Imagine warm summer nights on the historic quayside of a medieval town, music floating across the River Great Ouse, and crowds of thousands dancing under the Norfolk sky – welcome to Festival Too King’s Lynn. This incredible free-entry music festival has been running since 1985 and is one of Europe’s largest free outdoor festivals.
Every June and July, King’s Lynn comes alive with an electric atmosphere as big-name acts and rising stars take to the stage, alongside fireworks, street entertainment, and family fun. Whether you’re a festival regular or planning your first trip, this guide has everything you need to know.
As someone who has grown up in West Norfolk and who has lived in King's Lynn for most of her life, I've spent many nostalgic summers dancing at Festival Too King’s Lynn. I have fond memories of dancing and singing along with friends and family to The Stranglers, Toploader, Sigala, Gabrielle, Lemar and many, many more. It was only when I gave up full time travel and moved back to King's Lynn when I realised how truly lucky we are to have such an amazing event on our doorsteps. It has now become a tradition to attend each year.
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Going to Festival Too King’s Lynn 2026? Here's where you can find:
- Festival Too King’s Lynn 2026 Dates
- What is the vibe like at Festival Too?
- Festival Too King’s Lynn 2026 Line-up
- Do you need tickets for Festival Too?
- How to Get to Festival Too King’s Lynn
- Where to Stay for Festival Too
- Turn Festival Too into a King’s Lynn Trip
- Festival Fashion and Essentials for Festival Too
- Festival Too King’s Lynn FAQs
Essentials for Festival Too King’s Lynn
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Festival Too King’s Lynn 2026 Dates
Festival Too traditionally runs across three weekends from the end of June to mid-July, with concerts taking place every Friday and Saturday evening. The final Saturday usually ends with a spectacular fireworks display over the quay – an unmissable highlight.
For 2025, official dates were Friday 4th – Saturday 19th July 2025.
For 2026, dates are likely to be Friday 26th June to Saturday 11th July 2026, but I will update these when they are officially announced.
What is the vibe like at Festival Too?
Think of a buzzing seaside carnival with a big festival energy – and all for free. Festival Too King's Lynn is one of the biggest free music festivals in Europe and you can expect a family-friendly atmosphere and lots of local community spirit.
You’ll find:
- Big-name headliners (past years have included The Vamps, Scouting for Girls, Billy Ocean, Craig David, Gabrielle, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor).
- A mix of music genres: pop, indie, rock, funk, and dance from local, regional and international bands.
- A performance from the winner of West Norfolk Battle of the Bands 2026
- Street food stalls, local pubs and riverside bars spilling with people.
- Entertainment from fire jugglers, buskers, and community performances including the local schools.
- A huge fireworks finale lighting up the historic quayside.
It’s a festival where you can dance all night, bring the kids, or just soak up the Norfolk summer atmosphere with friends.
Don't forget to check out my Lost Village Festival Guide and Wilderness Festival Guides for inspiration for picking your next summer festival.
Festival Too King’s Lynn 2026 Line-up
The line-up for 2026 has not yet been released, but you can expect a mix of chart-topping acts, 80s and 90s throwbacks, and exciting up-and-coming talent. Past headliners include:
- Scouting for Girls
- Ella Henderson
- The Vamps
- Billy Ocean
- Craig David
- Sophie Ellis-Bextor
- Gabrielle
- Sam Ryder
As soon as the Festival Too 2026 line-up is announced, I’ll update this guide so you can start planning your trip.
Do you need tickets for Festival Too?
Nope! Festival Too is completely free of charge, which is one of the reasons it’s so popular. You can just turn up, grab a spot near the stage (or further back by the river if you prefer a more chilled vibe), and enjoy the show.
How to Get to Festival Too King’s Lynn
Travelling to King's Lynn by Train
King’s Lynn is easy to reach by train, with direct services from:
- London King’s Cross (approx. 1h 50m)
- Cambridge (approx. 50m)
- Ely (approx. 35m)
The festival site on the quayside is about a 10-minute walk from King’s Lynn station.
>> Book cheap trains to Festival Too
Travelling to King's Lynn by Car
King’s Lynn is well-connected by road:
- From London / South East – via A10 or A47
- From Midlands – via A47
- From Norwich – 50 minutes along the A47
There is no dedicated festival car park, but you’ll find multiple long-stay car parks across town (Saturday nights can get busy, so arrive early).
>> Find parking for Festival Too
Travelling to King's Lynn by Coach
National Express run services into King’s Lynn from cities including London, Birmingham, and Norwich. From the bus station, it’s just a short walk to the festival site.
>> Book your National Express Coach
Where to Stay for Festival Too
If you want to make a weekend of it, King’s Lynn offers plenty of places to stay:
The Bank House Hotel – boutique rooms on the riverside, right by the festival action.
Dukes Head Hotel – stylish 4-star hotel on Tuesday Market Place.
Budget-friendly hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses around town.
Airbnbs and cottages for groups or families.
Turn Festival Too into a King’s Lynn Trip
King’s Lynn has so much more to offer than just Festival Too, why not extend your trip beyond just Festival Too and see what else West Norfolk has to offer? King's Lynn is a historic Norfolk port town with plenty to explore beyond the festival stage. Extend your trip with:
- Historic Quarter – wander cobbled streets, medieval guildhalls, and timber-framed houses.
- True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum – discover Lynn’s maritime history.
- Sandringham Estate – the King’s Norfolk residence, just 15 minutes’ drive away.
- Hunstanton & Norfolk Coast – perfect for a beach day trip.
- The Wash National Nature Reserve – for birdwatching and coastal walks.
Festival Too is the perfect excuse to combine music, history, and seaside fun in one summer trip. You might find it helpful to check out these blog posts for some Norfolk inspiration:
- Why Norfolk holidays should be on your UK bucket list
- The 13 best Norfolk nature reserves & parks
- 23 Wild Swimming Spots in Norfolk & Suffolk
- 8 of the best Norfolk stately homes to explore
- 10 Best Glamping Sites in Norfolk, UK
Festival Fashion & Essentials for Festival Too
One of the best things about Festival Too King's Lynn is that unlike camping festivals, you won’t need tents and sleeping bags which means anyone can attend! You’ll still want to be festival-ready. My essentials include:
- Comfortable shoes – you’ll be on your feet all night.
- A light jacket – Norfolk evenings by the river can get chilly.
- Glitter & accessories – because no festival outfit is complete without sparkle.
- Reusable water bottle – stay hydrated.
- Portable phone charger – capture the fireworks without your battery dying.
Festival Too King’s Lynn FAQs
Is Festival Too really free?
Yes! 🎉 Festival Too King’s Lynn is completely free to attend. There are no tickets required – just turn up at the Tuesday Market Place or King’s Lynn quayside and enjoy the music. There are also lots of fun activities and entertainment around King's Lynn Town centre during these weekends so it's worth checking back to find out what's on.
What time does Festival Too start and finish?
The main music events usually kick off around 7pm on Friday and Saturday evenings, with headline acts performing later into the night. The final Saturday closes with a fireworks display around 10.30–11pm. But there are often earlier street entertainment acts performing in the afternoon/early eve – particularly on the Saturdays.
Can I bring my own food and drink?
You’re welcome to bring snacks, but most people enjoy the fantastic street food stalls, local pubs, and riverside bars during the event. Alcohol is not technically permitted to be brought into the main festival arena (but everyone does take their own drinks and it's usually not a problem, you just can't walk off the marketplace with an open drink in your hand) – drinks are available to buy on-site and from nearby pubs including The Maid's Head & The Globe pubs.
Is Festival Too family-friendly?
Absolutely! Festival Too is designed to be family-friendly, with plenty of space, great food options, and a welcoming atmosphere. Families with children often enjoy the earlier acts before the evening gets busier.
Is there seating available?
There isn’t allocated seating, but you can bring folding chairs or picnic blankets if you want to relax further back from the stage.
What should I wear to Festival Too?
Festival Too is a non-camping, town-centre festival, so dress for the weather. Comfortable shoes are a must, and a light jacket is handy for cooler evenings by the river. Festival-goers often add glitter, hats, or sparkly outfits to get into the spirit.
Where exactly is Festival Too held?
The main stage is set up on Tuesday Market Place in King’s Lynn, with events also taking place on the historic quayside by the River Great Ouse. Both locations are within a 10-minute walk from the train station.
Is Festival Too accessible?
Yes – the festival is held in the town centre on flat ground, making it accessible for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues. Accessible toilets are also provided.
