Folk music and family fun are set to take centre stage as a much-loved festival returns to the coast.
The Swanage Folk Festival will take place from Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 13, bringing a packed programme of music, dance, and entertainment to the town.
More than 650 dancers and 65 dance sides are expected to perform across Swanage, with a colourful procession on Saturday and the traditional 'dance in the sea' on Sunday.
Jon Baker, festival chair, said: "People sometimes assume you need a ticket to enjoy a festival, but not in Swanage.
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"You can spend the day watching the dancing, listening to live music, exploring the craft fair, and keeping the children entertained without paying to get in.
"We’ve also increased the size of the festival fringe, so there’s more free music around the town."
The main stage will host five hours of free live music on both Saturday and Sunday, alongside a craft fair, food stalls, beer tent, and children’s entertainment.
Additional ticketed evening concerts will feature The Longest Johns, Merry Hell, and Gerry Colvin Band.
Following the 2025 event, the not-for-profit festival donated £10,000 to local good causes.
Full programme details are available at the Swanage Folk Festival website.
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