Scunthorpe Drama Festival 2026 Scunthorpe, United Kingdom
Overview
The Scunthorpe Drama Festival is a cornerstone of the regional arts calendar, celebrating the power of performance, elocution, and stagecraft. As part of the wider Scunthorpe Musical Festival, which dates back to 1922, the Speech and Drama section provides a professional platform for performers of all ages to showcase their talents in front of expert adjudicators. The festival is dedicated to promoting high standards in the performing arts while maintaining a supportive and educational atmosphere that encourages growth for every participant.
The 2026 edition features a week-long schedule filled with diverse classes, including verse speaking, acting, mime, and choral speaking. For over a century, this event has fostered a deep appreciation for literature and drama within the North Lincolnshire community. It serves not only as a competition but as a cultural gathering where local schools, drama groups, and independent performers come together to share their passion for the spoken word and theatrical storytelling.
Event Highlights
- Professional Adjudication Every performance is evaluated by a Federation adjudicator, such as Samantha Tucker for 2026, who provides constructive verbal and written feedback to help performers refine their craft.
- Diverse Class Categories The festival offers over seventy different classes ranging from Shakespearean monologues and modern drama to mime and group verse speaking, catering to all age groups and skill levels.
- Prestigious Trophy Awards Successful participants compete for historic honors, including the Silver Jubilee Trophy and the David Masterman Trophy, which celebrate excellence across various dramatic disciplines.
- Final Night Concert The week of competition culminates in a showcase concert featuring the most outstanding performances from the festival, providing a celebratory grand finale for the local community.
Why Attend
The Scunthorpe Drama Festival is an essential visit for theater enthusiasts, educators, and families who wish to support the next generation of dramatic talent. It offers a unique opportunity to witness a high volume of varied performances in a single week, from classical poetry recitals to intense contemporary acting scenes. For performers, it is a vital training ground that builds confidence and provides professional credit for those looking to pursue a career in the performing arts.
Enjoy Your Event Stress-Free with Euro Travelo
Planning a trip to attend a festival, concert, or business event in Europe can be overwhelming—tickets, travel, accommodation, and local logistics all take time and effort. Euro Travelo makes it simple by providing everything you need through one trusted company. You save time, avoid stress, and enjoy a seamless experience from start to finish.
Why Choose Euro Travelo:
- Secure and easy ticket booking for concerts, festivals, theaters, and business events.
- Complete travel planning including flights, trains, and local transportation.
- Accommodation arrangements near event venues, tailored to your needs.
- Convenient local transfers, from airport pickups to private shuttles.
- On-site concierge support to help you navigate venues and schedules.
- Custom itineraries and experience packages combining multiple events, tours, and activities.
- Secure payment process, making it safe and convenient to book all services online.
- Flexibility: even if you need only one service, we can assist individually.
Attending the festival also supports the preservation of a historic local tradition that has survived and thrived for over a hundred years. The event is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a perfect outing for those who enjoy the arts but prefer a community-focused environment. Whether you are there to cheer on a specific performer or simply to enjoy the artistry on display, the festival promises an inspiring look at the depth of creative talent within the region.
Date & Duration
- Event Dates: March 2 to March 7, 2026.
- Duration: The festival runs for six consecutive days, with sessions typically held in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
Venue / Location
- City and Country Scunthorpe, United Kingdom.
- Venue Plowright Theatre (Primary Venue) and Frodingham Parish Hall.
- Google Maps Address 5 Church Lane, Scunthorpe DN15 7AB, United Kingdom.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold Tickets can be purchased directly at the theater box office on the day of the event or through the official Scunthorpe Theatres online booking system.
- Admission Type The festival offers session tickets for morning, afternoon, or evening classes, as well as full-day passes for dedicated attendees.
- Ticket Pricing Session tickets generally range from $8 to $15, with concessions available for students and senior citizens.
- Pricing Range The minimum ticket price is approximately $8 for a single session and the maximum for a full-day or special concert ticket is approximately $20.
- Special Seating or VIP Options There are no specific VIP tiers; however, the Plowright Theatre offers accessible seating and a personal assistant ticket scheme where a companion can attend for free with an eligible patron.
Booking with Euro Travelo
Looking to attend this event hassle-free? Euro Travelo can help you secure tickets, arrange travel, and manage your trip from start to finish. Whether it’s a business conference, trade show, or cultural festival, our team makes it easy for international visitors to join events across Europe. Contact Euro Travelo today to book your tickets and travel arrangements.
Contact Information
- Email info@scunthorpemusicalfestival.co.uk
- Phone +44 1724 843948
- Website https://scunthorpemusicalfestival.co.uk
Getting There
- Nearest Airports Humberside Airport (HUY) is 25 km away (~25 minutes by taxi); Doncaster Sheffield (DSA) is 40 km away (~45 minutes by car).
- Public Transport The Plowright Theatre is a 5 minute walk from Scunthorpe Rail Station ($5); local buses stop on Mary Street and Oswald Road nearby.
- Taxi/Rideshare Taxis are readily available at the rail station rank; a trip to the theater costs approximately $10 from most local areas.
- Parking The nearest public car park is Dunstall Street (DN15 6JL) which is 0.1 miles from the venue and costs approximately $5 per day.
- Other Access The theater is fully accessible with ramps to the main entrance and a lift to the bar area; cycle racks are available near the town center entrance.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels Forest Pines Spa & Golf Resort (4-star, 6 km, set in 190 acres of woodland, ~$160-240 per night); San Pietro (4-star, 1 km, boutique hotel with award-winning dining ~$140-220 per night).
- Mid-Range Options Royal Hotel (3-star, 0.5 km, traditional hotel close to the theater, ~$85-130 per night); Travelodge Scunthorpe Central (3-star, 0.3 km, modern and reliable ~$70-110 per night).
- Budget Stays Premier Inn Scunthorpe (3-star, 4 km, family-friendly with free parking, ~$60-90 per night); The Bridge Hotel (2-star, 1.5 km, simple and efficient ~$50-80 per night).
Reviews
- The feedback from the adjudicator was so helpful and really helped my daughter improve her performance for next time.
- It is wonderful to see so many young people in Scunthorpe engaging with poetry and drama with such passion and skill.
- The Plowright Theatre is a fantastic intimate venue that makes you feel like you are right in the middle of the action.
Maps
Contact
FAQ's
What is the deadline for entering the 2026 Drama Festival?
Performers must submit their official entry forms by January 20, 2026, to be included in the festival syllabus and timetable. Late entries are generally not accepted because the schedule is meticulously planned to accommodate hundreds of individual and group performances. Prospective entrants should visit the official website in October to view the updated syllabus and specific class requirements.
Are the drama classes open for the general public to watch?
Yes, all competition classes throughout the week are open to members of the public who wish to watch and support the performers. You can purchase a session ticket at the door which allows you to enter and leave the auditorium between individual performances. We ask that all audience members remain silent during the actual performances and adjudications to maintain a professional environment.
Is there an age limit for participating in the festival classes?
The festival is designed to be inclusive and features classes for everyone from primary school children to senior citizens in the open classes. Each class in the syllabus specifies an age range or grade level to ensure that performers are competing against their peers. The "Open" classes are available to anyone regardless of age, provided they meet the specific requirements for the piece being performed.
Does the festival provide scripts or do I need to bring my own?
Performers are responsible for selecting and bringing their own scripts or poems as specified by the class descriptors in the syllabus. You must also provide a clean copy of your chosen text for the adjudicator to refer to during your performance on stage. It is important to ensure that any copyrighted material is used in accordance with the festival's performance licensing rules.
What happens if a performer is unable to attend their scheduled slot?
If you are unable to attend, you should notify the Speech and Drama Admin as soon as possible via the contact email provided. While the festival cannot usually reschedule individual slots, notifying the organizers allows the timetable to run smoothly for the other participants. Refunds for entry fees are typically not provided for non-attendance unless there are exceptional circumstances confirmed by the committee.
