Highbridge Festival of the Arts – Burnham-on-Sea, England 2026
Overview
The Highbridge Festival of the Arts is a cherished annual celebration of performing talents in its 78th year in 2026, fostering creativity and community in the Somerset coastal towns of Highbridge and Burnham-on-Sea. As a member of The British and International Federation of Festivals, it features competitive and non-competitive classes across Music, Speech & Drama, and Dance sections, welcoming participants from beginners to seasoned performers. With prestigious presidents Nigel Hess and Stephen Daldry CBE, and honorary vice-president Fay Burston, the festival highlights emerging artists through adjudicated sessions, workshops, and open performances, all supported by local sponsors like The Rotary Club of Burnham-on-Sea and Moose International Ladies Circle.
In 2026, the event introduces exciting innovations such as evening ‘Open Mic’ sessions for relaxed public debuts, new dance classes for adults and school groups, and accessible entry options to encourage wider involvement. Spanning two weeks in March, it transforms local venues into vibrant stages for hundreds of acts, blending tradition with fresh opportunities. Whether you’re a performer honing skills under expert eyes or a spectator applauding local talent, this festival embodies artistic growth and seaside charm. For full details, visit the official site: https://www.highbridgefestival.org.uk/.
Event Highlights
- Main activities or performances: Adjudicated classes in vocal/instrumental music, dramatic monologues and duologues, contemporary/classical dance routines, plus new ‘Open Mic’ evenings for non-competitive showcases; over 100 classes across sections with live performances daily.
- Special traditions or features: Annual awards ceremonies with trophies and certificates from BIFF-accredited adjudicators; community focus with family-friendly sessions and post-performance feedback to nurture talent, rooted in 77 years of local arts promotion.
- Unique attractions for visitors: Non-competitive options like solo dance for ages 5-18 and secondary school group classes; interactive workshops implied in syllabuses; seaside location adding relaxed vibe with nearby promenades for pre/post-event strolls.
About This Event
- A non-profit festival organized by a dedicated committee, emphasizing education and inspiration through BIFF standards, with syllabuses detailing classes, rules, and fees for 2026 now available online.
- Supported by local donors including Rotary and Moose groups, ensuring affordable access; online entries open November 3, 2025, for ample preparation time.
- Covers diverse disciplines: Music at St John’s Church with choral, solo, and ensemble entries; Speech & Drama at Princess Theatre featuring storytelling and theater pieces; Dance with ballet, tap, and modern styles.
- Promotes inclusivity with new adult competitive solos, youth non-competitive classes, and evening sessions to reduce performance anxiety while building confidence.
Why Attend
Joining the Highbridge Festival of the Arts offers a supportive stage for artistic expression in a welcoming coastal setting, where feedback from renowned adjudicators can spark lifelong passions—ideal for young talents dipping toes into competition or adults rediscovering creativity via ‘Open Mic’ nights. It’s more than events; it’s a nurturing hub where families cheer on relatives, friends network over tea breaks, and the salty sea air infuses every applause, creating bonds that echo beyond March. With free spectator access and low entry fees, it’s an accessible entry to Britain’s vibrant festival scene, blending skill-building with pure enjoyment.
Beyond performances, the festival connects you to Somerset’s cultural heartbeat—post-show chats with pros, explorations of Burnham’s beaches, and the thrill of witnessing raw potential unfold. In an era of digital isolation, this hands-on gathering reignites joy in live arts, leaving participants and audiences alike energized, inspired, and eager for next year’s syllabus. Whether competing for accolades or simply soaking in the talent, it’s a feel-good plunge into community creativity that feels both intimate and exhilarating.
Date & Duration
- Dates: Overall March 9–21, 2026; Speech & Drama: Monday 9–Tuesday 10 March; Dance: Wednesday 11–Sunday 15 March; Music: Tuesday 17–Saturday 21 March.
- Duration: Speech & Drama: 2 days (full days with sessions from morning to evening); Dance: 5 days (multi-session days accommodating various age groups); Music: 5 days (spread across week for instrument-specific scheduling).
Venue / Location
- Main venue for Speech & Drama and Dance: The Princess Theatre & Arts Centre, a modern facility with proscenium stage, seating for 400, and dance studios.
- Additional venue for Music: St John’s Church, a historic acoustic space ideal for choral and instrumental recitals with wooden beams enhancing sound.
- Google Maps address: The Princess Theatre & Arts Centre, 2 College Street, Burnham-on-Sea, TA8 1EH, United Kingdom (primary); St John’s Church, Church Street, Highbridge, TA9 3HS, United Kingdom (Music).
Ticket Information
- How tickets are sold: No tickets required for spectators—free public entry to all sessions; participant entries handled online via festival portal starting November 3, 2025.
- Whether admission is free or paid: Free for audiences; modest entry fees for competitors (typically £5-15 GBP per class, paid online or by check).
- Ticket pricing in USD only: Spectator: $0 USD; competitor classes: $6.50–$19.50 USD per entry (based on 2025 rates; 2026 syllabuses confirm similar).
- Any special seating or VIP options: Reserved front-row seats available for £3 GBP ($3.90 USD) per session for better views; no formal VIP but adjudicator feedback sessions open to all.
- Minimum and maximum tickets pricing: Minimum $0 USD (spectator/general); maximum $19.50 USD (premium multi-class bundle for participants).
- All other info: Fees cover adjudication and awards; group discounts for school entries (10% off for 5+ classes); refunds minus admin fee if withdrawn early; children under 5 free as non-performers.
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Contact Information
- Email: info@highbridgefestival.org.uk (general inquiries); music@highbridgefestival.org.uk (Music section); drama@highbridgefestival.org.uk (Speech & Drama); dance@highbridgefestival.org.uk (Dance-specific).
- Phone: +44 (0)1278 783266 (festival office, English available); +44 (0)1278 794822 (Princess Theatre box office for venue queries).
- Website: https://www.highbridgefestival.org.uk/; BIFF affiliate: https://www.biff.org/.
- Social Media: @HighbridgeFestival (Facebook); @HighbridgeArtsFest (Instagram); no dedicated X/Twitter, follow local Somerset arts pages.
- Key Staff: Music Secretary – Mary Lawrence (podcast featured); Festival Director – Volunteer committee lead (contact via info email); Adjudicator Coordinator – Not specified.
- Press/Volunteers: Email press@highbridgefestival.org.uk (media releases); volunteers@highbridgefestival.org.uk for stewarding/usher roles (training provided, perks include free entry).
- Note: Response time ~48 hours. English support; entries close February 2026; podcast on site for insider tips.
Getting There
- Nearest airports: Bristol Airport (BRS), 20 miles away (25-35 minute drive via A370); Exeter Airport (EXT), 50 miles (50-60 minute drive via M5).
- Public transport: Trains from London Paddington to Highbridge & Burnham station (2 hours, $60-90 USD one-way); local bus 21 from station to venues (5 minutes, $2.50 USD).
- Driving directions: From M5 (Junction 22), follow A38 east 5 miles to Burnham; free parking at Princess Theatre (100 spaces) and St John’s (on-street); arrive early for peak times.
- Cycling/walking: Flat coastal paths connect venues (1-mile stroll between Highbridge and Burnham); bike racks at both sites.
- Ride-sharing: Uber/Bolt from airports/stations; drop-offs at College Street for Princess or Church Street for St John’s to minimize walking.
Accommodation Options
- Budget stays: Travelodge Burnham-on-Sea (0.2 miles from Princess Theatre, $70-90 USD/night, sea views and breakfast; festival rates via site).
- Mid-range hotels: The Somerset Arms (town center, $100-130 USD/night, en-suite rooms and pub dining; walking distance to both venues).
- Luxury options: Brean Down House (1 mile, $160-200 USD/night, boutique B&B with gardens; packages include theater tickets).
- Camping/glamping: Brean Sands Holiday Park (2 miles, $50-70 USD/night pitches; glamping yurts $90-120 USD with shuttle access).
- Alternative stays: Airbnb coastal apartments ($80-140 USD/night); B&Bs like Burnham Hotel ($110-150 USD, central with free Wi-Fi).
- Booking tips: March shoulder season fills quick—book via highbridgefestival.org.uk partners for 10-15% discounts; proximity to beaches adds value.
Reviews
- “Inspiring mix of raw talent and polished acts—the ‘Open Mic’ nights felt like a cozy jam session with real heart; left buzzing with ideas!”
- “Perfect for my dance-obsessed teen: supportive judges, diverse classes, and that seaside vibe made it unforgettable—already entering next year.”
- “Charming local gem with top-notch adjudication; watched choral pieces that gave chills in the church acoustics—free and fabulous!”
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What are the entry requirements for participants in 2026?
All entrants must review the online syllabuses for class specifics, age groups, and time limits—e.g., music pieces up to 5 minutes, drama under 10. Submit via portal from November 3, 2025, with fees paid by card; no auditions needed but BIFF rules apply for ethics and originality. New 'Open Mic' skips judging for pure practice; dance requires appropriate attire and mats provided. Schools get bulk entry forms; feedback sheets given post-performance to aid growth. Pro tip: Early bird deadline December 2025 for reduced fees—spaces limited per class, so plan ahead for your slot.
Is the festival accessible for beginners or young children?
Yes, with non-competitive classes like youth solos (ages 5-18) and 'Open Mic' for low-pressure debuts; adjudicators offer gentle, constructive notes. Venues have ramps, hearing loops, and quiet zones; free for under-5 spectators. Parents can accompany juniors backstage; dance floors accommodate adaptive moves. It's BIFF-accredited for safe, inclusive standards—many first-timers win encouragement awards. Overall, it's a gentle launchpad blending fun with skill-building, set against Burnham's family beaches for post-show ice creams.
How do I prepare for a performance, and what happens afterward?
Peruse syllabuses for themes (e.g., 'Heritage' for drama); rehearse with timers and record for self-review. Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in; warm-up rooms available. Post-act, get 5-minute private feedback from pros—certificates for all, prizes for top three. Evening sessions end with casual mingles; full results posted online next day. Recordings optional for entrants (£10 GBP/$13 USD). It's nurturing, not cutthroat—past participants credit it for confidence boosts and even pro auditions.
Can I attend just to watch, and what should I expect?
Absolutely—free entry means drop-in for any session; expect intimate crowds (50-200 per class) with enthusiastic applause in cozy venues. Programs sold on-site (£2 GBP/$2.60 USD) list acts; sessions run 9 AM-9 PM variably. Bring snacks as breaks are short; photography okay sans flash. Highlights: emotional monologues, graceful ensembles, uplifting recitals. It's a window into local talent—many spectators become hooked and enter next time, turning passive viewing into active inspiration.
What if I need to change or withdraw an entry?
Notify via email by February 1, 2026, for full refund minus £5 GBP ($6.50 USD) admin; after that, prorated based on scheduling impact. Substitutes allowed for illness with proof; venues flexible for accessibility needs (e.g., extended times). Weather rarely affects indoor events, but updates via socials. Committee empathetic—life happens, and they prioritize participant well-being over fees. Contact early to keep spots open for waitlists; it's all about enabling arts access.
