Look, we might be a bit biased. But even setting DonnyFest aside for a second, Yorkshire has quietly become one of the best regions in the entire country for live music. Honestly. You’ve got massive camping festivals, intimate acoustic nights, proper dance events and everything in between. And the best part? You don’t need to trek down to London or pay a fortune to have a brilliant time.
We’ve pulled together the full picture of what’s on across Yorkshire in 2026 so you can plan your summer right. Spoiler: you’re going to want to clear your diary.
DonnyFest ’26 – Eco-Power Stadium, Doncaster
Right, let’s talk about our favourite festival in Yorkshire. DonnyFest ’26 lands on 6 June 2026 at the Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster, and it’s shaping up to be something properly special. Four stages, incredible food vendors, a fairground, a satellite bar, and a lineup that covers indie, dance and acoustic music from early afternoon to late into the night.
Headlining the Main Stage is Jamie Webster, the Liverpool singer-songwriter who’s gone from terrace anthem king to genuinely one of the most exciting live acts in the country right now. Joining him as Special Guests are post-punk indie heroes Sea Girls and rock legends Ash. Newton Faulkner takes the top spot on the Acoustic Stage, while Fergie headlines the Dance Stage. Elsewhere on the bill you’ve got Lucy Spraggan, The Magic Numbers, Tom Hingley, Kyle Falconer of The View, Chris Helme, ADMT, Livin Joy, Rob Tissera, Klubfiller and NC Storm, and a whole load more across the Mark Loraine Busker Stage.
What makes DonnyFest different from the big commercial festivals is simple: it’s got proper soul. It’s Doncaster’s festival, celebrating indie and dance music without any of the pretension. Tickets are brilliant value, the crowd is proper friendly, and there’s a real community feel to the whole thing. If you’ve never been to Donny, this is the year to change that.
The Rest of Yorkshire’s 2026 Season
Once you’ve sorted your DonnyFest tickets, here’s what else is happening across the county this year. Yorkshire’s festival calendar is genuinely brilliant, so whether you’re into punk, folk, country or classical, there’s something here for you.
Slam Dunk Festival North | 24 May 2026 | Temple Newsam Park, Leeds
The UK’s biggest independent rock festival celebrates its 20th anniversary in proper style. Good Charlotte are headlining their first UK shows in seven years, Sublime are playing their very first UK gigs ever, and Taking Back Sunday are marking 20 years since Louder Now. Slam Dunk also goes heavier than ever in 2026 with two new stages dedicated entirely to metalcore and hardcore. If you love alternative music, this one’s not to be missed. The Hatfield Park date is the day before on the 23rd.
Towerfest | 18 to 21 June 2026 | Festival Fields, Drax, Near Selby
The North of England’s premier open-air country music festival returns for its 18th year. Great value for money, a cracking lineup of British country talent, line dancing, and a genuinely welcoming crowd. It sold out completely in 2025 so get your booking in sharpish.
The Piece Hall Summer Concerts | Summer 2026 | The Piece Hall, Halifax
Halifax’s Grade I-listed courtyard is one of the most atmospheric outdoor music venues in Britain. The 2026 summer programme is stacked: Shed Seven, Embrace, Paul Weller, The Kooks, The Beach Boys, James Arthur, David Gray and The Wombats are all confirmed. Genuinely stunning setting for a night out.
Ryedale Festival | 10 to 26 July 2026 | Various Venues, North Yorkshire
A beautiful classical and folk music festival spread across North Yorkshire’s most historic venues. This year features John Wilson and the Sinfonia of London, Eliza Carthy bringing the living force of folk tradition to Selby Abbey, and Sheku and Isata Kanneh-Mason among the recitalists. Proper cultural stuff.
Deer Shed Festival | Summer 2026 | North Yorkshire Parkland
A genuine three-day wonderland of music, comedy, arts, science and theatre for all ages. Deer Shed has built a brilliant reputation for its family-friendly atmosphere without dumbing anything down. Set in gorgeous North Yorkshire parkland, it’s a proper feel-good weekend.
Beverley Folk Festival | Summer 2026 | Beverley, East Yorkshire
Run by passionate volunteers, this community-led festival in the historic market town of Beverley celebrates folk music, arts and culture across multiple venues in the town. Traditional and contemporary folk, poetry, comedy and storytelling. A lovely one if you fancy something a bit more mellow.
Leeds Festival | 27 to 30 August 2026 | Bramham Park, Leeds
The big one. Leeds Festival 2026 marks a proper landmark moment with an all-British and Irish headline lineup for the first time in 25 years. Charli XCX, Chase and Status, Dave, Florence and the Machine, Fontaines D.C. and RAYE are all headlining, with Kasabian making history as the first-ever Thursday main-stage headliners. Also on the bill are Skepta, Role Model, Kneecap and loads more. If you want the full camping, multi-day, mega-festival experience, this is it.
The Bottom Line
So there you have it. A full summer of proper Yorkshire music. Whatever your taste, whatever your budget, there’s a festival here with your name on it. And honestly, with a calendar this strong, you could quite easily do DonnyFest in June and still have loads of other options to fill your summer.
If we had to pick one, we’d obviously say start with DonnyFest. It’s local, it’s brilliant value, it’s genuinely got one of the most exciting lineups we’ve ever put together, and it’s the one where you’ll feel that proper Yorkshire community spirit. Jamie Webster on the Main Stage. The Eco-Power Stadium. 6 June. Come on.
Get your tickets sorted early though. You know how it is.
DonnyFest ’26 | Eco-Power Stadium, Doncaster | 6 June 2026
Andy is a Co-Founder of Donny Music Festival. Experienced in the events industry, there’s no one better for organising huge bands and artists to play in DMF – Doncaster’s biggest party!
