In partnership with Bradninch Acoustic Music Club, Bradninch Music Festival proudly welcomes the legendary Phil Beer. Best known as one half of the iconic acoustic powerhouse Show of Hands, Phil is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and gifted musicians on the British folk circuit today.

Phil brings a unique blend of technical brilliance and effortless charm to the stage. His solo performances are a rich tapestry of deeply rooted traditional folk, soulful Americana and gritty blues, all woven together by the stories and wit of a career spanning five decades. This is a rare opportunity to see a true "musician’s musician" in an intimate setting, offering everything from foot-stomping instrumentals to hauntingly beautiful ballads that capture the very heart of acoustic music.

Bradninch Music Festival — Bradninch Guildhall

Thursday 11 June, 2026

Doors: 7pm | Support from Samuel Newman: 7:30pm | Phil Beer: 8pm

Tickets: £10

Accompanied U18s welcome. (If unaccompanied and lucky enough to look under 25, please be prepared to show ID on arrival.)

Bradninch Music Festival welcomes, by some margin, its biggest ever act. On Friday 12th June, BIG SPECIAL will shake these hills with their raw, working-class exorcism of soul and grit. Prepare for the whiplash between Joe Hicklin's thunderous spoken-word and those soaring, soulful choruses that feel like they've been pulled directly from a furnace.

This isn't a passive gig; it's a shared weight being lifted. It is music for the tired, for the hopeful, and for anyone who knows that the loudest truths are often whispered before they are screamed. Rugged, honest, and impossibly grand, expect a performance that balances the weight of the world with the lightness of being alive—a headline set that promises to be less of a concert and more of a landmark.

"One of the most exciting bands in Britain" — The Telegraph

"A heady dose of heart and reality" — NME

"If Sleaford Mods had Springsteen-sized ambitions, both lyrically and musically, they might sound this magnificent" — Uncut

Bradninch Music Festival — Cricket Club Stage

Friday 12 June, 2026

Gate: 7pm | Support from BOSS CASS: 8pm | BIG SPECIAL: 8:45pm | (followed by DJ till late)

Tickets: £15

Accompanied U18s welcome (same ticket price). (If unaccompanied and lucky enough to look under 25, please be prepared to show ID on arrival.)

An interactive music and storytelling workshop based on a delightful Russian fairytale; ideal for ages 3-8, but younger and older siblings welcome.

Bradninch Music Festival — Bradninch Guildhall

Saturday 13 June  |  10:30am

Free to attend. Booking advised.

Arrange a folk song together before trundling up to the pub to perform it! All levels welcome. Led by Katrina Davies.

Saturday 13 June  |  10:30am

Free to attend. Booking advised.

Run by the Duchy Pre-school. £3 per child (cash on the door). Book now to reserve your place!

Bradninch Music Festival — Bradninch Guildhall

Saturday 13 June

5:15 — 6pm: Keystage 1

6:15 — 7:15pm: Keystage 2

7:30 — 8:30pm: Above Keystage 3

After their well-attended workshops last year, we're delighted to welcome Drum Devon back to Bradninch Music Festival! Experience the joy of drumming together, led by the excellent James Carr. No experience or expertise needed. Heaps of fun for all the family. (Large marquees at the ready in case it rains!)

Sunday 14 June  |  BK Cricket Club

Workshop 1: 12pm

Workshop 2: 1pm

Free to attend. Booking advised.