Ulverston International Music Festival – Ulverston, England 2026
Overview
Ulverston International Music Festival is a renowned celebration of classical, chamber, and world-class music that infuses the historic Cumbrian town of Ulverston with intimate, high-caliber performances, blending orchestral ensembles, solo recitals, and jazz infusions in stunning venues. Launched in 2004 by pianist Anthony Hewitt, this not-for-profit event has grown into a 10-day late-spring highlight, drawing global artists to the Lake District’s edge for collaborative magic that’s both accessible and exhilarating. With a focus on “more than classical,” it supports local music education and community outreach, creating lasting memories through its warm, informal atmosphere. Visit ulverstonmusicfestival.co.uk for full details.
The 2026 edition builds on recent years’ success, promising a vibrant program of masterpieces in heritage spaces like parish churches and priories, with themes exploring winter journeys, romantic evenings, and spring surprises amid the fells’ inspiring backdrop. Attendees savor not just the notes but the connections—pre-concert chats, family concerts, and post-show receptions—that make Ulverston feel like a musical family. From emerging quartets to virtuosos like Peter Donohoe, it’s a gateway to sonic discovery in England’s northwest gem.
Event Highlights
- Main activities or performances: Chamber recitals, piano solos, and ensemble concerts featuring artists like Daniel Rowland and the Ulverston Festival Ensemble, spanning Schubert cycles to contemporary works.
- Special traditions or features: Annual St Cecilia’s Day celebrations with sacred music; Valentine’s specials blending romance and repertoire; themed series like “Tempo Gusto” with dining pairings.
- Unique attractions for visitors: Children’s “Tunes 4 Tots” sessions; open rehearsals and artist Q&As; pop-up events in nearby heritage sites like Cartmel Priory for immersive acoustics.
Why Attend
Ulverston International Music Festival captivates with its cozy alchemy of world-renowned talent and Lake District serenity, where you can linger over a program in a medieval church before wandering to lakeside cafes, all while notes from a violin soar overhead. Unlike grand opera houses, its boutique scale fosters serendipitous encounters with performers, ideal for connoisseurs or curious newcomers seeking inspiration without overwhelm. It’s a harmonious retreat that rejuvenates the soul. Visit ulverstonmusicfestival.co.uk for more.
This festival’s charitable core ensures every melody aids local youth orchestras and arts access, turning passive listening into active community bonds. You’ll emerge humming forgotten gems, enriched by collaborations that bridge eras—from baroque to jazz—and the raw beauty of Cumbria’s landscapes. For those craving music’s intimate thrill, Ulverston delivers pure, unadulterated elegance year after year.
Date and Duration
- Dates: May 30 – June 8, 2026
- Duration: 10 days
Venue and Location
- Main venue: Ulverston Parish Church, Church Walk, Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 7HW, United Kingdom; a 12th-century gem with soaring acoustics hosting key recitals and ensembles.
- Additional venues: The Coro (Queen Street, Ulverston LA12 7AR) as festival hub; Holy Trinity Church Bardsea; The Roxy (Queen Street); extended to Brantwood (Coniston), Cartmel Priory, Levens Hall, and Victoria Hall (Grange-over-Sands) for day trips within 20 miles.
- Google Maps address: Ulverston Parish Church, Church Walk, Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 7HW, United Kingdom
Ticket Information
- How tickets are sold: Online via ulverstonmusicfestival.co.uk/tickets with card payment; in-person at The Coro box office or local outlets; email for groups or postal; early bird and bundles available.
- Admission type: Paid events with concessions; some family concerts low-cost or bundled; under-18s discounted or free with adult.
- Ticket pricing in USD: Single concert tickets from $16 to $32; festival passes $100 to $150; student/youth $10 to $20; dining “Tempo Gusto” add-ons $50+.
- Special seating or VIP options: Reserved premium seats $5-10 extra; VIP donor packages with receptions and meet-and-greets $200+; accessible front rows available.
- Minimum and maximum pricing: Minimum ticket price: $10 (student single event); maximum: $200 (VIP full pass with dining).
- Additional ticket info: Combined tickets for series like St Cecilia’s Day $28-58; no booking fees; sales open February 2026; newsletter for priority.
Booking with Euro Travelo
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Contact Information
- Email: info@ulverstonmusicfestival.co.uk (for inquiries, tickets, and volunteering).
- Phone: Not specified; contact via email or The Coro +44 1229 580000.
- Website: https://ulverstonmusicfestival.co.uk (lineup, tickets, and updates).
- Social Media: @UlverstonFestival (Facebook for announcements and highlights).
- Key Staff: Anthony Hewitt (Artistic Director, contact via email); festival team at The Coro.
- Press/Volunteers: Press via info@ulverstonmusicfestival.co.uk; volunteer ushering and setup through website form.
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; English support; newsletter sign-up for 2026 dates and accessibility needs.
Getting There
- Nearest airports: Barrow/Walney Island (BWI, 10 miles, 20-minute drive) or Manchester (MAN, 80 miles, 1.5-hour drive) with car hire or taxis.
- Public transport: Trains from London Euston to Ulverston (3.5 hours via Oxenholme); local buses from Barrow station; festival shuttles to outer venues like Cartmel.
- Parking: Free at Ulverston Leisure Centre (Priory Rd, LA12 7ED) or paid at Queen’s Street lots ($5/day); disabled bays at churches.
- Other access: A590 from M6 (30 miles); cycling paths around Morecambe Bay; walkable town center with venues clustered.
Accommodation Options
- On-site camping: None; town-based with no dedicated camping.
- Hotels: The Gillams (Cavendish Street, $120-180/night) or Bay Horse Hotel (Market Place, $100-160/night), central with festival discounts.
- Caravan parks: Lakeland Motorhome Park (5 miles, $50-70/night) near Greenodd; hookups and bus to town.
- Other stays: B&Bs like The Pheasant Inn (Bassenthwaite, 20 miles, $90-140/night); Airbnbs in Ulverston from $80/night; glamping at Holker Hall $110-170/night.
Reviews
- Spellbinding acoustics in the parish church—the ensemble’s energy had chills running down; Ulverston’s charm made it unforgettable.
- Intimate recitals that felt personal; loved the family tunes and lakeside vibe—perfect blend of music and magic.
- Discovered gems like Hewitt’s piano wizardry; the priory evenings were pure poetry, leaving me hungry for more.
Maps
Contact
FAQ's
What distinguishes Ulverston International Music Festival from other classical events?
Since 2004, Ulverston weaves "more than classical" with jazz, opera, and ensembles in Lake District heritage spots, creating collaborative intimacy absent in rigid concert halls. Its 10-day scope mixes solo stars like Peter Donohoe with quartets in churches and priories, plus family "Tunes 4 Tots" for broad appeal. Affordable passes and dining tie-ins enhance the experience, while proceeds fund local youth music. Newsletter subscribers get first dibs on 2026's evolving lineup—it's a sonic holiday blending Cumbria's wild beauty with refined sounds.
How family-friendly is the festival for children and beginners?
Very much so—dedicated "Tunes 4 Tots" concerts with gentle classics and interactive elements engage kids from age 3, often at reduced or bundled rates. Short sets in welcoming venues like The Roxy suit young attention spans, while parents enjoy nearby playgrounds and fells for breaks. Beginners appreciate pre-event talks demystifying repertoire, from Schubert to modern fusions. Volunteers guide seating, making it a low-pressure intro to live music. It's a joyful family thread in the festival's tapestry.
What does a typical festival day look like?
Days unfold gracefully: mornings might feature 11 AM family recitals at The Coro, afternoons open with 2 PM chamber sets in Bardsea, and evenings peak at 7:30 PM orchestral highlights in the parish church till 9:30 PM. Breaks invite bay walks or cream teas, with shuttles to sites like Levens Hall. Apps and brochures track the 20+ events, allowing curation from jazz to strings. Over 10 days, it's a melodic meander through Ulverston's lanes and legacies.
Are there accessibility accommodations for disabilities?
Yes—venues like Ulverston Parish Church provide ramps, hearing loops, and reserved aisle seats; volunteers assist from arrival to exit. Companion tickets match paid rates, with large-print programs and audio descriptions for select recitals on request. Flat paths in town ease mobility, quiet lounges at The Coro suit sensory needs, and bursaries aid costs. Email info ahead for custom support, ensuring the festival's intimacy welcomes all.
How can I volunteer or get involved beyond attending?
Volunteering thrives here—email info@ulverstonmusicfestival.co.uk for ushering, setup, or artist liaison roles, earning free tickets and behind-scenes access with orientation. Donors as "Friends" fund scholarships via gifts, gaining credits and receptions. Many locals volunteer seasonally, shaping programs like youth ensembles. Join the newsletter for 2026 opportunities—your passion directly sustains this 20-year beacon of musical community in Cumbria.
