2027 dates confirmed. The 2026 edition ran 17 Jul 2026 to 19 Jul 2026; where the text below describes that edition, the 2027 programme may differ in detail.
Some festivals chase a big-name headliner and a giant screen. Rustic Stomp Festival 2026 does the opposite, a grassroots roots-music weekend built on stumbling across a band you have never heard of and dancing in a farm field until dark. Held at Knoll Farm over the third weekend of July, it has quietly earned a reputation as one of Dorset's best-loved independent festivals.
The festival
The 2026 festival runs Friday 17 to Sunday 19 July, bringing together more than sixty acts on four stages. Roots and Americana dominate the billing: think folk and country, bluegrass and acoustic sets, blues and rockabilly, skiffle, swing and other strands of alternative roots music. Previous line-ups have included acts such as Moonshine Wagon, Pronghorn, The Swamp Stomp String Band and the Millie Watson Trio, plus dozens of emerging performers who lend the weekend its unpredictable, discover-something-new appeal. Independent bars, street-food traders, artisan stalls, workshops and impromptu jam sessions fill the space between stages. Check the official Rustic Stomp website for the confirmed 2026 line-up and full schedule.
The atmosphere
Expect a relaxed, welcoming and thoroughly rural mood. At its heart, this is a camping festival, offering weekend tickets, single-day passes and live-in vehicle pitches for campervans, so plenty of people stay for all three days. Children are catered for too, with room to roam, activities aimed at younger visitors and free entry for under-16s with an accompanying adult. Dress with a working farm and unpredictable July weather in mind: sturdy footwear, sun protection for bright afternoons and warm layers for evenings, since the music keeps going well after dark.
Travel and tickets
Since Knoll Farm sits in the countryside rather than in town, it pays to plan your journey ahead of time. Most people drive and use on-site or nearby parking, and camping on the farm saves the late-night drive back. Should you prefer to base yourself elsewhere, our travel information guide can help weigh up the options. The festival sells tickets through its own official channels, and as prices and the running order shift from year to year, buy directly from the organisers and check your confirmation for gate times. Our what's on listings are also worth watching for updates as the weekend nears.
Make a weekend of it
A countryside festival combines naturally with a broader coastal trip. When the music stops for the night, Bournemouth's seven miles of golden sand lie close by: spend a quiet morning on Bournemouth Beach or stroll the promenade before returning for the evening's sets. The town's restaurants offer no shortage of choice for hungry visitors, from seafront cafes to independent kitchens, with our guide to things to do in Bournemouth covering the rest. Travelling from further away and want to stay over, compare places to stay in town, or read our advice on the best areas to stay in Bournemouth. Adding nearby Poole and its harbour is easy too, turning one festival into a full Dorset weekend.
