The Angling Trust has officially revealed full details for RiverFest 2026, including a revised format, new venues and ticket sale information.

RiverFest 2026 will feature 22 qualifiers from June to September, before culminating in a 60-peg Grand Final on the River Trent at Burton Joyce on 19th and 20th September 2026.

After surveying anglers earlier this year, organisers have reduced the number of qualifiers and trimmed the final field. The aim is to improve fishing quality while maintaining the prestige that has made RiverFest one of the most sought-after river match fishing events in the UK.

What Has Changed for RiverFest 2026?

Three key changes have been announced for RiverFest 2026. First, there are fewer qualifiers than in recent seasons, with the schedule now set at 22 events.

Second, the Grand Final has been reduced to 60 pegs. A smaller field at Burton Joyce is expected to create fairer sections and stronger overall weights.

Third, three new river stretches join the calendar:

• River Mersey at Warrington
• River Severn at Stourport
• River Great Ouse at Olney

These additions ensure fresh challenges while keeping established RiverFest venues in place. Event creator Dave Harrell confirmed that angler feedback shaped the changes. He explained that canvassing opinion was important and that introducing new rivers keeps the competition exciting while protecting its core identity.

Every 20 peg zone winner at each qualifier will progress to the RiverFest 2026 Grand Final.

RiverFest 2026 Ticket Information

Tickets for RiverFest 2026 will be sold in two rounds via the Angling Trust website.

Round One
Wednesday, 25 March 2026 at 12 noon
Maximum of two tickets per person

Round Two
Wednesday, 1 April 2026 at 12 noon
All remaining tickets released with no limit per person

Anglers must purchase tickets directly through the Angling Trust website. Demand is traditionally high, especially for Trent qualifiers and popular Warwickshire Avon dates.

Ticket prices have not yet been detailed in the announcement and are expected to be confirmed on the Angling Trust website ahead of the first sales window.

RiverFest 2026 Qualifying Matches

• 16th June – Warwickshire Avon, Evesham (60 pegs)
• 17th June – River Trent, Newark (80 pegs)
• 20th June – River Calder, Mirfield (40 pegs)
• 24th June – River Severn, Bewdley (60 pegs)
• 27th June – River Trent, Fiskerton (60 pegs)
• 28th June – River Trent, Trent Lock (40 pegs)
• 8th July – Warwickshire Avon, Twyning (40 pegs)
• 11th July – River Soar, Sutton Bonington (40 pegs)
• 15th July – River Trent, Collingham (60 pegs)
• 18th July – River Trent, Burton Joyce (80 pegs)
• 19th July – Dorset Stour, Sturminster Newton (40 pegs)
• 22nd July – River Trent, Newark (80 pegs)
• 26th July – Warwickshire Avon, Barford and Stratford (60 pegs)
• 1st August – River Thames, Clanfield (40 pegs)
• 5th August – River Trent, Newark (80 pegs)
• 15th August – River Trent, Burton Joyce (60 pegs)
• 26th August – Bristol Avon, Swinford and Crane (40 pegs)
• 29th August – River Mersey, Warrington (40 pegs)
• 2nd September – River Trent, Burton on Trent (60 pegs)
• 5th September – Warwickshire Avon, Evesham (60 pegs)
• 5th September – River Great Ouse, Olney (40 pegs)
• 6th September – River Severn, Stourport (40 pegs)

RiverFest 2026 Grand Final

Saturday, 19th September 2026
Sunday, 20th September 2026
River Trent, Burton Joyce – 60 pegs

Burton Joyce has become synonymous with RiverFest finals in recent years. The stretch has produced tight section battles, strong Trent roach and skimmer catches and dramatic finishes. In 2025, the final again highlighted why the River Trent remains central to the competition’s identity, with consistent weights across zones and a closely fought title race.

Anglers planning a RiverFest 2026 campaign should mark 25 March in their diaries and secure tickets early to avoid missing out.