Main Stage Sponsor - Blue Monkey Brewery
Music and Entertainment...
This page will be updated as and when attractions, events and acts are confirmed. Please keep visiting this page for up-to-date information.
Although management will do its best to ensure all the acts perform as agreed, management cannot accept responsibility for late cancellation or alteration of performance times and reserves the right to change the acts featured without prior notice.
Thursday 14th May 2026 - Day Session
12noon-6.00pm
A day out for the real ale connoisseur – the first opportunity to sample the vast range of beers on offer at this year’s Festival. The Beer of the Festival and other category winners will be announced during the session.
Please note - there will be no train rides.
Thursday 14th May 2026 - Trade & VIP Session
12noon-6.00pm
An opportunity to meet other brewers, publicans and suppliers to the trade in the unique atmosphere of the Rail Ale Festival. Applications for trade session tickets should be emailed to tradesession@railalefestival.com.
If you would enjoy a chance to judge some of our competition beers please indicate this in your email. We would value your judgement and hope you will consider joining a panel.
To book for all the VIP events, please email us at enquiries@barrowhill.org
Admission to the Festival is included in each VIP package.
Thursday 14th May 2026 - Evening Session
6.30pm to 11.00pm
Rail Ale Party Night with Badness
The Blue Monkey Stage
7.30pm - The SuffraJetz
A popular 3-piece band with a reputation as one of the best acts on the Chesterfield music scene.
9.00pm - Badness Madness tribute band
Badness lead the tribute and Ska scene with their 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. Re-live the "Dance Crazy" days of the late 70s and early 80s with the #1 Ska revival band in the UK. Be prepared to "Enjoy Yourself" – it will be a hot and sweaty one!
Please note this is an all-standing event.
To book for all the VIP events, please email us at enquiries@barrowhill.org
Admission to the Festival is included in each VIP package.
Friday 15th May 2026
Friday Night Headliner - ABBA Party Band Love Abba? Love a party? Then this is the band for you! A night of high energy entertainment.
In the Marquee
1.30pm - Rocks & Frocks
Good time dance band playing classics from the 50s and 60s, always smart and always happy.
The Blue Monkey Stage
1.00pm Darren Morgan
1.45pm Graham Hinckley
2.30pm Molly Glynn
3.15pm The Storm Trees
4.00pm Stu Rickards
4.45pm The Sons of Roger
5.30pm Hipper Street West
BREAK
8.00pm Scotty & The Flowing Locks Energetic. Unique. Variety. Harmonies. Live.
9.30pm The ABBA Party Band
Bringing the iconic sounds of the Swedish pop legends to life with an electrifying performance packed with hits. Enjoy a celebration of ABBA's timeless music – it’s the party of the year!
To book for all the VIP events, please email us at enquiries@barrowhill.org
Admission to the Festival is included in each VIP package.
Saturday 16th May 2026
Saturday Night Headliner – Calling Planet Earth The ultimate 80s experience that defines a decade
In the Marquee
1.00pm The Honey Belles
A lively ladies’ choir singing a diverse range of popular music.
3.00pm Ashover Brass Band
A great local band that never fail to please the Rail Ale crowd!
The Blue Monkey Stage
1.00pm Erin Cotton
1.45pm The Shambles
2.30pm Country Folk
3.15pm The Charms Duo
4.00pm Kevin Taylor
4.45pm Roundhouse
5.30pm Idle Hive
BREAK
8.00pm The Crossroads Band
Playing rock guitar classics from the likes of Foo Fighters, Led Zeppelin, Lynryd Skynyrd, Cream, Kings of Leon and Motorhead.
9.30pm Calling Planet Earth
The ultimate electrifying 80s experience that defines a decade.
Sunday 17th May 2026
Join us for an afternoon celebrating the best of country music with The Luke Combs Experience. They may not be Luke Combs but they’re definitely the next best thing!
Also featuring artists and bands including, Mark Black, Saguaro and Eric Lawrence.
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.
It is also very much a family event – under 18s go free – so get your tickets booked today!
The Blue Monkey Stage
1.30pm Saguaro
Top East Midlands country band – great harmonies, bass, drums, pedal steel and more.
3.00pm Mark Black
A tribute to country music.
4.30pm Luke Combs Experience
Celebrating the best of country music – they may not be Luke Combs but they’re definitely the next best thing!
Teaching and leading the line dancing – Outlaw Stompers Line Dancing
Also featuring music from Eric Lawrence Country throughout the afternoon.
