Soultribe Music Visits Acomb Fest 2026 This weekend, Soultribe Music's Samuel Bleszynski was invited as a guest to travel to Acomb, York, to take part in one of the region’s most inspiring community events – Acomb Fest, which ran from Friday 3rd July to Sunday 5th July. Acomb is a historic suburb on the western side of York with a proud working-class heritage and a strong sense of community. Over the years it has become known for its independent businesses, welcoming pubs, and people who genuinely care about where they live. Acomb Fest is a perfect reflection of that community spirit. The festival is the brainchild of local creative Jeff Clark and was created through Art of Protest alongside local community partners to celebrate Acomb’s creativity, support independent businesses and bring new life to the high street. Although this was the festival’s first year, it already felt like something that has been part of the community for years, with people of all ages getting involved throughout the weekend. This year’s community-chosen theme was “Back to Nature,” with artists transforming walls into vibrant celebrations of wildlife, birds, insects, forests and the natural world. Every mural told its own story while contributing to a much bigger picture of creativity and environmental appreciation.

Watching the pieces develop over the course of the weekend was fascinating, with each artist bringing their own style while staying true to the overall theme. The event stretched throughout the town, with artwork appearing around local businesses, community spaces and some of Acomb’s well-loved pubs, each becoming part of the festival atmosphere. There were more than 90 events taking place across the weekend, including live mural painting, paint jams, music, workshops, family activities, talks and guided walks.

As people explored the town they could enjoy local hospitality, food, drink and entertainment while discovering new artwork around almost every corner.

One of the things that impressed me most was how much local businesses embraced the festival. Cafés, pubs and independent shops all became part of the experience, helping create an atmosphere that encouraged people to spend time in Acomb and support the local economy while enjoying the art. What stood out most was seeing so many independent businesses, volunteers, artists and local residents come together with a shared purpose.

In a time when communities can often feel disconnected, Acomb Fest showed exactly what can happen when people invest their time, passion and creativity into the place they call home. It was also fantastic to see artists travelling from around the UK to be part of the festival, sharing their talents while working alongside local creatives.

The mix of established mural artists, emerging talent and community involvement made the whole weekend feel welcoming rather than exclusive, with people able to stop, chat with the artists and watch the murals come to life. It was an absolute honour to attend, lend a hand wherever possible and witness first-hand what can be achieved through collaboration and community spirit.

A huge thank you to Jeff Clark, the Art of Protest team, the volunteers, local businesses, artists and everyone who worked behind the scenes to make us feel so welcome. Soultribe Music is proud to have been part of such a positive weekend, and we’re already looking forward to returning for Acomb Fest 2027.

Events like Acomb Fest remind us that music, art and community have always gone hand in hand. When people come together with a shared vision, they don’t just create great artwork – they create pride, inspire future generations and leave a lasting legacy for everyone who calls that place home. Long may Acomb Fest continue.

Soultribe Music Hope To be Able to take part next year

http://linkedin.com/in/gemma-waygood-913130143

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