Southwell Music Festival is returning to Southwell over the August Bank Holiday weekend
Folk, pipes, jazz, and the blues will all be filling the ears of guests at the Southwell Music Festival, when the event returns this August.
The full line-up for the prestigious festival, set to take place from Friday 22 to Monday August 25 has now been announced and with performances ranging from intimate solo recitals to majestic choral masterpieces, lively jazz and folk sessions to inspiring performances by local youth and amateur groups alongside internationally acclaimed professionals, there’s something for every musical taste.
Now in its 11th year, the Festival welcomes professional musicians and performers from across the UK and shines a spotlight on the best of Nottinghamshire’s home-grown talent.
Southwell Music Festival founder and artistic director Marcus Farnsworth said: “It’s wonderful to be back with our signature eclectic programme, bringing four jam-packed days of live music to our beautiful Nottinghamshire town.
“We’re proud to offer an extraordinary range of performances, taking full advantage of the stunning venues that make Southwell the perfect festival town. There’s something for everyone, and I can’t wait to share it with you.”
This year’s Friday evening concert brings selections from Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concerts to the Southwell stage.
Blending jazz, choral music, gospel and blues and featuring the sublime Festival Voices and Southwell Music Festival’s very first Big Band act, The Cottontail Orchestra, don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience this ground-breaking work from one of the leading jazz pioneers in the atmospheric setting of Southwell Minster.
On Friday, the Festival also kicks off its programme of talks, with its newest patron Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason.
A familiar presence in Southwell, with several of her talented children having appeared at the Festival over the years, Kadiatu will be sharing her creative journey and the experiences that have shaped one of the most remarkable musical families in the UK.
On Saturday night, folk music takes centre stage with acclaimed folk artist Kathryn Tickell OBE. After a sell-out performance in 2023, this time Kathryn will appear alongside her band The Darkening and a special collaboration with the Festival Voices.
Composer, performer and the foremost exponent of the Northumbrian pipes, Kathryn’s music is deeply rooted in the landscape and people of Northumbria, with her having twice won the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Musician of the Year. Early booking recommended.
On Sunday evening, the Festival Voices and Baroque Sinfonia join forces to fill the Minster Nave with glorious sound with a performance of Bach’s majestic B Minor Mass, conducted by artistic director Marcus Farnsworth. One of Bach’s grandest works, expect sizzling choruses and heart-rending solos, making it one of the most joyous experiences in music.
The Bach theme continues into Monday, with singers of all abilities invited to participate in the Festival’s Come and Sing: Bach Magnificat, accompanied by the Festival Baroque Sinfonia.
Bach’s music is also featured in the Festival’s Surround Sounds series, where audiences experience live music in the intimate setting of the Minster’s Chapter House. Night owls can also round off their Saturday evening with a Live and Late performance of Bach’s Goldberg Variations.
Bringing Latin jazz and soulful grooves to Southwell, the Festival welcomes rising jazz star Inês Loubet for a Sunday afternoon gig in the Marquee, and there will be two opportunities to enjoy an hour of much-loved songs from the shows and musical greats as the Festival Cabaret takes up residence in Southwell Library on Friday and Saturday.
The ever-popular Saturday afternoon Musical Picnic will also be returning, where families and friends can come together in the Minster’s Palace Gardens to enjoy performances by young musicians from The Minster School, the Nottingham Samba Collective, and the Nottingham Youth Jazz Orchestra. There will also be craft activities and face painting.
Relaxed Concert, One and All is an inclusive musical experience, specially designed for those who benefit from a more relaxed performance setting, including families with young children and individuals with sensory or communication needs, learning disabilities, or neurodiversity.
The Festival Fringe will also be returning with free performances in venues and outdoor locations across Southwell, this year raising money for Inspire Youth Arts Able Orchestra.
Local musicians, groups, and ensembles can now apply to perform as part of the Fringe. Head to the Southwell Music Festival website at www.southwellmusicfestival.com to find out more.
Tickets for the festival will be on sale from Monday June 9, with priority booking available earlier for Festival Friends.
As a registered charity, Southwell Music Festival also welcomes new sponsors, donors, partners and volunteers. If you or your business wants to make a difference to arts in the region by supporting Southwell Music Festival 2025, please email SAR@southwellmusicfestival.com.
