Brace yourselves for music, trees and revelry…
Manc legend Badly Drawn Boy is latest addition to the stacked line-up of songwriting talent coming to the Nottingham Arboretum this summer for the sixth edition of the independent, artist-led Foolhardy Folk Festival.
The celebration of music, community and trees is the brainchild of Nottingham promoters DHP Family and Braintree folk hero Beans On Toast. Toast personally curates the festival each year and will also open and close the event with two special live sets takes place on August 30, – which is a Bank Holiday Sunday
The one-day gathering has grown into one of the East Midlands’ most beloved independent festivals, selling out in recent years and building a reputation for warmth, quality and carefully curated line-ups.
This year’s headline guest Badly Drawn Boy, one of the UK’s most distinctive and celebrated songwriters, and a long-time inspiration to Beans on Toast.
The full 2026 line-up features Badly Drawn Boy, Skinny Lister, 3 Daft Monkeys, K.O.G, Gecko, Nuala and King Killership.
Previous editions of Foolhardy have welcomed artists including Frank Turner, Grace Petrie and Jeffrey Lewis, cementing its reputation as a must-attend event for lovers of thoughtful, independent music.
Alongside the music, festival-goers can expect top notch local street food, a bar showcasing Nottingham breweries, and the relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere that has become Foolhardy’s calling card.
A special addition to this year’s programme will see 1960s cultural Nottingham legend Loraine Burgon live in conversation with Beans on Toast, discussing the birth of the Nottingham music scene and her first-hand view of the rise of rock ‘n’ roll. Burgon also features in Beans’ latest book Wild Folk People and inspired a song on his new album A Real Rock n Roller.
Speaking about the event, Beans on Toast said: “I still can’t really believe we’ve got Badly Drawn Boy coming to Foolhardy this year. 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.”
DHP Family promoter Ben Ryles added: “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 prizewinner Badly Drawn Boy and that’s just to name a few. There really is music, trees and revelry for all the family!”
Tickets will be released on Friday February 27 at 10am and cost £40 (+ booking fee). Under 11s go free (with a registered ticket). Get them here: www.alttickets.com/foolhardy-folk-festival-tickets
WHEN: Bank Holiday Sunday, August 30
WHERE: Nottingham Arboretum
