Beans on Toast’s artist-curated celebration of music, community and nature returns to Nottingham Arboretum this Bank Holiday weekend
One of the Midlands’ most cherished independent festivals is set to return this Bank Holiday weekend as Foolhardy Folk Festival takes over Nottingham Arboretum for its sixth edition.
Curated by folk troubadour Beans on Toast, the one-day event has quietly become a fixture on the region’s live music calendar, pairing acclaimed artists with a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere beneath the trees of Nottingham’s historic park.
Leading the bill this year is Mercury Prize-winning songwriter Badly Drawn Boy, whose appearance marks one of the festival’s biggest bookings to date. The singer-songwriter joins a line-up that also includes Skinny Lister, 3 Daft Monkeys, K.O.G, Gecko, Nuala and King Killership.
Foolhardy has built a reputation for blending established names with grassroots talent, with previous editions welcoming the likes of Frank Turner, Grace Petrie and Jeffrey Lewis. The festival has sold out in recent years, earning a loyal following thanks to its intimate scale and carefully curated programming.
For Beans on Toast, securing Badly Drawn Boy feels particularly special.
“I still can’t really believe we’ve got Badly Drawn Boy coming to Foolhardy this year,” he said. “Such a huge inspiration to me and the music I make. I’ve followed him since he first started and have always loved his unique take on the art of the song and his outlaw attitude. To have him coming to our festival in the trees feels very special.”
As well as handpicking the line-up, Beans on Toast will both open and close the festival with two exclusive performances.
Beyond the music, the festival continues to champion Nottingham’s independent culture, with local street food traders, a bar showcasing regional breweries and a community-focused atmosphere that sets it apart from larger commercial events.
One of this year’s most intriguing additions comes away from the stage. Nottingham cultural figure Loraine Burgon, who was at the heart of the city’s emerging music scene during the 1960s, will appear in conversation with Beans on Toast to discuss the early days of rock ‘n’ roll in Nottingham and her experiences witnessing a transformative era in British music.
Burgon recently inspired a track on Beans on Toast’s latest album A Real Rock n Roller and features prominently in his new book Wild Folk People.
DHP Family promoter Ben Ryles said the festival’s eclectic spirit remains central to its appeal.
“Working with Jay to bring the Foolhardy Folk Festival to life has been such a brilliant experience over the years. It’s always a really fun, eclectic line-up and this summer’s edition is no different. Some highlights will be seeing the return of Skinny Lister, K.O.G who will be bringing his unique blend to the party and of course Mercury Prize winner Badly Drawn Boy. There really is music, trees and revelry for all the family.”
Foolhardy Folk Festival takes place at Nottingham Arboretum on Bank Holiday Sunday. Tickets are priced at £40 plus booking fees, while children under 11 can attend free with a registered ticket.
