The Just So Festival 2026 took place at the Rode Hall Estate near Stoke-on-Trent, introducing 13 brand new festival spaces and a Carnival of the Animals election, with early bird tickets for the 2027 event already on sale.
New Spaces and Entertainment at Just So 2026
Among the new additions were The Rumpus, designed for 'epic gatherings', Craftivism for creative workshops, and the chilled-out Star Shore and Moon Cove areas. The Shindig stage hosted performances from Hyde Family Jam, gypsy funk band Klonk, Jazz House Party, Loop & Swing, and King Zepha.
Families gathered at the Spellbound Forest campfire for storytelling sessions led by Ian Douglas and his Magic Lantern. The festival also featured a Carnival of the Animals election, where families dressed up as animals and campaigned for their tribe to win.
Environmental Commitment and Sustainable Practices
The festival maintained its commitment to environmental responsibility through initiatives such as the Homegrown Grub Challenge for food vendors. All official merchandise was created from repurposed second-hand garments to reduce waste. Compost toilets and numerous recycling bins were provided throughout the site.
The event, located just over an hour's drive from Birmingham via the M6, also featured a variety of activities including yoga in the orchard, drumming by the lake at sunset, and a live music pub quiz hosted by Paul Bytheway.
Highlights and Activities Captured in Pictures
Photographs from the festival show foxes at the Carnival of the Animals Parade, a sunset tribal parade, a 'mystic' stiltwalker at night, and a giant fish party by the lake. Small show stages for little performers were set up in the woods, and a polling station and Speakers Corner were among the attractions.
The 'fiddler on the roof' performed during the Good Habits show at sunset, and the Here Comes the Sun art workshop added vibrant colour to the event. Food trucks lined the woods, and sign-making took place in the orchard.
Looking Ahead to Just So 2027
The next Just So Festival is scheduled to run from August 20 to 22, 2027. Early bird tickets are currently on sale, and further information and booking details are available through the festival's official channels. A review of the 2026 event has also been published by Brummie Mummies.
