Deep within the ancient woodlands of Nottinghamshire, Trance In The Woods 2026 creates an enchanting fusion of electronic music and natural beauty that captivates festival-goers from across the country. Set against the historic backdrop of Thoresby Park, this intimate gathering transforms the surrounding forests into a global hub of celebration, welcoming 1,500 music lovers for a weekend of pulsating beats and woodland magic. The festival's unique setting amongst towering trees and open clearings provides an atmospheric escape from everyday life, where world-class DJs and emerging artists deliver hypnotic soundscapes beneath the canopy.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need for your Trance In The Woods 2026 adventure, including onsite camping facilities, transport options, local accommodation alternatives, weather considerations, and essential packing advice to ensure your woodland festival experience runs smoothly.
✈️ How to Get There: Transport & Logistics
Trance In The Woods 2026 takes place at Thoresby Park near Newark, with Mansfield serving as the primary transport hub for festival-goers. The event operates a comprehensive transport strategy combining dedicated shuttle services from Mansfield, regional bus connections, and ample car parking facilities on-site. Festival organisers recommend using the shuttle services from Mansfield town centre to avoid traffic congestion, though direct car access to Thoresby Park remains available for those preferring to drive.
Closest Airports
1. East Midlands Airport (EMA) Distance: 55 km You can reach Thoresby Park from East Midlands Airport by taking a taxi or hiring a car for the 55-minute journey, as there's no direct public transport link between the airport and the festival site.
Getting to the Venue
Trains/Public Transport: The nearest railway station is Newark North Gate, approximately 8 miles from Thoresby Park. Regular services run from London King's Cross, Sheffield, and Leeds. From Newark station, you'll need onward transport to reach the venue. Mansfield station offers an alternative route with connections from Nottingham.
Buses/Shuttles: Official festival shuttle buses will operate from Newark North Gate station and Mansfield town centre throughout the weekend. Local bus services connect Newark and Ollerton, though these run infrequently. Check the festival website for shuttle timetables and pre-booking requirements.
Late-Night Return: The last festival shuttles typically depart around 1am on Friday and Saturday nights, with final services at 11pm on Sunday. Late trains from Newark North Gate run until approximately midnight to major cities. Plan your departure in advance as taxi availability becomes limited after 2am.
Taxi & Rideshare: Taxis are available from Newark, Mansfield, and Ollerton, though expect higher fares during festival hours. Uber and other rideshare apps operate in the area but with limited drivers. The venue has designated pick-up and drop-off points near the main entrance off the A614.
🏨 Where to Stay
Trance In The Woods 2026 offers onsite camping facilities within the Newark venue grounds, allowing you to stay right in the heart of the festival atmosphere. The camping area provides easy access to the main stages and facilities, meaning you can quickly pop back to your tent between sets or grab essentials without missing the music. Basic amenities including toilets, showers, and water points are available throughout the camping areas, and you'll be surrounded by fellow trance enthusiasts creating a proper festival community feel.
For those preferring more comfort, Newark offers several accommodation options within easy reach of the festival site. The town centre has traditional pubs with rooms like The Castle and Saracen's Head, whilst Premier Inn Newark and Travelodge Newark provide reliable chain hotel options. For larger groups, holiday rental properties and apartments are available through local letting agencies, particularly useful given Newark's compact size means most accommodation is within walking distance or a short taxi ride from the festival grounds.
Onsite Camping
Trance In The Woods 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: 29 May 2026 to 30 May 2026
Season: Spring (Mar–May)
Late May in Newark typically brings mild temperatures ranging from 12-18°C with a mix of sunshine and occasional showers, making it ideal festival weather. Pack layers including a waterproof jacket and wellies, as woodland venues can be muddy and evenings turn chilly once the sun sets.
🎒 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 Newark
Pre-Festival: Start your day right before heading to the festival. Great spots near the venue include
- The Hay Barn Cafe (4.8★) - The Hay Barn Cafe serves hearty, freshly prepared breakfasts in a charming rustic setting just outside Newark.
- Feeling Peckish (4.5★) - Feeling Peckish serves hearty, freshly-cooked breakfasts with friendly local charm in a convenient Newark location.
- Corner farm kitchen (4.8★) - Corner Farm Kitchen serves hearty, locally-sourced breakfasts in a charming countryside setting just outside Newark.
Daytime food options near the festival:
- Koinonia South Indian Restaurant (4.7★) - Koinonia South Indian Restaurant serves authentic, flavourful curries and fresh naan breads in a welcoming atmosphere near Newark.
- Gannets Daycafé & Bistrot (4.6★) - Gannets Daycafé & Bistrot offers fresh, locally-sourced dishes in a charming setting perfect for a relaxed midday meal.
- Gannets (4.5★) - Gannets offers fresh, locally-sourced dishes in a cosy setting that perfectly captures the charm of Newark's countryside.
🎵 Music & Vibe
The 2026 lineup is focused on Psytrance, Hardstyle, Tech House, and Trance.
With just 1,500 attendees, Trance In The Woods creates an intimate forest sanctuary where seasoned ravers and curious newcomers alike gather to lose themselves in pulsating basslines and hypnotic rhythms. The crowd spans dedicated electronic music enthusiasts in their twenties and thirties who appreciate the festival's commitment to authentic underground sounds rather than mainstream EDM—expect passionate dancers, seasoned festival-goers, and music purists who value quality over spectacle.
This is an 18+ event.
An independent electronic music & festival researcher with 10+ years in the global dance scene.
Last verified: February 24, 2026
