Just So Festival 2026 at Rode Hall – Dates, Programme and Tickets.

Name: Just So Festival 2026
Item: Just So Festival 2026
Author: Visit Macclesfield - Editor

Just So Festival 2026 returns to the beautiful Rode Hall Estate near Scholar Green, Cheshire, from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 August 2026.

This popular weekend festival is created especially for children and their families. Visitors can enjoy live music, theatre, storytelling, circus, creative workshops, outdoor adventures and plenty of imaginative family fun.

Just So Festival took a break in 2025 after 15 years, giving the organisers time to refresh and develop the event. It returns in 2026 with new festival areas, new traditions and a packed programme of activities.

What is Just So Festival?

Just So Festival is a family arts and camping festival organised by the not-for-profit company Wild Rumpus CIC.

The festival takes place across the woodlands, glades and parkland of Rode Hall. It is designed for the whole family, from babies and young children to teenagers, parents and grandparents.

Families can explore the site together, discover performances around every corner and take part in activities inspired by music, stories, nature and creativity.

Just So Festival 2026 programme

The full Just So Festival 2026 timetable will continue to grow as the event approaches. The programme announced so far includes live music, storytelling, theatre, crafts, yoga and interactive family experiences.

Live music at The Shindig

A new music stage called The Shindig will host a different headline act each evening:

Friday: Hyde Family Jam, performing energetic pop covers with a folk twist.

Saturday: Klonk, bringing a lively mix of gypsy funk.

Sunday: King Zepha, performing ska, soul and jazz-inspired music.

Other performers already listed in the 2026 programme include The Freebugs, with more artists and activities expected to be announced.

Storytelling around the campfire

The festival’s traditional campfire returns for 2026.

Families can gather around the fire to hear stories from festival favourite Ian Douglas. The Magic Lantern will also bring together storytellers, musicians and puppeteers.

Later in the evening, the campfire area will become a woodland party with live music from the festival house band.

Theatre and family performances

The first programme announcement includes several unusual and interactive performances.

Highlights include:

The 80s Ultimate Party Game Show from Dizzy O’Dare
Museum of Memorable Trees, a travelling exhibition filled with stories about trees
Mud Plant Rave, an immersive outdoor arts experience
Peekaboo by Ascension Dance, created especially for children aged under three

The Peekaboo area also includes baby-changing and feeding facilities, bottle-warming facilities and daily baby bath times.

Carnival of the Animals

The Carnival of the Animals is one of the best-known Just So Festival traditions.

For 2026, children and young people under 18 will choose the winning animal team through the new Grand Just So Election. Campaigners will compete for votes throughout the weekend before the result is announced on Sunday evening.

There will also be a special party celebrating the Fish, the previous Carnival champions. Families are invited to wear shimmering fins, sequined tails and colourful sea-creature costumes.

Activities and workshops

Visitors can take part in a wide range of activities across the weekend, including:

Family yoga and wellbeing sessions
Arts and craft workshops
Storytelling and puppetry
Live music and dancing
Theatre and outdoor performances
An odd-sock battle
Clothes swapping at the Thread Exchange
Activities in the new Craftivism area

Festival tickets include access to the main programme, workshops and activities, so there are no additional charges for individual shows once visitors enter the festival.

Camping at Just So Festival 2026

General camping is included with weekend camping tickets.

Campers can arrive from 12 noon on Friday 21 August. The main festival gates open at 2pm, and campers can remain on the site until the morning of Monday 24 August.

Other accommodation choices include:

General family camping
Accessible camping
Boutique camping
Campervan and caravan pitches
Pre-pitched tents

Live-in vehicle passes and parking passes must be booked in advance.

Day tickets

Saturday and Sunday day-ticket holders can enter the festival from 9am and stay until late, but they cannot remain overnight.

Weekend and day tickets are available through the official Just So Festival ticket page. Payment plans of 3, 6, 9 or 12 months are available at checkout.

Local resident ticket discount

People living in the ST7, CW11 and CW12 postcode areas can apply for a local resident discount.

Current advertised savings include:

£20 off adult weekend tickets
£10 off child weekend tickets
£10 off adult Saturday or Sunday tickets
£5 off child Saturday or Sunday tickets

Residents must verify their postcode through the festival website to receive a booking code.

Travelling to Just So Festival from Macclesfield

Rode Hall is near Scholar Green and is within easy travelling distance of Macclesfield, Congleton, Sandbach and the wider Cheshire area.

The festival address is:

Rode Hall Estate
Scholar Green
Cheshire
ST7 3QT

Visitors travelling by car must buy a parking pass in advance. The organisers encourage families to share cars where possible.

The nearest railway station is Kidsgrove, around three miles from the festival site. Visitors travelling by train will need to arrange a taxi for the final part of the journey.

Just So Festival 2026 event details

Event: Just So Festival 2026
Dates: Friday 21 to Sunday 23 August 2026
Location: Rode Hall Estate, Scholar Green, Cheshire, ST7 3QT
Friday gates: 2pm
Weekend camping arrival: From 12 noon on Friday
Saturday and Sunday day entry: From 9am
Suitable for: Babies, children, teenagers and families
Organiser: Wild Rumpus CIC
Tickets: Weekend camping and day tickets available
Parking: Advance parking pass required

Is Just So Festival suitable for young children?

Yes. Just So Festival is designed specifically for families and includes performances and facilities for babies, toddlers and older children.

Children remain the responsibility of their parent or carer. Every child receives a wristband with space for a parent’s telephone number, and the festival provides registered carers and a dedicated lost-child point.

Why visit Just So Festival 2026?

Just So Festival offers something different from a traditional music festival.

It combines live entertainment with stories, nature, costumes, play and hands-on activities. Its relaxed family atmosphere and woodland setting make it one of the most distinctive summer family events near Macclesfield.

More performers, workshops and programme details are expected to be announced before the festival.

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Just So Festival 2026

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