The City of York ‘Roland Walls’ Folk Weekend returns to the Black Swan Inn from 05 June to 07 June 2026, bringing three days of free live music, sessions and performances to the heart of York’s folk community.

Established in honour of the late Roland Walls, the event blends traditional and contemporary folk with a welcoming, grassroots atmosphere.

Now in its 23rd year, the weekend has grown from a single folk day into a city staple, celebrating local and touring talent across multiple stages within and around the Black Swan. Friday evening opens with an Irish-themed showcase in the club room, featuring Paula Ryan, Sharon Maher, Mary Molloy, Susie Coyle, Mise Agusmo Stor and Ramshackle, setting the tone for a packed programme.

Saturday sees the action move outdoors with an eclectic afternoon lineup in the pub car park, including Les Roustiques, White Sail, King Courgette and Janglebuddies, alongside sessions inside the pub and a full evening concert programme upstairs led by the likes of Phil Cerny, Toni Bunnell and Ramshackle. The mix of performances and informal sessions makes it as much a participatory experience as it is a festival.

Sunday continues in a similar vein, with Caramba, The Duncan McFarlane Band and The Jon Palmer Band among those taking to the outdoor stage, while the club room hosts a run of acoustic sets before closing the weekend with an evening concert that captures the spirit of the event.

With all events free and donations supporting both the Black Swan Folk Club and the Motor Neurone Disease Association, the weekend stands as both a celebration of music and a tribute to the community that sustains it.

The City of York ‘Roland Walls’ Folk Weekend will take place at the Black Swan Inn from Friday 5 June to Sunday 7 June 2026.