There is something refreshing about a festival that knows exactly what it is. Ey Up Mi Duck Festival does not try to be the biggest or the flashiest. Instead, it leans into community, character and a line up that feels carefully chosen rather than mass produced. The result is a weekend that feels personal from the moment you arrive.
Set at Old Bank End Farm in Finningley, Doncaster, the 2026 edition runs from 7 to 10 May and celebrates 10 years of the festival in the best possible way, with a line up that perfectly captures its grassroots spirit.
At the top of the bill, The Virginmarys bring a raw, driving intensity that feels built for a headline slot, while Headsticks and iDestroy add weight and urgency. Marisa and the Moths continue that energy with a powerful melodic edge.
From there, the line up opens out into everything that makes this festival tick. Funke and the Two Tone Baby brings a unique blend of loops and rhythm, while Black Water County and Shanghai Treason keep the pace high with sets built for movement and crowd connection.
There is a real sense of identity running through the rest of the bill. Gaz Brookfield remains a central figure, the kind of artist who turns a set into a shared experience, while Tony Wright brings intensity and purpose that cuts through immediately. Samantics shifts the mood again, pulling the crowd in through rhythm, poetry and presence.
That balance between energy and intimacy is where Ey Up Mi Duck really thrives. Fraser Morgan offers a more stripped back connection, while Joe Solo delivers the kind of performance that feels rooted in storytelling and honesty. Carol Hodge Band add something theatrical and distinctive, bringing a different texture to the weekend.
And then there are the moments that bring people together. Jess Silk turns her set into something closer to a rallying cry than a standard performance, full of conviction and shared energy between artist and audience.
What sets Ey Up Mi Duck apart though is how easy it is to enjoy. Everything feels accessible. You are not trekking miles between stages or battling huge crowds. Instead, you are free to explore, to take a chance on a band you have never heard before, and to actually experience the festival rather than just navigate it.
There is also a charm to the details. Independent traders, a relaxed campsite, a welcoming crowd and the sense of a community that has grown over ten years all add to the atmosphere.
Tickets are available now, with weekend tickets priced at £95, under 18s free, and camping passes available. There is also a Thursday bonus night for those wanting to start early and make the most of the full experience.
If you are looking for a festival that puts music and atmosphere first, Ey Up Mi Duck delivers exactly that. Ten years in, it feels less like a hidden gem and more like a word of mouth success story that people are finally catching up with.
And did I mention – tickets make great Christmas Presents!
