This September sees the return of the annual Spurn Migration Festival, aka Migfest, a celebration of nature, specifically birds and the epic journeys they make during migration. It’s a joint effort between Spurn Bird Observatory Trust (SBOT) and the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and is a regular highlight in the Yorkshire calendar.
Set against the wild beauty of Spurn National Nature Reserve, the festival promises to be a celebration of the natural world and a testament to the vision of its founders, Martin Garner and Andy Roadhouse.
From humble beginnings in 2013, the Spurn Migration Festival has continued to grow and become one of the most popular events on the birding calendar.
Migfest takes place between 11–13 September 2026. It promises to be a great weekend event, that will feature a varied range of events and activities. Headline speakers will be Magnus Robb and Mark Constantine of The Sound Approach, and broadcaster, ranger, and conservationist Ajay Tegala.
From guided walks, seawatching and visible migration sessions, workshops and birding masterclasses and ‘Migfester’ walks for first-time or lone travellers, the weekend promises something for everyone no matter what their level of interest in birds.
Tom Jordan, BTO BirdTrack Organiser said, “Spurn is undoubtedly the best place to observe migration in mainland Britain, and this event is a unique opportunity to enjoy some great birding while learning a lot in a fun and friendly environment!”
Youth-focused activities
The Martin Garner Spurn Young Birder competition and the Capturing a Moment creative challenge (featuring photography, illustrations, or poetry inspired by MigFest) are aimed at the under-16s. Entries for the Martin Garner Spurn Young Birder competition opened on 23 May, and there’s time to submit an entry if you’re attending Migfest.
With dedicated youth walks taking place both during and after the festival weekend, plus a raffle, a quiz, a barbeque, on-site camping, there’s no shortage of things to do. A marquee will house exhibitors’ stalls from conservation organisations, drinks, artworks and the BTO Youth, to name just a few.
BTO is the UK’s leading bird research charity. A growing membership and up to 60,000 volunteer birdwatchers contribute to BTO’s surveys, collecting information that underpins conservation action in the UK. It’s staff analyse and publicise the results of surveys and projects.
Volunteer with us
Did you know it’s National Volunteers’ Week from 1-7 June 2026? A huge number of charities, groups and organisations around the country are so reliant on the support of their brilliant volunteers. It’s a rewarding way to help out by giving just a few hours of your time, and it enables essential services, events and support to continue functioning.
If you are over 18 and interested in volunteering at Migfest to help deliver the weekend’s events, we want to hear from you! You don’t need to be a bird expert: we have a wide variety of tasks on offer. From guided walks, staffing the welcome desk to catering, workshops, engaging and signposting guests, and car parking, there’s something for everyone. Volunteers receive free entry and camping and will have some free time during the weekend to enjoy the event.
Spurn Bird Observatory Trust has been monitoring the birds and wildlife at Spurn Point, East Riding of Yorkshire, since 1946. Alongside its monitoring work, the observatory runs a hostel, supports residential volunteering, facilitates ecological research in the area, and owns seven plots of land, managed for wildlife and public engagement.
Sarah Harris, Spurn Bird Observatory Chair said, “Spurn is my favourite place to witness bird migration and to learn more about the amazing journeys wildlife undertake. So where better to host a Migration Festival than Spurn? With guided walks, masterclasses, talks, bird ringing and moth trapping demonstrations and great food on offer, it is set to be another fantastic weekend. This year, we are also celebrating eighty years of Bird Observatory accreditation at Spurn, so it will be extra special for us.”
Migfest tickets are on sale now.
Adapted from a press release.
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