Running from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th September 2026 in the tranquil surroundings of Moseley Park, Birmingham, the just-confirmed acts are The Dead South, Johnny and Lillie Flynn and Josuha Burnside.

Juno Award-winning Canadian folk/bluegrass quartet The Dead South arrive at the cusp of global success. Growing more adventurous and assured with each album, 2024’s Chains And Stakes boasted head-turning musicianship and vulnerable personal stories, with a skilled balance of darkness and levity that has come to define the band.

Singer-songwriter and actor Johnny Flynn’s latest venture sees him unite with his sibling, Lillie Flynn, for a collection of songs inspired by the folk, acoustic and traditional music they grew up with. As a musician and actor, Johnny has penned the theme to TV’s Detectorists, released a string of acclaimed albums, and played David Bowie (Stardust).

He’s also duetted with Katherine Priddy for the title track of hit movie Four Letters of Love. Meanwhile actor/singer/musician Lillie’s stage credits include The Kinks’ musical Sunny Afternoon, the West End production of Wicked, Love Story, and The War Of The Worlds.

Belfast’s Joshua Burnside (pictured) is an experimental folk songwriter, singer and producer influenced by alternative electronica and Irish folk. Described as “the best songwriter in Ireland right now” by US broadcasters SiriusXM, his latest collection, Teeth Of Time, is one of BBC 6Music’s Albums of 2025. Joshua’s much-anticipated new album, It’s Not Going To Be Okay, will be released in March 2026.

Further additions to the festival, including headliners, will be announced in the new year.

The announcement comes as the long-running festival prepares to celebrate 20 years. Since launching as a small two-day event, it’s grown to become one of the region’s best loved music festivals, attracting a loyal community of visitors while also pulling in such big name acts as Father John Misty, The Waterboys, Wilco, Richard Thompson, The Monkees, Laura Marling, Supergrass and Belle and Sebastian.

Gerv Havill, Moseley Folk & Arts Festival’s co-founder and co-director, said: “As we gear up to celebrate our 20th year, we’re excited to reveal the first few acts for our 2026 edition.

“The Dead South are one of the biggest bluegrass-influenced acts in the world; Joshua Burnside is more proof that Ireland is presently home to a hugely exciting and forward thinking music scene; while Johnny and Lille Flynn’s official team-up has been a long time coming, and is much anticipated.”

Fellow co-founder/co-director Carl Phillips, added: “We can’t believe it’s 20 years since the very first Moseley Folk. We’ve enjoyed many special festivals since then, but this year will be even more special.”