Folk by the Castle: Muncaster’s Newest Festival Celebrates All Things Folk
Nestled in the picturesque Western Lake District, where the mountains meet the sea, Muncaster Castle is fast becoming one of Cumbria’s most exciting destinations for live music.
Muncaster’s summer events calendar is packed with popular returning favourites, including Country by the Castle and Krankenhaus Festival. This year, however, the castle is expanding its musical offering even further with the launch of Folk by the Castle, a brand-new festival celebrating the rich traditions and exciting future of folk music.
Taking place on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 June, the festival offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate the summer solstice in one of the region’s most stunning settings, accompanied by an outstanding soundtrack of folk music from Cumbria and beyond.
The carefully curated line-up brings together an eclectic mix of some of the most exciting names in contemporary folk. Headliners include the genre-spanning folk-rock outfit Aelfen, whose high-energy, fiddle-driven performances are guaranteed to get audiences on their feet, and Megalichen, the acclaimed Glasgow-based alt-folk group that has already impressed audiences at major festivals including Celtic Connections and Knockengorroch this year.
At its heart, however, Folk by the Castle is a celebration of Cumbria’s thriving folk scene. The programme showcases established favourites such as Tryckster and the ever-evolving Mosstroopers, alongside emerging grassroots talent including La’l Tethera. Together, they highlight the depth, diversity and quality of folk music being created across the county today.
Festival creator Joshua Payne said:
“I am really looking forward to Folk by the Castle. We have put together such an exciting and varied line-up that is a real testament to the strength and depth of the folk music scene in Cumbria and beyond. It’s fantastic to be able to bring together both established and emerging artists in such a unique setting.”
Cumbria has a rich and distinctive folk heritage, drawing influences from both English and Celtic traditions. In recent years, the local scene has experienced something of a renaissance, growing from strength to strength and attracting new audiences across the region.
With its unique combination of stunning surroundings, talented performers and community spirit, Muncaster hopes Folk by the Castle will become a permanent fixture on Cumbria’s musical calendar for years to come.
