Pershore Midsummer Brass Festival – Pershore, England 2026
Overview
The Pershore Midsummer Brass Festival, a cherished annual event in Worcestershire, celebrates its vibrant legacy in 2026 with a day-long extravaganza of brass band music, uniting over 30 ensembles from across the UK in a joyous celebration of sound and community. Held on the first Saturday of July, this not-for-profit festival, organized by a registered charity (No. 1144958), transforms the charming market town of Pershore into a sonic haven, with performances ranging from youth bands to world-ranked championship groups, delivering stirring marches, classical arrangements, and contemporary pieces. Starting with a rousing fanfare at 10am, the festival fills historic and modern venues with music until 10pm, offering both ticketed and free access to ensure everyone can revel in the brass brilliance.
Set against the backdrop of Pershore’s 11th-century Abbey and the serene River Avon, the festival fosters a warm, inclusive atmosphere, drawing visitors from the Midlands, Wales, and beyond to experience the power of brass in settings that blend heritage with festivity. With masterclasses, family-friendly vibes, and a commitment to supporting local causes, it’s a perfect summer outing for music enthusiasts and casual listeners seeking a day of unforgettable melodies in Worcestershire’s picturesque heart.
Event Highlights
- Headline brass band performances across four venues, showcasing a mix of youth, training, and championship bands from regions like Wales, Southampton, and Gloucestershire, playing everything from traditional marches to modern arrangements.
- Opening fanfare at 10am, kicking off a 12-hour musical marathon with powerful, harmonious displays that set the festive tone.
- Masterclasses led by brass professionals, offering hands-on learning for aspiring musicians on technique, ensemble play, and stage presence, open to all ages.
- Free community stage at St Andrews Gardens, featuring accessible performances perfect for picnics and casual listening in a park setting.
- Evening marquee concerts at The Angel Inn, blending informal vibes with food stalls, a bar, and trade stands for a relaxed riverside experience.
- Family-oriented activities, including free entry for under-16s and kid-friendly workshops introducing brass instruments in an engaging, low-pressure way.
Why Attend
The Pershore Midsummer Brass Festival is a rare chance to immerse yourself in the rich, resonant world of brass band music, where the historic elegance of Pershore Abbey and the laid-back charm of riverside marquees create a backdrop that amplifies every note into pure joy. It’s a day where you can wander from a soaring fanfare to an intimate youth band set, connecting with fellow music lovers in a town that feels like a warm embrace, all while supporting a charitable cause that nurtures local talent and community spirit.
Unlike larger festivals, Pershore’s focus on accessibility—free entry for kids, a free outdoor stage, and affordable tickets—makes it a gem for families, brass aficionados, and curious newcomers alike. Whether you’re tapping along to a classic march or discovering a rising band destined for national acclaim, the festival’s blend of tradition, talent, and riverside relaxation delivers a soul-lifting experience. For the full 2026 program, visit the official site at https://pershoremidsummerbrass.org.
Date & Duration
Dates: July 4, 2026, Duration: 1 day
Venue / Location
The festival spans four key venues within walking distance of Pershore’s town center: Pershore Abbey for grand performances, The Angel Inn’s marquee for evening gigs, Pershore Leisure Centre for indoor sets, and the free Gordon Hartley-Bennett Community Stage at St Andrews Gardens for open-air enjoyment. Each venue enhances the brass experience, from the Abbey’s acoustics to the riverside informality. Main event Google location address: Pershore Abbey, Church Street, Pershore, Worcestershire WR10 1DT, United Kingdom.
Ticket Information
- Tickets sold online via https://pershoremidsummerbrass.org or at venue box offices; single-day wristbands cover Pershore Abbey, The Angel Inn, and Pershore Leisure Centre.
- Admission is paid for ticketed venues; St Andrews Gardens stage is free; under-16s enter free to all areas with an adult.
- Pricing in USD: Day wristband $20 (converted from £15); no additional packages or season passes.
- Tickets grant unlimited venue hopping; advance purchase advised for Abbey concerts due to seating limits.
- On-site sales available, but online booking avoids queues; donations welcomed to support the charity.
Any Special Seating or VIP Options
- Minimum ticket pricing: Free for St Andrews Gardens and under-16s at all venues.
- Maximum ticket pricing: $20 for day wristband covering all paid venues.
- Reserved seating in Pershore Abbey for an extra $6.50 (£5), offering prime acoustic spots and early entry.
- No formal VIP packages; premium experience via reserved seating and optional masterclass access ($13/£10 extra).
- Accessibility seating with companion discounts; all venues disabled-friendly with ramps and ground-level access.
- Family zones at Leisure Centre and Gardens for relaxed listening; no additional cost for kids’ entry.
Booking with Euro Travelo
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Contact Information
- Email: pershoremidsummer@gmail.com (general inquiries, tickets, bands, and volunteering).
- Phone: Not listed; use email for direct contact with festival organizers.
- Website: https://pershoremidsummerbrass.org (official site for tickets, program, and updates).
- Social Media: @PershoreMidsummerBrass on Facebook for event teasers and live clips.
- Key Staff: Festival Coordinator via email; Band Liaison through website contact form.
- Press/Volunteers: Email pershoremidsummer@gmail.com for media or volunteer inquiries.
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; English support available; Registered Charity No. 1144958.
Getting There
- Nearest airports: Birmingham Airport (BHX, 35 miles/56 km) or Bristol Airport (BRS, 60 miles/97 km).
- Train: Direct to Pershore Station (0.5 miles from Abbey) from London Paddington or Worcester (20–30 minutes).
- Bus: Local services from Worcester or Evesham to Pershore High Street (5-minute walk to venues).
- Taxi/Rideshare: Uber or local taxis from BHX (~45 minutes, $50–$70/£40–£55).
- Driving: M5 Junction 7 to A44 east (15 minutes from Worcester); satnav to WR10 1DT.
- Parking: Town center car parks per Visit Pershore; Abbey Street lot ($5–$8/£4–£6/day); no event-specific disabled parking.
Accommodation Options
- Budget: Premier Inn Evesham ($65–$85/night), 5 miles away with free parking and breakfast.
- Mid-range: The Angel Inn Hotel ($90–$120/night), central with riverside rooms and festival-adjacent dining.
- B&Bs: Avonvale B&B ($75–$100/night), cozy spot with breakfast near the Abbey, 0.3 miles walk.
- Family-friendly: Eckington Manor ($85–$110/night), 3 miles out with kids’ spaces and farm activities.
- Self-catering: Cottages via Airbnb in Pershore ($80–$125/night), kitchens for group stays.
- Luxury: The Wood Norton ($130+/night), 4 miles away with spa and historic estate vibes.
Reviews
- The Abbey’s acoustics made every brass note soar—pure magic hearing championship bands in that ancient space.
- St Andrews Gardens was a picnic paradise; free music with a sunny vibe, perfect for a chill family day out.
- The Angel Inn marquee had me hooked—lively sets, great food stalls, and a river breeze made it unforgettable.
Maps
Contact
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FAQ's
What types of brass bands and music can I expect in 2026?
Over 30 bands, from youth and training groups to top-tier championship ensembles, will perform a mix of traditional British marches, classical transcriptions, and modern brass arrangements across four venues. Expect stirring fanfares, lyrical cornet solos, and big-band energy, with acts from Wales to the Midlands showcasing diverse styles. Masterclasses add educational depth. The 2026 program, finalized spring, will be on https://pershoremidsummerbrass.org. It’s a rich showcase for brass fans and newcomers, blending heritage with fresh sounds in a single day.
Is the festival suitable for families and beginners?
Yes, it’s family-friendly with free entry for under-16s, kid-oriented workshops introducing brass instruments, and the open-air St Andrews Gardens stage for relaxed listening. No music knowledge needed—performances are accessible, with stewards guiding first-timers. Venues suit strollers, and timings (10am–10pm) fit family schedules. Past attendees loved the welcoming vibe that sparks curiosity in kids and adults alike. Sign up for workshops via email for priority. It’s a fun, low-pressure intro to brass brilliance.
How do tickets work, and what’s included in the wristband?
Day wristbands ($20 USD/£15) grant access to Pershore Abbey, The Angel Inn, and Pershore Leisure Centre, bought online at https://pershoremidsummerbrass.org or on-site. St Andrews Gardens is free. Refunds up to 48 hours (fees apply); no season passes. Under-16s free with adults; groups save on multiples. Email pershoremidsummer@gmail.com for accessibility needs. The wristband lets you hop venues freely, maximizing your brass experience with minimal hassle.
What accessibility features support diverse attendees?
All venues (Abbey, Angel, Leisure Centre, Gardens) offer ramps, ground-level access, and wheelchair spaces; hearing loops available at Abbey. Quiet areas in Leisure Centre for sensory breaks; BSL interpreters on request. Guide dogs welcome, with staff aiding navigation—email pershoremidsummer@gmail.com two weeks prior. The walkable town layout eases mobility, though no specific disabled parking. Feedback praises the inclusive setup, ensuring brass music’s joy reaches everyone comfortably.
Can I volunteer, perform, or support the festival?
Volunteers: Apply via website by May 2026 for stewarding or setup, earning free wristbands for 4-hour shifts. Bands: Register interest for 2026 slots via pershoremidsummer@gmail.com; youth to championship levels welcome. Supporters: Donations or sponsorships through email fund the charity’s mission. Past volunteers rave about the community buzz and music access. Your involvement keeps this 30+ year tradition thriving—get in touch to shape Pershore’s midsummer soundscape.


