Petworth Festival (music) – Petworth, England 2026
Overview
The Petworth Festival 2026 stands as a cornerstone of cultural vibrancy in the picturesque market town of Petworth, England, celebrating over 46 years of artistic excellence since its founding in 1978 by Lord Egremont, composer Robert Walker, and musicologist Gerald Abraham. This renowned summer event, now in its fifth decade, has blossomed into a multi-genre extravaganza featuring world-class classical music, jazz, world music, comedy, and contemporary performances, drawing leading artists and emerging talents to intimate, historic venues across Petworth and surrounding villages.
Rooted in community engagement and educational outreach, the festival partners with prestigious institutions like the Royal Academy of Music, the Leeds International Piano Competition, the National Trust, and West Sussex Music to inspire young people through programs such as school songwriting projects and ‘The Big Sing’ initiatives. With its blend of high-caliber programming and accessible, affordable experiences, the Petworth Summer Festival fosters a lifelong passion for the arts while transforming the town into a lively hub of creativity and connection.
Event Highlights
- Main Activities or Performances: A diverse lineup exceeding 50 events over two weeks, including headline classical concerts, chamber music recitals, jazz sets, world music fusions, cabaret shows, comedy nights, theatre productions, visual arts exhibitions, and guided talks/walks, featuring artists like violinist Jennifer Pike, pianist Cherry Ge, and choral ensembles.
- Special Traditions or Features: Annual collaborations with the National Trust for performances in Petworth House, educational outreach like ‘The Big Sing’ involving local schoolchildren in public performances, and a legacy of championing new talent through emerging artist showcases and partnerships with top arts organizations.
- Unique Attractions for Visitors: Intimate settings in historic sites like Petworth House’s State Rooms and St Mary’s Church, pop-up bars at select venues, family-friendly outdoor theatre at Bignor Park, and exclusive donor preview events offering concierge booking services.
- Dedicated Section: The festival’s Archive on petworthfestival.org.uk provides a rich historical repository, including programs from past summers (1978–2025), artist spotlights, photo galleries, and video highlights of iconic performances, celebrating the evolution from a classical weekend to a multi-arts spectacle.
Why Attend
Attending the Petworth Festival 2026 offers an unparalleled immersion in artistic excellence amid the idyllic Sussex countryside, where world-renowned musicians and performers bring historic venues to life with electrifying energy. From the grandeur of orchestral proms in Petworth House to the soulful intimacy of jazz in Leconfield Hall, the festival caters to every taste while supporting vital community causes through its charity status and outreach programs, ensuring your visit contributes to inspiring the next generation of artists.
Beyond the stage, Petworth’s charming streets, antique shops, and surrounding South Downs National Park provide a serene escape, making the festival a perfect blend of culture and relaxation. With priority booking perks for supporters, affordable tickets, and a welcoming atmosphere that unites locals and visitors, it’s an ideal opportunity to discover hidden gems in British arts, forge new connections, and create cherished memories in one of England’s most enchanting towns.
Date & Duration
- Dates: July 16 – August 1, 2026.
- Duration: 17 days, featuring daily events from early evening concerts to late-night cabarets.
- Additional Notes: Programming spans weekdays and weekends, with peak attendance on Saturdays; exact schedules released in spring 2026 via the festival website.
Venue / Location
- City: Petworth, England.
- Main Venues: St Mary’s Church (primary concert hall), Leconfield Hall (multi-purpose), Petworth House (historic State Rooms for proms), Champs Hill (chamber music auditorium), Coultershaw Heritage Site (outdoor/world music), Midhurst Rother College (youth events), The Stables at Petworth (intimate recitals), Sacred Heart Church (choral performances), Sofas & Stuff (pop-up jazz), Seaford College (educational showcases), and Bignor Park (outdoor theatre).
- Main Event Address: St Mary’s Church, Church Street, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 0AD.
- Additional Notes: Venues are clustered within a 2-mile radius for easy navigation; all offer wheelchair access, with hearing loops at key indoor sites and limited disabled parking at St Mary’s and Petworth House.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Online 24/7 via the Petworth Festival Ticketsolve site (tickets.petworthfestival.org.uk), by phone through the Box Office, or in-person during priority booking periods; packages available for multi-event bundles, with concierge service for donors/sponsors.
- Admission Type: Primarily paid events, with select free outreach performances and talks; concessions for students, seniors, and children under 18.
- Ticket Pricing (USD): Individual event tickets range from $16 (concessions for talks) to $110 (premium proms seats); multi-day passes $82–$220; booking fees apply (~$2–$4 per ticket).
- Price Range: $16–$110 per ticket.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: Premium reserved seating at headline concerts ($82–$110); VIP packages for donors include front-row access, post-show receptions, and priority entry; carer companions free with disabled ticket holders; no refunds unless event cancelled, but tickets transferable.
Booking with Euro Travelo
Planning to immerse yourself in the Petworth Festival’s melodic magic? Euro Travelo simplifies your journey by handling ticket reservations, bespoke itineraries, and seamless logistics from arrival to encore. Whether securing premium seats for a Petworth Proms concert or arranging a countryside stay, our experts craft tailored packages for arts aficionados exploring England’s cultural gems. Let us orchestrate your perfect festival escape—contact Euro Travelo now to book tickets, transport, and accommodations for an effortless adventure.
Contact Information
- Email: info@petworthfestival.org.uk (general inquiries); boxoffice@petworthfestival.org.uk (ticket-specific); outreach@petworthfestival.org.uk (educational programs).
- Phone: +44 1798 344576 (Box Office, bookings 10am–4pm); +44 1798 343055 (General Enquiries, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm).
- Website: https://www.petworthfestival.org.uk.
- Social Media: @PetworthFest (Instagram and Twitter/X), Petworth Festival (Facebook), Petworth Festival (LinkedIn).
- Key Staff: Stewart Collins (Artistic Director, via general email); Board of Trustees (details on website); Management Team including Outreach Coordinator (contact via info email).
- Press/Volunteers: Press inquiries to press@petworthfestival.org.uk; volunteer opportunities via volunteers@petworthfestival.org.uk (applications open spring 2026).
- Note: Response time 24–48 hours; English support primary, with accessibility assistance available; policies on safeguarding, privacy, and terms at petworthfestival.org.uk/policies.
- Official Site: Visit https://www.petworthfestival.org.uk for comprehensive event details, live updates, and direct ticket purchases.
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: London Gatwick (LGW, 45-minute drive) or Southampton (SOU, 1-hour drive), with easy access via A272/A285 roads.
- Public Transport: Petworth Railway Station (via Horsham line, 20-minute walk to town center); regular buses from Chichester (Stagecoach 99) and Guildford (Compass 43), stopping at Golden Square.
- Parking: Free on-street parking in Petworth (limited, pay-and-display zones); dedicated disabled bays at St Mary’s Church and Petworth House; nearby multi-story at Waitrose Petworth (5-minute walk).
- Walking/Cycling: Compact town layout allows 5–15 minute walks between venues; bike rentals from local shops like Cycleworks Petworth.
- Additional Notes: Festival shuttle services may operate between outlying venues like Champs Hill; taxis plentiful (e.g., Petworth Taxis +44 1798 344100); scenic drives through South Downs National Park recommended.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: Petworth House Hotel (on-site at historic estate, $220–$330/night) or The Spread Eagle (17th-century coaching inn, $180–$280/night, central location).
- Mid-Range Hotels: The Angel Inn (cozy pub hotel, $110–$160/night, steps from St Mary’s) or Hare & Hounds (boutique, $130–$190/night, garden views).
- Budget Options: George & Dragon (guesthouse, $80–$120/night) or local B&Bs like Tillington Cottage ($70–$100/night); hostels in nearby Midhurst via YHA.
- Camping/Glamping: South Downs sites like Warninglid Lane ($50–$90/night) or luxury pods at Parham House (15-minute drive, $100–$150/night).
- Booking Tip: Reserve 4–6 months ahead for festival peak; Euro Travelo offers bundled stays with tickets; check Visit South Downs for eco-friendly options.
Reviews
- Absolutely magical evenings in stunning venues— the classical concerts left me spellbound!
- A perfect mix of music and history; the outreach for kids was inspiring and heartfelt.
- Jazz nights were electric, and the town’s charm made it an unforgettable summer highlight!
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What types of music and performances can I expect at the Petworth Festival 2026?
The festival boasts a rich tapestry of genres, from classical orchestral masterpieces and chamber recitals to vibrant jazz, world music fusions, and contemporary cabaret. Headline acts feature luminaries like violinist Jennifer Pike and pianist Cherry Ge, alongside choral ensembles and emerging talents from Royal Academy partnerships. Over 50 events unfold across 17 days, blending indoor intimacy at St Mary's Church with outdoor theatre at Bignor Park. Comedy sketches and talks add levity, ensuring broad appeal for all ages. Lineups emphasize innovation, like cross-cultural collaborations with Middle Eastern and African artists. Full 2026 program drops in April—subscribe to the mailing list at petworthfestival.org.uk for previews.
How do I purchase tickets, and what are the booking priority periods?
Tickets go on sale via the Ticketsolve platform at tickets.petworthfestival.org.uk or by calling the Box Office (+44 1798 344576). Priority windows start March 26, 2026: donors/sponsors (concierge until April 7), patrons (April 8–14), friends (April 15–21), then public from April 22. Prices range $16–$110 USD, with multi-event discounts up to 20% for bundles. Concessions for students/seniors; wheelchair/carer access via phone booking. No exchanges, but cancellations yield refunds if resold. Secure online for 24/7 convenience—Euro Travelo can bundle with travel.
Are there accessibility features and family-friendly options at the venues?
All 11 venues provide wheelchair access, with lifts at Leconfield Hall and ramps at Petworth House; hearing loops installed at St Mary's, Champs Hill, and Sacred Heart Church. Disabled parking limited but available at main sites—pre-book via +44 1798 343055. Family perks include reduced child tickets ($8–$22) and free carer entry; outreach events like 'The Big Sing' engage kids in performances. Guide dogs welcome; quiet zones for sensory needs. Download venue maps from the website; staff trained in accessibility support for a seamless experience.
What educational and community outreach does the festival offer?
As a registered charity (No. 1113784), Petworth Festival invests deeply in outreach, partnering with West Sussex Music and schools for projects like songwriting workshops reaching 500+ pupils annually. 'The Big Sing' culminates in public concerts at St Mary's, while ties to Royal Academy of Music bring masterclasses to Midhurst Rother College. Free talks and youth tickets promote inclusivity; 2026 expands collaborations with Leeds Piano Competition for teen recitals. These initiatives foster lifelong arts passion—volunteer to assist via info@petworthfestival.org.uk. Impact reports in the annual archive highlight community transformation.
How can I get to Petworth and navigate between venues during the festival?
Fly into Gatwick (45 mins by car/taxi) or train to Pulborough (then bus/taxi 10 mins); Petworth's central bus stops serve Chichester/Guildford routes. Once there, venues cluster tightly—walk 5–20 mins from Golden Square hub; free festival maps guide you. Parking: free streets or Waitrose lot ($1.10/hour); bikes rentable locally. For outlying spots like Coultershaw, taxis (~$11–$22) or potential shuttles (TBD 2026). South Downs trails offer scenic approaches; check petworthfestival.org.uk/travel for updates. Euro Travelo arranges door-to-door transfers for stress-free arrivals.
