Knutsford Music Festival is back for summer 2026; now in its ninth year and it is set to be one of the best yet. The four-day event will take place from Thursday, 4th June until Sunday 7th June, offering an extensive line-up of live performances and cultural activities across the town.
BBC Radio presenter Mark Radcliffe has once again partnered with Knutsford Town Council to curate an exciting programme of folk nights as part of this year’s event.
The opening event on Thursday 4th June will celebrate the rich traditions of Bluegrass folk music, a vibrant blend of old-time mountain music, blues, jazz, and square dance fiddle. Mark Radcliffe presents an evening with The Rip Roaring Success at Knutsford Little Theatre. Widely regarded as the hottest Western Swing band east of El Paso, The Rip Roaring Success are renowned for their energetic stage presence and crowd-pleasing performances. They will be supported by The Rye Sisters, an emerging duo celebrated for their rich harmonies and heartfelt songwriting.
Following it on Friday 5th June, Mark Radcliffe presents Ranagri at St John’s Church. Ranagri are an award-winning Irish-English folk ensemble celebrated for their mesmerising blend of voices and traditional instrumentation, including flutes, whistles, harp, guitar, bouzouki, and bodhrán.
With five acclaimed studio albums, including the critically praised Tradition II, listed among Folk Radio UK’s Top 10 albums of the year, Ranagri have established themselves as one of the most exciting and innovative acts on the contemporary folk scene.
Their vibrant live performances have captivated audiences across the UK and Europe at prestigious festivals and venues such as the Cambridge Folk Festival, Bloom Festival in Dublin, Montelago Festival in Italy, Birmingham Symphony Hall, and The Union Chapel.
On Saturday 6th June Knutsford will host an intimate Country Collective Evening featuring two of the UK’s best country artists. Headlining is Jake O’Neill, who first captured national attention as a standout performer on The Voice UK, joining Tom Jones’s team and showcasing his talent under the guidance of one of music’s true icons. One of the UK’s most exciting emerging voices in country music, Jake O’Neill has earned multiple nominations at the 2024 British Country Music Awards, including Best Male Artist. He blends traditional country narratives with a contemporary edge, delivering soulful vocals, heartfelt songwriting, and dynamic live performances.
Jake O’Neill is supported by Outpost Drive, a dynamic country-rock band celebrated for their energetic live performances and rich, tight-knit harmonies. Combining the storytelling tradition of classic country with the driving edge of modern rock, Outpost Drive create a sound that is both heartfelt and electrifying and have quickly built a reputation as one of the most exciting emerging acts on the UK country scene.
On Sunday 7th June Knutsford Market Hall will be host to an immersive Latino evening at the Market Hall. Ticket holders can enjoy the vibrant sounds of a Cuban two-piece band while learning dance moves from the talented instructors at Salsa Dance Cheshire, making for a night of music, rhythm, and fun.
Also on Sunday over at Knutsford Little Theatre, Mark Radcliffe presents True Foxes. True Foxes are set to take the stage in an unmissable performance, supported by the talented Edwina Hayes. Known for their captivating live shows and emotive songwriting, True Foxes promise an evening of rich melodies and heartfelt performances, with Edwina Hayes adding her signature warmth and charm to the night.
Tickets for these headline events go on sale on Monday 9th March. Early bird tickets are available for one-week only, securing those quick of the marks 10% off ticket prices. Tickets can be purchased online at www.discoverknutsford.com/knutsford-music-festival
The full programme for the festival will be completed with Music on the Moor (Saturday 6th June) a free, open-air event showcasing emerging local talent, alongside a programme of craft activities and workshops designed to engage audiences of all ages. A fringe festival featuring a mix of music will also take place across the bars, cafes, and restaurants of Knutsford.
