Worthing Music and Arts Festival – Worthing, England 2026
Overview
Worthing Music and Arts Festival is a longstanding competitive showcase that nurtures emerging and amateur talents in music, speech, drama, and dance, providing a supportive platform for performers of all ages to shine in a welcoming coastal town. Established as a registered charity, it features adjudicated classes across genres from classical piano and oratorio singing to modern dance and Shakespeare monologues, held entirely outside school hours and on weekends to encourage broad participation. With expert feedback and audiences that celebrate every effort, it fosters artistic growth and community pride, many alumni advancing to professional stages. Visit wmaaf.co.uk for full details.
The 2026 edition spans late winter with focused sections on speech, singing, piano/instrumental, and dance, blending traditional and contemporary styles in intimate venues like historic churches and theaters. Attendees enjoy not just the thrill of live performances but the inspiration of shared creativity amid Worthing’s sunny esplanade and pier-side charm. Whether watching a young violinist’s debut or a choral ensemble’s harmony, it’s a heartfelt boost for aspiring artists and families alike.
Event Highlights
- Main activities or performances: Adjudicated classes in speech and drama (monologues, improvisation), singing (folk to pop), piano and instrumental (classical to jazz), and dance (ballet to modern groups, solos/duets).
- Special traditions or features: Expert adjudication with constructive feedback; prizewinners’ showcases; themed classes like patriotic songs or ensemble collaborations honoring the festival’s legacy.
- Unique attractions for visitors: Family-oriented sessions with age-grouped categories from 4-22; volunteer-hosted refreshments and chats; souvenir programs detailing entrants and syllabi.
Why Attend
Worthing Music and Arts Festival immerses you in the spark of raw talent, where a nervous soloist’s aria or a troupe’s synchronized steps unfolds in cozy venues, far from high-stakes spotlights—think applauding a child’s folk tune then strolling the pier for ice cream. Its inclusive format welcomes beginners to seasoned hobbyists, with Worthing’s beaches and cafes offering seaside respites between classes. Visit wmaaf.co.uk for more.
This charity event’s volunteer ethos ensures every performance supports arts education, turning audiences into cheerleaders for dreams in motion. You’ll leave uplifted by stories of growth and the quiet power of applause, rediscovering music’s role in building confidence. For families or mentors seeking inspiration by the sea, it’s winter’s warmest artistic embrace.
Date and Duration
- Dates: January 29 – March 8, 2026 (Speech & Drama: Jan 29–Feb 1; Singing: Feb 5–8; Piano & Instrumental: Feb 10–14; Dance: Feb 28–Mar 8)
- Duration: 5 weeks (staggered sections)
Venue and Location
- Main venue: Emmanuel United Reformed Church (URC), St Michaels Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN14 7JS, United Kingdom; a community church with excellent acoustics for speech, singing, and instrumental classes.
- Additional venues: Pavilion Theatre, Marine Parade, Worthing BN11 3AJ for dance performances; all venues in the town center for easy access.
- Google Maps address: Emmanuel United Reformed Church, St Michaels Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN14 7JS, United Kingdom
Ticket Information
- How tickets are sold: At the door with cash/card; advance via email to wmaafoffice@gmail.uk; no online sales, but programs include schedules.
- Admission type: Paid for sessions and classes; free for schoolchildren; family discounts available.
- Ticket pricing in USD: Individual sessions from $6 to $13; family tickets $19 to $26; approximate GBP conversion.
- Special seating or VIP options: General admission with reserved front seats for families $5 extra; no formal VIP, but donor perks for priority.
- Minimum and maximum pricing: Minimum ticket price: $0 (schoolchildren); maximum: $26 (family full-day pass).
- Additional ticket info: Souvenir program $6; optional retiring collections $5-10; inquiries for group rates.
Booking with Euro Travelo
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Contact Information
- Email: wmaafoffice@gmail.uk (for inquiries, tickets, and entries).
- Phone: +44 1903 506621 (festival office for bookings and info).
- Website: https://wmaaf.co.uk (syllabus, entries, and updates).
- Social Media: @wmaaf (Facebook for announcements and highlights).
- Key Staff: Festival organizers via email; entry coordinators listed on site.
- Press/Volunteers: Press via wmaafoffice@gmail.uk; volunteer sign-up for hosting or adjudication support through email.
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; English support; entries close November 7, 2025 via Play and Perform.
Getting There
- Nearest airports: London Gatwick (LGW, 30 miles, 40-minute drive) or Southampton (SOU, 50 miles, 1-hour drive) with car hire or taxis.
- Public transport: Trains from London Victoria to Worthing (1.5 hours); local buses from station to venues (5 minutes).
- Parking: Paid at Worthing Pier car park (BN11 3FJ, $6/day) or on-street nearby; disabled bays available.
- Other access: A27 from Brighton (10 miles); cycling along the seafront; pedestrian-friendly town center.
Accommodation Options
- On-site camping: None; day-based event with no overnight facilities.
- Hotels: The Chatsworth Hotel (The Promenade, $120-180/night) or Marine View Hotel (Marine Parade, $100-160/night), beachfront with festival views.
- Caravan parks: Worthing Holiday Park (5 miles, $50-70/night) near Ferring; hookups and bus access.
- Other stays: B&Bs like The Selborne Lodge (Shelley Road, $90-140/night); Airbnbs in Worthing from $80/night; glamping at South Downs farms $110-170/night.
Reviews
- Inspiring watch of young dancers light up the Pavilion stage—the feedback was gold, left feeling motivated to try myself.
- Warm community feel with diverse classes; the singing section’s harmonies were magical, perfect family outing by the sea.
- Adjudicators’ encouragement shone through—saw a shy violinist bloom, Worthing’s vibe made it extra special.
Maps
Contact
FAQ's
What makes Worthing Music and Arts Festival unique among performance events?
Since its inception, Worthing blends competitive edge with nurturing support in seaside venues, offering classes from jazz piano to modern duets outside school hours—unlike rigid conservatory trials. Its charity focus funds arts access, with staggered sections building to dance spectacles at the Pavilion. Families love the inclusive categories for ages 4-22, while the pier's charm frames it all. It's growth in performance—email for 2026 syllabi dropping late July, entries from September.
How family-friendly is the festival for children and beginners?
Exceptionally—free for schoolkids and family tickets ease entry, with age-grouped classes from tiny tots' solos to teen ensembles building skills gently. Short sessions in airy venues suit young energies, adjudicators praise over critique. Parents appreciate nearby beaches for breaks, volunteers for guidance. Diverse styles from classical to pop welcome novices, sparking confidence by the waves. It's a joyful launchpad, turning stage nerves into seaside smiles.
What does a typical festival day look like?
Days align with weekends: mornings start at 9 AM with speech or instrumental warm-ups at Emmanuel URC, afternoons flow into 1 PM singing or dance classes at the Pavilion till 5 PM, evenings wrap with 7 PM ensembles or showcases. Breaks for pier walks and teas, programs guiding flows. Over five weeks, sections stagger for focused immersion, blending solos, duets, and groups in Worthing's rhythm.
Are there accessibility accommodations for disabilities?
Yes—venues like Emmanuel URC feature ramps and ground-level access, hearing loops for recitals; volunteers aid from entry to seating. Family tickets cover companions free, large-print programs available. Quiet zones during transitions, email for BSL or adapted classes. Bursaries support entries, ensuring all talents take the stage comfortably by the Sussex shore.
How can I volunteer or get involved?
Volunteering's essential—email wmaafoffice@gmail.uk for roles like venue setup, refreshments, or entry aid, with training and community bonds. Performers enter via Play and Perform from September, donors sponsor classes for credits. Locals return yearly, from adjudicator hosts to youth scouts. Your spark sustains the legacy—join emails for 2026 planning, stepping into Worthing's artistic tide.
