Southwell Music Festival – Southwell, England 2026
Overview
Southwell Music Festival is a refined gem of the classical, jazz, and folk calendar, infusing the Nottinghamshire market town’s medieval minster and Georgian elegance with four days of masterful performances that draw over 5,000 culture lovers to its blend of orchestral grandeur, intimate recitals, and innovative commissions amid the tranquil walls of Southwell Minster and surrounding gardens. Founded in 2010 by artistic director Paul McCreesh as a celebration of the town’s musical heritage, this registered charity (No. 1153135) has become a highlight of the UK’s summer arts scene, showcasing ensembles like the BBC Symphony Orchestra and emerging talents in venues from the minster’s nave to pop-up jazz spots; for 2026, building on the 2025 edition’s success (August 22-25), anticipate a return to its eclectic mix of world-class orchestras, vocal ensembles, and folk-infused evenings, all while nurturing young musicians through its creative learning initiatives in a setting that echoes the town’s 12th-century roots.
What captivates is its seamless fusion of intimacy and ambition—volunteer-supported yet professionally curated, it champions diversity through equal opportunities and accessibility policies, transforming accessibility into artistry with free fringe events and bursaries; as a non-profit haven that rejects commercial gloss, it fosters a communal pulse where strangers bond over Leiferkus arias or Glennie percussion, creating an immersive rite that honors Southwell’s creative legacy while inspiring future generations with its commitment to creative learning and community engagement. See official site: https://southwellmusicfestival.com/
Event Highlights
- Main activities or performances: Over 20 concerts spanning classical, jazz, and folk, including orchestral masterpieces in Southwell Minster, chamber recitals, and jazz pop-ups; past editions featured the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Angela Hewitt, and Vladimir Ashkenazy, with 2026 announcements pending but expected to continue the blend of renowned soloists like Evelyn Glennie and Nicola Benedetti alongside creative commissions and vocal ensembles in the cathedral’s resonant acoustics.
- Special traditions or features: Annual minster-centered opening and closing concerts echoing the town’s medieval heritage; 15+ years of nurturing talents like Judith Weir and James MacMillan through commissions; volunteer-driven with open calls for young musicians; eco-conscious via sustainable sourcing for events; ties into Southwell’s history with site-specific works in historic venues, blending music with the town’s architectural whispers.
- Unique attractions for visitors: Intimate pop-up jazz in market squares and gardens; creative learning workshops for all ages, from youth choirs to composer labs; accessibility programming with child protection ensuring inclusive spaces; the festival’s “magically intuitive” curation draws global pilgrims, weaving formal symphonies with walkabout busks in a setting as evocative as the minster’s rose window.
Why attend
Southwell Music Festival is a harmonious sojourn in Nottinghamshire’s medieval heart, where strings vibrate through stone arches and voices soar like the Trent’s gentle flow, offering a festival that’s less spectacle and more soul-stirring sanctuary—ideal for appreciators of depth over dazzle, with its charitable ethos ensuring accessibility through bursaries and free fringes that make high art feel like a shared fireside tale, far from festival frenzy. Its 15-year legacy of commissioning works like Maxwell Davies’ operas nurtures a space where emerging fiddlers and seasoned sopranos converge, turning the minster into a canvas of creative communion amid Georgian grace and walled gardens.
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Beyond the concerts, it’s a catalyst for cultural kinship: locals guiding youth through workshops, strangers pondering sonnets under midsummer skies, and the quiet thrill of a Leiferkus lieder echoing long after; as a beacon of resilience, attending sustains Southwell’s artistic pulse, leaving you enchanted, expanded, and attuned to the town’s eternal melody—perfect for rediscovering music’s power to bridge eras, echoes, and souls in England’s pastoral fold.
Date & Duration
- Dates: August 21 – August 24, 2026 (based on 2025 pattern of August 22-25; TBC via newsletter)
- Duration: 4 days
Venue / Location
- Primary venue: Southwell Minster as the epicenter with orchestral and choral events
- Additional locations: Methodist Church, market square for pop-up jazz, and gardens for recitals; hub at Trebeck Hall for box office and programming
- No additional off-site venues
- Main Google location address: Southwell Minster, Church Street, Southwell, Nottinghamshire NG25 0HD, United Kingdom
Ticket Information
- Tickets sold online via the official site (southwellmusicfestival.com/book-online) or Ticket Source (+44 1636 330014); season passes and individual events; early booking essential as events sell out; telephone lines Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-5pm.
- Admission paid for most; all-ages with some adult content; under-16s free/reduced with adult, plus bursaries for accessibility.
- Ticket pricing in USD: Individual events ~$26-$65 USD (£20-£50); festival passes ~$130-$260 USD (£100-£200); some free fringe events.
- Special seating or VIP options: Friends levels (Gold/Silver/Bronze/Platinum) for priority booking and perks (email friends@southwellmusicfestival.com); accessibility via boxoffice@southwellmusicfestival.com with proof like Blue Badge; no formal VIP but sponsor lounges.
- Minimum and maximum ticket price range: Minimum ~$26 USD (£20, single event); Maximum ~$260 USD (£200, full pass).
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Contact Information
- Email: info@southwellmusicfestival.com (general enquiries/feedback); boxoffice@southwellmusicfestival.com (booking issues/access); marketing@southwellmusicfestival.com (press/marketing); friends@southwellmusicfestival.com (Friends levels); sponsors@southwellmusicfestival.com (sponsorship); advertising@southwellmusicfestival.com (programme advertising).
- Phone: +44 (0)1636 330014 (general, option 1 for Box Office, 3 for Friends Gold/Silver/Bronze, 4 for Platinum).
- Website: https://southwellmusicfestival.com (official site for program, booking, news).
- Social Media: @southwellmusicfestival (Facebook primary).
- Key staff: Harry Christophers CBE (patron); Dame Felicity Lott DBE (patron); Marcus Farnsworth (Founder/Artistic Director).
- Press/Volunteers: Press via marketing@; volunteer opportunities via site (year-round for learning projects).
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. English support; mailing list for updates.
Getting There
- Nearest airports: East Midlands Airport (EMA, ~30 miles/45-min drive); Birmingham Airport (BHX, ~40 miles/1-hour drive).
- Public transportation: Trains to Southwell (via Newark North Gate, 5 miles/10-min taxi, ~2 hours from London King’s Cross); buses 28/29 from Nottingham (~40 mins).
- Parking: Free/discounted at Southwell Minster during events; town center ~£1.50/hour (~$1.95 USD).
- Driving directions: From A1 (Newark to Southwell), follow B6385 to town center; sat-nav NG25 0HD; ~2.5 hours from London.
Accommodation Options
- On-site camping: Not available; town-based.
- Glamping and VIP: Limited glamping via partners (~$845 USD/£650); email for details.
- Nearby hotels: Saracen’s Head Hotel (0.1 miles, historic with gardens, ~$130 USD/night) or Premier Inn Newark (5 miles, budget WiFi, ~$91 USD); book via Booking.com.
- Local B&Bs and rentals: Admiral Rodney Hotel (0.2 miles, traditional hospitality, ~$110 USD) or Airbnb cottages in Upton (2 miles, ~$150 USD); 20+ options—book early for August.
Reviews
- Minster acoustics divine—BBC Symphony soared, commissions a thrill, and Southwell’s glow enchanting; orchestral oasis.
- Jazz pop-ups pulsed—diverse voices from Hewitt to Leiferkus, easy access, and walled serenity; back for the resonance.
- Workshops wove delight, sets soulful; some free joys, and town’s medieval gold—timeless Nottinghamshire tune.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What's the re-entry policy at Southwell Music Festival?
Tickets scanned per event (no full re-entry; multi-day passes allow multiple entries); no wristbands. Lost ticket? Email boxoffice@southwellmusicfestival.com with ref/ID for digital reissue (app backups help); 95% smooth resolution at Trebeck Hall counter (open till 7pm). Name changes via support pre-event; security light with bag checks. On-site volunteers (10-min fix) aid, with app for navigation.
How family-friendly is Southwell Music Festival for young kids?
Highly inclusive—all-ages with free/reduced tickets for under-16s on many events; family highlights include creative learning workshops and minster evensongs that encourage participation with adult supervision, wrapping by 10pm for quieter nights and venues like Methodist Church offering space for little ones. Lost child policy with wristbands and volunteer stewards per child protection guidelines; some orchestral content suits all ages, but email for suitability checks on adult-themed recitals. Thousands attend yearly with families; town's safe gardens and short walks add exploration—ideal for sparking young imaginations through composer sessions and choral echoes.
Are there dietary or accessibility accommodations at Southwell Music Festival?
Venue cafes offer vegan/gluten-free options with clear menus (flag allergies at order), plus some spots like Southwell Minster have sponsor-provided dishes focused on local Nottinghamshire fare with alternatives. Accessibility includes ramps at the Minster and main halls, reserved seating with proof (e.g., Blue Badge—email boxoffice@ for arrangements), and charity policy ensuring inclusive access for all abilities with trained volunteers and site-specific aids for historic venues; some steps but mostly flat. Strobe warnings for lights; data protection covers personal needs. Case-by-case: Submit Access Card or GP letter for custom needs like quiet zones or amplified hearing loops during concerts.
Can I bring my dog or pet to Southwell Music Festival?
Dogs welcomed on leads in outdoor areas like Minster grounds with immediate cleanup required to respect the historic stones, crowds, and walled gardens; assistance dogs need prior email (boxoffice@southwellmusicfestival.com) for venue access during concerts, noise/content checks, and are permitted throughout with designated handler spaces near the stage areas. Ejection risk if uncontrolled near performers or families; nearby Southwell trails offer scenic walks with Trent views to explore. Strict rules align with equal opportunities and child protection policies—fines for non-compliance to maintain the festival's harmonious, inclusive spirit. Some B&Bs like Saracen's Head Hotel (0.1 miles) are pet-friendly; prioritize the event's welcoming vibe while enjoying its pet-tolerant heritage charm, perhaps tying in with guided minster tours.
What's the parking and transport policy during Southwell Music Festival?
Free/discounted parking at Southwell Minster during events (~£3/day, ~$3.90 USD, 5-min walk to venues); town center limited with enforcement—use nearby lots (~£1.50/hour, ~$1.95 USD). Walking encouraged (~10 mins between sites); buses 28/29 from Newark (~15 mins, ~$3.90 USD). Lost spot? Email for shuttle info (5-min frequency during peaks). Security directs traffic; 95% smooth with volunteer marshals. Email for EV charging or accessibility transport.
