Event
14th May 2026 - 17th May 2026
The Rail Ale Festival @ Barrow Hill Roundhouse
The hugely popular Festival returns for its annual outing from Thursday 14 May to Sunday 17 May 2026. With great live music and an enormous selection of over 400 beers and ciders, gins, spirits, wines and fizz and - of course - the Rail Ale trains!
About
14th May 2026 - 17th May 2026
Kicking off the music at Thursday’s Rail Ale Party Night will be Badness, the UK's #1 Madness Tribute band, re-living the "Dance Crazy" days of the late 70s and early 80s, with an energetic show and a frontman who never fails to whip the audience into shape. Musically tight and loud, playing classic Madness, Bad Manners and The Specials, to name but a few. Be prepared to "Enjoy Yourself" – it will be a hot and sweaty one. Badness will be supported by The Suffrajetz, a popular local band.
On Friday ABBA Party Band will bring the iconic sounds of the Swedish pop legends to life. Headlining Rail Ale on Saturday night will be Calling Planet Earth, the ultimate 80s experience that defines a decade.
The 2026 Festival will come to a close on Sunday with a tribute to the best of country, The Luke Combs Experience. And watch out for the Line Dancing class before the music starts! This is a must not miss event for all lovers of Country music. The Sunday afternoon session is also very much a family event – under 18s go free.
The Street Food Court and Roundhouse Café will be on hand to provide a tasty range of food to suit every appetite from pork pies to curry, bacon baps to burgers and hog roast to noodles, tempting snacks and complete meals.
Between 12noon and 5pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the popular Rail Ale train will be running for everyone to enjoy a trip on, beer or gin in hand, through the Roundhouse yard and up and down the Springwell Branch Line.
A free shuttle bus service will operate between Chesterfield railway station and the Roundhouse on all four days of the Festival.
Festival goers can buy tickets for each session of the Festival – or treat themselves to a four-day Rail Ale Weekend Pass, which includes entry to Rail Ale Party Night on Thursday 14th May and Nashville @ The Roundhouse on Sunday 17th May.
Tickets are available now from https://www.seetickets.com/tour/rail-ale-festival. Tickets are also available from local outlets around South Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. For more details and information about this year’s Festival, go to www.railalefestival.com.
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Frequently asked questions
- Are gluten free/vegan drinks and food available at the Rail Ale Festival?
We do our best to source a wide range of drinks and food to suit all tastes and requirements. Please ask the bar servers or catering outlets if you are unsure.
- Do you operate a cash bar or token system?
We operate a token system at Rail Ale. These can be bought upon entry to the Festival and throughout your visit. The bar servers will then mark off the cost of each drink as it is purchased. The tokens cannot be used at the catering outlets. No token refunds will be given after time is called.
- Can you pay for your tokens with cash and/or card?
Tokens can be purchased using cash or debit/credit cards.
- Is there disabled parking and access?
We have a disabled parking area in the car park near the entrance. Rail Ale is fully accessible; however, please be aware that there are uneven surfaces in and around the Roundhouse so please ask our volunteers for assistance if you are encountering any difficulties.
- Is there seating at the Festival?
Some seating is provided. We also permit small fold up chairs and stools to be brought into the Festival. However, these must be taken with you when you leave.
- Are non-alcoholic drinks available?
The Roundhouse Cafe and some of the Food Court vendors have a range of hot and cold drinks available. We also have a "No/Low Alcohol" Bar in the Festival.
- Can I bring my own drinks into the Festival?
Bringing any alcoholic drinks into the Festival is strictly prohibited. Bag searches will be carried out before you enter the Festival and any alcoholic drinks or liquid in unmarked containers will be confiscated by the security team. ONLY water in sealed plastic bottles is permitted. Please do not bring glass bottles - these will also be removed by our security team.
- Can we bring children to the Rail Ale Festival?
Under 18s are allowed to attend the Festival until 6.00pm on each day. After 6.00pm, the event is strictly over 18s only. There is no charge for children to attend the Festival.
- Are dogs allowed at the Rail Ale Festival?
Well behaved dogs are always welcome at the Roundhouse but please be aware that there will be crowds and lots of noise, which some dogs may find unsettling.
- Is camping allowed at the Rail Ale Festival?
We have a small number of pitches for caravans, camper vans and vehicles with tents, which are available on a first come, first served basis. Camping tickets are available from See Tickets when you purchase your event tickets.
- Are there any discounts for CAMRA members?
Yes; when CAMRA members register at the CAMRA desk in the Roundhouse they will be given a voucher to spend on drinks.
- Can I smoke or vape in the Festival?
Smoking and vaping is permitted in the clearly signposted outside areas of the Festival. It is not permitted in the Roundhouse, Marquee or on the trains.
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