FAQs

When is the best day to come?

Each day is very different and unique in its own way. Our Thursday and Friday events have been tailored to different audiences, and all take place in the evening across a selection of venues with tickets required. Saturday and Sunday are our main days in the beautiful setting of Leigh Library Gardens and surrounding Leigh Broadway venues, with a more relaxed and family atmosphere. With over 10 free outdoor stages and indoor venues, with the most diverse musical offering, dance and street performances, as well as the Grand Procession taking place. Saturday and Sunday evening sees us take over Leigh Community Centre and St Clements church for our main ticketed concerts. We know – difficult to choose! We’d recommend coming for the whole affair!

Are there any age restrictions?

Our Friday night comedy gala event could contain potentially adult humour, no under 16s will be permitted entry without accompaniment from an adult aged 18 or over. A maximum of 4 persons aged 15 and under will be allowed entry with each adult (aged 18 or over). The Broadway Pub is an 18+ venue at all times. All other events are all-ages welcome and family-friendly.

Will there be a bar and food?

Yes! We will have a selection of draught, craft, spirits and wine, as well as 5 street food options to cater for all dietary requirements. Especially celebrating all things Leigh-on-Sea Brewery, Leigh Spirit Co. and Rossi Ice Cream! Fisherman’s Chapel is a no-alcohol venue, and St Clement’s Church only permits beer and wine that has been purchased at its own venue bar.

Will there be toilets?

We will be providing toilet facilities inside Leigh Library Gardens for the duration of the event, and public toilets are available just off Broadway West (down the side of Ugos).

Can I bring my own food and drink?

You are welcome to bring soft drinks and food. No alcohol will be able to be brought into the park on Friday 23 June, with bag checks in place. A complete glass ban is in place across the whole of the Leigh Library Gardens for the entirety of the festival. We will be operating a Challenge 25 policy, should you be lucky enough to look under 25!

Are there any restrictions on what I can bring?

For our comedy gala on Friday 23 June, due to limited space, large picnicking areas are not permitted. You are welcome to bring your own food and soft drinks (no glass), however, no alcoholic beverages will be permitted to be brought into the park (there will be a bar and food available).

The following items will not be permitted: Chinese lanterns; candles; paraffin lamps; sound systems; generators; BBQs; drones; laser pens; selfie sticks; all illegal drugs and psychoactive substances; compressed gas containers; aerosols; flares; air horns; flag sticks; banners, signs or materials displaying political, religious, offensive or race-related messages, slogans or images; any item that an Authorised Person considers dangerous; animals (other than guide dogs) are not permitted only for ticketed events. Any Prohibited Items may be removed, confiscated and/or destroyed even if the item itself is not illegal without compensation at the discretion of any Authorised Person.

Will there be cash machines?

There will be no cash machine on site, the closest ATM is located at Tesco Express on Leigh Broadway. Bars and food outlets on site will all be accepting card and cash payments.

How do I get involved with helping to organise the festival or volunteer?

All the organisers of the festival are volunteers, some volunteer all year round to plan, promote, book acts, organise logistics and more, and we always welcome new members. If you would like to volunteer solely on the weekend of the festival, you can do that too! To apply for either opportunity, please go to http://bit.ly/festvolunteer20.

How do I play the festival?

As we get hundreds of requests to play the festival every year, and can’t respond to everyone who contacts us applying for a spot therefore we will only respond to those successful. Many of our smaller stages are organised by local music organisations so there may be opportunities to play via them. Don’t forget we also run a yearly open mic competition more info here.

What do you have in the way of family/children’s events?

We are in the process of putting together an exciting programme of activities for children (of all ages) for our new children’s activity area in Library Gardens. The area will include free activities including arts and crafts, performances, workshops and so much more!

How do I go about having a stall at the festival?

We work with many independent, local businesses to curate our makers’ market and food offerings. If you’d like to be considered please send a brief description of your business, what you sell and an image of your set-up to concessions@leighfolkfestival.com. Due to the high volume of companies that register their interest in wanting to be part of our event, we can only get back to those who are successful.

Pitches are full for the 2023 festival so please do not email until July 2023 to register your interest for 2024.

Does the festival cost anything?

Nearly all festival events are completely free with the exception of our evening ticketed events, which will be clearly advertised. These ticketed concerts enable us to continue to keep the rest of the festival free!

Where can I pick up a programme or other merchandise?

All events will have a stall with a selection of merchandise, memorabilia and event programmes.

If you have any other questions not answered above please contact
info@leighfolkfestival.com