoon and evening!
  • There will be a selection of fresh hot and cold festival food outlets, a real ale bar, teas and coffees and a fully licensed bar, but these are primarily for snacking purposes.
What time does Folk by the Oak start and when does the car park open?

Gates: Open at 12:00 noon.

Car Park: Open at approximately 10:30am.

Please arrive with enough time to enter the festival and pass through the Arrival and Security protocols. 

 

 

Is Folk by the Oak in Hertfordshire wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Folk by the Oak is wheelchair accessible.

  • The event is held in an open air grass arena and there is a tarmac path to assist access.
  • The arena is flat, but during bad weather, the grounds may vary.
  • Stewards are positioned throughout the auditorium. 
  • There are accessible toilets, car parking and entrances. 
Is Folk by the Oak suitable for children?

Yes!

The laid back atmosphere of the leafy site is ideal for families and children. 

  • Bring a picnic and make yourselves at home!
  • In between snacking, watch the live music or take part in the activities on offer!

Please note: As a guideline, Folk by the Oak recommend a ratio of one supervising adult to three children under 16. 

  • Blank wristbands are also available at the Box Office, Info Point, Concert Shop and Programmes & T-shirts Stalls - Feel free to take one and write your phone number on it before attaching it to your childs wrist.
Is Folk by the Oak dog-friendly?
  • Unfortunately, Folk by the Oak is not dog-friendly due to the loud noises and access to food. 
  • However, assistance and guide dogs are allowed on-site. Please make sure these are easily identifiable. 

Please note: There will be a firework display to close the event and this may be unsuitable for dogs. 

What should I bring to Folk by the Oak festival, and which items are restricted?

Please bring:

  • Picnic: Including food, drinks, alcohol, glasses, cutlery etc.
  • Seating: Bring foldable chairs to make yourself comfortable. 
  • Clothing: Please wear weather-appropriate clothing as the arena is open-air.
  • Cash: There are no cash points on-site and some vendors may not take card payments. The nearest cash point is 10 minutes away at Hatfield Railway Station.
  • Torch: Although areas are well-lit, torches are useful to help you pack away during the late evening.
  • Weather-related items: Suncream, coats, hats, sunglasses

Please do not bring:

The following items are strictly prohibited from the festival grounds:

  • Drones/Balloons/Helium balloons
  • Flame torches
  • Sky lanterns
  • BBQ's/stoves/any naked flames
  • Sound recording equipment
  • Dogs - only assistance dogs permitted on-site.

Optional:

  • Rugs and blankets.
  • Gazebos, tents and fishing umbrellas: Permitted at the back of the arena only.
  • Support the Willow Pop-Up shop! Bring 2-3 good quality pre-loved items of clothing to donate to the charity shop at the Willow stand.
  • Ear defenders for young children.

Please note: Knives are permitted on-site as they may be required for picnics, but please limit them to domestic knives 5 inches or under and folding knives with a 3 inch blade or under. 

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