EskFest turns the Woolpack Inn into an Eskdale micro-festival

Few festival sites can match the drive in. To reach EskFest you head into the Eskdale valley in western Lakeland, towards the start of Hardknott Pass, where the Woolpack Inn plays host to one of the county's friendliest small festivals.

EskFest describes itself as a locally run, not-for-profit independent festival, and listings call it a micro-festival. The emphasis is on live music, with a bar serving plenty of local brews and food from the area.

The 2026 festival took place from 9 to 11 July. Acts listed on the bill included Lowes, Grace Savage and Emma Dockeray, a mix that reflects the festival's appetite for both established performers and rising names.

The Woolpack Inn is well suited to the job. The pub's own listing describes it as a place where locals and visitors gather for live music and festivals, and it also takes part in the Boot Beer Festival each June alongside neighbouring Eskdale pubs.

The remote setting is part of the adventure. Festivalgoers are advised that the site has very little mobile phone signal and that the bar is cash only, so a weekend at EskFest tends to be one of genuine switching off.

Being not-for-profit, the festival is driven by the enthusiasm of the people who run it rather than big sponsors, and that shows in its relaxed, community atmosphere.

For anyone who finds the big summer festivals a little overwhelming, EskFest offers the opposite: a valley, a pub, a stage and a crowd who have all made the effort to be there.

Eskdale itself adds to the appeal. The valley is one of the quieter corners of the national park, and a festival weekend there can easily be combined with walks on the surrounding fells. Arriving early, finding a spot and settling in with a local beer as the first band starts is about as good as a Lakeland summer evening gets.

Tickets are sold through the festival's own website, eskfest.org, and through Skiddle, which already lists the 2027 festival for 8 to 10 July. Bringing cash and planning the journey over the passes in advance is wise.