Preview: Hexham Bluegrass & Americana Festival

Hexham Bluegrass & Americana Festival returns for its fifth year on 25–26th July, bringing two days of free live music, workshops and community‑driven roots culture to The Sele and venues across the town. Backed this year by Arts Council England and a growing network of supporters, the festival has levelled up its ambitions — pulling in some of the most exciting names in bluegrass, folk and Americana, including a headline set from Italy’s acclaimed The Truffle Valley Boys, alongside sets from Nic Zuppardi & Adam Clark, Serious Sam Barrett Trio, Philippa Ogden Trio, Dan Walsh, Hannah Rickard & Kieran Szifris, A.J. Potter & The NE Rails, The Rye Sisters, and plenty more

What makes Hexham’s festival stand out is how deeply it’s tied to the town’s own musical journey. Born out of Core Music’s early folk workshops, the scene has grown into a thriving network of players, sessions and learning spaces — from Slow & Steady workshops for newcomers to Youth Bluegrass sessions aimed at young musicians finding their feet. That grassroots energy feeds directly into the festival, which celebrates not just the music but the community that built it.

Across the weekend, audiences can expect a packed programme of performances on two stages, plus instrument workshops led by respected local players. With acts spanning traditional bluegrass, old‑time, folk and modern Americana, the festival offers a welcoming space for seasoned pickers, curious newcomers and anyone who just wants to soak up a weekend of live music in one of the North East’s most picturesque settings.

For more information, visit their website.