Barking Folk Festival
Due to the government's advice, this event has been cancelled for this year and will return in 2022.
The Barking Folk Festival is one of the key events in our Summer of festivals’ programme.
A weekend family festival celebrating the best in English and World folk music and dance plus poetry, street theatre, art and family fun!
Saturday's programme in the Abbey Ruins explores 'Rebels in the Ruins' and Sunday's programme is dedicated to World Folk Music.
Activities include:
- live music, crafts and carnival workshops
- crafts and stalls
- street theatre and circus shows
- delicious street food
Festival locations include:
- Gathering on the Green - 11am to 4pm
- Abbey Ruins Live - 3pm to 9.30pm
Further information to follow soon.
Parking
Parking is available at Bobby Moore Way and London Road Multistorey Car Park.
Local parking charges apply.
An official photographer has been commissioned by the council to take photographs and/or film at the Barking Folk Festival. The photographs and films may be published, transmitted or broadcast in LBBD publications and/or publicity materials, and websites, and may be circulated to the press and other broadcast media and internet websites for publication, transmission or broadcast. Should you have any queries, please contact the Events' Team at summeroffestivals@lbbd.gov.uk
Keep up to date with the Barking Folk Festival
Follow us on social media.
Barking Folk Festival on Facebook.
Barking Folk Festival on Twitter.
Barking Folk Festival Programme 2019 (PDF, 5.05 MB)
Creative Commissions Toggle accordion
This year we are commissioning creative workshops, parades, poetry workshops and open air theatre performance for both days of the upcoming Barking Folk Festival on 13 - 14 June 2020.
If you are interested, please complete the below form and send back by Saturday 28 March to summeroffestivals@lbbd.gov.uk.
Barking Folk Festival Commissions (DOCX, 59KB)
Access and facilities Toggle accordion
Parking
There is no public car parking on site but parking is available at Bobby Moore Way and London Road Multistorey Car Park, only a short walk away from site.
Local parking charges apply (RINGO) for council car parks.
Blue Badge Holders
This year we have introduced a free Blue Badge Car Park on site on the Abbey Green that can be accessed from Abbey Road. Please display your badge as you arrive.
Public Transport
Barking has great transport connections via Barking station which is only a five minute walk from the venue. The station is serviced by District and Hammersmith & City underground lines, National Rail services via C2C and London Overground Gospel Oak to Barking line.
Accessibility
Abbey Green is a relatively flat site on grass with hard standing paths.
The Abbey Ruins is on two levels, with the main entrance point via the Curfew Tower (off Broadway) which services the majority of facilities including a good viewing area and toilets including one accessible toilet and one adult changing area. Steps lead to the lower level where the caterers and the bar is located.
Facilities
Both sites have toilets, baby change and adult changing areas.
We are working with Mobiloo to provide specialist facility with ramped access, accessible change, toilet and shower and a hoist.
For assistance during the event, please visit the Information Point.
First Aid on site is located near the Information Point.
Families attending are encouraged to visit the Information Point in order to gain a wristband in case children or vulnerable adults become separated from your group.
Local Accommodation
There is no accommodation on site, however, we have a number of local accommodation within walking distance.
Entry conditions Toggle accordion
Searches including bags will be carried out as you enter the venue.
You can bring:
- food, or this can be purchased
- sealed soft drinks or water
- folding chairs or picnic rugs
- your ticket, or show on phone - for residents, proof of address is required
Please do not bring:
- alcohol or unsealed soft drinks
- glass
- BBQs or gazebos
- weapons, drugs or legal highs
- uncontrolled or dangerous dogs (please keep dogs on leads)
Official event photography and filming will take place and will be used for all marketing and communication purposes. Photo consent forms will be completed for close-up shots of children. Please contact the Information Point if you have any concerns.
We look forward to welcoming you to our family friendly festival!
