Between the Trees 2026

Ancient stone walls will echo with contemporary sounds when Between the Trees 2026 arrives at the historic Candleston Castle in Bridgend. This remarkable festival transforms the castle grounds into a global hub of celebration, welcoming 2000 music lovers to experience performances against one of Wales' most atmospheric backdrops. The medieval ruins create an extraordinary setting where modern artistry meets centuries-old architecture, offering festival-goers a truly distinctive experience that blends cultural heritage with cutting-edge entertainment across multiple stages and intimate performance spaces.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know for your festival experience, including onsite camping facilities, transport options, local accommodation alternatives, weather considerations, and essential packing advice to ensure you're fully prepared for your weekend at Candleston Castle.

✈️ How to Get There: Transport & Logistics

Between the Trees 2026 takes place at the historic Candleston Castle near Bridgend, with Cardiff serving as the primary transport hub just 20 miles away. Festival-goers can drive directly to designated parking areas around the castle grounds, catch dedicated shuttle services from Cardiff Central station and key points throughout South Wales, or use regular bus connections from Bridgend town centre. The castle's coastal location between major Welsh transport links makes it accessible via the M4 corridor, with additional shuttle pick-ups planned from Newport and Swansea for those travelling from further afield.

Closest Airports

1. Cardiff Airport (CWL) Distance: 25 km Take a taxi or hire a car from Cardiff Airport to reach Candleston Castle in about 25 minutes, as public transport connections to this rural location are limited.

Getting to the Venue

• Trains/Public Transport: Take the train to Bridgend station from Cardiff Central (30 minutes) or London Paddington (3 hours). From Bridgend station, it's a short onward journey to reach Candleston Castle near the coast.

• Buses/Shuttles: Regular bus services run from Cardiff city centre to Bridgend, with connections towards Merthyr Mawr and the castle area. Festival shuttle buses will operate from Bridgend town centre during event days.

• Late-Night Return: Last trains from Bridgend to Cardiff typically run around 11pm on weekdays, later at weekends. Night buses operate between Cardiff and Bridgend area, though services are limited after midnight.

• Taxi & Rideshare: Taxis are readily available from Cardiff, Bridgend station, and surrounding areas. Uber and local minicab firms serve the route between Cardiff and the Candleston area, though expect higher fares during festival hours.

🏨 Where to Stay

Between the Trees 2026 offers onsite camping facilities at the Bridgend venue, providing convenient access to all stages and festival areas without the need for daily travel. The camping area is included with your festival ticket and allows you to stay for the duration of the event, making it easy to return to your tent between acts or grab essentials throughout the weekend. You'll need to bring your own tent, sleeping bag, and camping equipment, as the festival operates a bring-your-own-gear policy for the camping grounds.

For those preferring more comfort, Bridgend town centre offers several hotel options within a short distance of the festival site, including Premier Inn Bridgend and The Wyndham Arms Hotel. Alternatively, Cardiff is approximately 20 miles away and provides a wider range of accommodation from budget hostels to boutique hotels, though you'll need to factor in transport costs and travel time to and from the Between the Trees 2026 venue each day.

Onsite Camping

Between the Trees 2026 offers onsite camping. Check the festival website for:

• Camping ticket options and prices
• Facilities available (showers, toilets, charging stations)
• What you can bring (tent size limits, equipment restrictions)
• Arrival and departure times

☀️ Weather

Dates: 27 August 2026 to 30 August 2026
Season: Summer (Jun–Aug) / Autumn (Sep–Nov)

Late August in Bridgend typically brings mild temperatures around 18-22°C with a mix of sunny spells and occasional showers, as summer begins its transition to autumn. Pack layers including a waterproof jacket and comfortable walking boots, as the Welsh weather can change quickly and festival grounds may become muddy after rain.

🎒 What to Bring

Essential Items

• Valid photo ID and tickets (printed or on your phone)
• Tent, sleeping bag, and camping mat
• Payment cards and some cash
• Portable charger for your phone
• Sunscreen and sun protection
• Light jacket or layers (weather can change)
• Reusable water bottle
• Any prescription medications

Check the Festival Website For

• Bag size restrictions (usually A4 or A3 maximum)
• Prohibited items list
• Food and drink policy

🛡️ Safety & Wellbeing

• Stay hydrated throughout the day
• Arrange a meeting point with your group in case you get separated
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Know where the medical tents and welfare areas are
• Look out for friends and fellow festival-goers
• Have emergency contacts saved in your phone

📸 Make This the Best Experience Ever

While it's tempting to capture every moment on your phone, you'll get so much more from the festival by being truly present. Take a few photos to remember the experience, then put your phone away and immerse yourself in the music and atmosphere with your friends.

Your future self will thank you for the memories you made by being present, not the hours spent scrolling through your phone.

🍽️ Make the Most of Bridgend

Pre-Festival: Start your day right before heading to the festival. Great spots near the venue include

• Cobbles Kitchen (4.8★) - Cobbles Kitchen serves hearty Welsh breakfasts with locally-sourced ingredients in a cosy, traditional setting near Bridgend.
• Coffee @ 12 (5★) - Coffee @ 12 serves brilliant full Welsh breakfasts with perfectly brewed coffee in a cosy, welcoming atmosphere near Bridgend.
• Cafe Fresco Bridgend (4.6★) - Cafe Fresco Bridgend serves brilliant fresh breakfast dishes with friendly local charm in a convenient Bridgend location.

Daytime food options near the festival:

• SANNA (5★) - SANNA offers fresh, locally-sourced dishes with stunning countryside views, making it a perfect midday escape near Bridgend.
• Tholos (Bridgend) (4.8★) - Tholos offers delicious Mediterranean cuisine with fresh ingredients and a warm, welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Bridgend.
• The Green Olive (5★) - The Green Olive serves fresh, flavourful Mediterranean dishes in a cosy setting that's perfect for a relaxing midday meal.

🎵 Music & Vibe

The 2026 lineup is focused on Pop, Folk, House, and Indie Rock.

Between the Trees attracts a passionate crowd of music lovers aged 25-45 who appreciate quality songcraft and authentic performances in an intimate setting. With just 2,000 attendees, the festival fosters genuine connections between artists and fans—expect to discover your new favourite band whilst sharing conversations with fellow music enthusiasts around the wooded grounds.