The Just So Festival, a beloved family event near Birmingham, is making a comeback after a fallow year in 2025. Organisers have announced 13 brand-new festival spaces and an expanded creative programme for the 2026 edition, set to take place at Rode Hall Estate near Stoke-on-Trent from August 21 to 23.
New Additions and Expanded Programme
New features include Star Shore and Moon Cove for relaxation, Craftivism for creative workshops, and The Rumpus for large gatherings. The mysterious area 'Nothing to See Here' remains undisclosed. The music programme on the new Shindig stage features Hyde Family Jam, Klonk, King Zepha, Good Habits, Nastee Chapel, and Just Like Clay.
The festival's Spellbound Forest campfire returns with storyteller Ian Douglas and the Magic Lantern, transforming into a woodland party at night. Families can enjoy the 80s Ultimate Party Game Show by Dizzy O’Dare, an eight-foot puppet, yoga, craft workshops, and sustainable fashion swapping at the Thread Exchange. A dedicated area for under-threes is also available.
Reinvented Traditions
The Carnival of the Animals parade has been reinvented for 2026, with families dressing up as one of seven animals, competing for the crown on Sunday.
Environmental Commitment
The festival is deepening its environmental responsibility with the Homegrown Grub Challenge, encouraging vendors to use local, seasonal ingredients. All official merchandise will be made from repurposed second-hand garments.
According to festival director Rowan Cannon, 'Last summer we pressed pause for a rare year off to reinvent and dream what Just So can be. We’ve spent the past year creating a whole immersive world for our audience to step into.'
Getting There
The festival is just over an hour from Birmingham via the M6. The address is Rode Hall, Scholar Green Estate ST7 3QT.
