Join us for a special piano event in June
We welcome renowned pianist and great friend of the Festival, Libby Burgess, to Southwell for a special event to unveil the Festival’s new piano.
We are delighted to unveil our brand new piano – a Kawai GX5 – which now resides in Southwell Minster’s historic and beautiful State Chamber.
To celebrate, we invite you to join pianist Libby Burgess, along with Festival Founder and Artistic Director, Marcus Farnsworth, to introduce you to this beautiful new instrument, which was made possible by a grant from Newark and Sherwood District Council through the UK government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund.
Join us on Friday 19 June for an exquisite evening of music to celebrate this exciting new development for Southwell Music Festival. Tickets go on sale on Monday 18 May.
Tickets are priced at £40 (front) or £30 (rear) and include a glass of wine on arrival. Drinks at 7pm, for a 7.30pm performance.
Food & Drink at the 2026 Festival
Meals in the Marquee
Coming to this year’s Festival and want to book a pre-concert dinner?
Meals in the Marquee is back, offering an affordable two-course buffet-style pre-concert dinner before our evening concerts (Friday, Saturday and Sunday).
A gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan option is available each day, and all meals need to be booked and paid for in advance via our online ticket office. Book meals in advance via our online box office. Meals can also be booked in advance by calling the Box Office on 01636 330014.
We recommend that you arrive promptly at the start time to join the queue for the buffet (please note the times are slightly different for each day).
Seating is unreserved, around tables of 10. If you are coming in a large group and wish to sit together, please email us in advance at boxoffice@southwellmusicfestival.com
Please note that Festival Friends can book Meals in the Marquee during their Priority Booking periods. Public Booking opens on Monday 9 June.
What’s on the menu?
Friday 28 August, 5.45 – 6.45pm
Steak & Ale Pie or Creamy Mushroom & Leek pie (vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free)
served with Buttery Mash, Green Beans & Rich Onion Gravy
Eton Mess Pot Dessert
Saturday 29 August, 6.15 – 7.15pm
Chicken Stew or Sweet Potato & Mixed Bean Stew (vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free)
served with New Potatoes, Roasted Courgettes, Leeks & Peas
Chocolate Brownie Sundae Pot Dessert
Sunday 30 August, 6.15 – 7.15pm
Cottage Pie or Lentil & Root Vegetable Cottage Pie (vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free)
served with Steamed Greens & Maple & Thyme Roasted Chantenay Carrots
Vanilla Cheesecake Pot Dessert
Food & Drink during the day
Opens 11am Friday 28 August – Monday 31 August
Sandwich Selection ∙ Salad Selection ∙ Homemade Sweet Bakes
Pipers Crisps ∙ Fruit Pots
Cornish Pasties ∙ Sausage Rolls
Ice Cream Tubs
Pizza
Open Call – An opportunity to perform at Southwell Music Festival
Applications are now open for two exciting performance opportunities at this year’s Southwell Music Festival.
Masterclass for young musicians
In our annual Masterclass, world-class Festival Artists share their skills and knowledge as they coach young, talented musicians in front of an enthusiastic and supportive audience. Young musicians (aged 19 years or younger) of Grade 8 standard or equivalent are encouraged to apply for this amazing opportunity.
This year’s Masterclass will take place at Southwell Methodist Church at 10am on Saturday 29 August.
If you are a young musician and would like to apply to be considered for this unique experience, please complete the application form by 9am on Friday 22 May 2026.
Music at Ceramics in Southwell
Every year, the Festival invites amateur musicians and ensembles to provide musical entertainment between 10am and 4.30pm to accompany the large crowds at Ceramics in Southwell in the Market Square. This year’s event takes place on Sunday 30 August.
Whether you’re a brass band, a jazz trio, a small choir, or a folk band, we’d love to hear from you. We aim for a mixture of styles and genres throughout the day and can offer performance slots of 30-45 minutes per ensemble. This is not a paid opportunity, as we will be raising money for our chosen local charity, Framework, during this event.
If you would like to apply to be considered for this exciting opportunity, please complete the application form by 9am on Friday 22 May 2026.
If you have any questions about either opportunity, please email manager@southwellmusicfestival.com.
Southwell Music Festival returns for four days of world-class music in August, with Isata Kanneh-Mason as 2026 Artist-in-Residence
Southwell Music Festival returns this August, filling the Nottinghamshire town with music for all to enjoy from Friday 28 – Monday 31 August.
A mainstay in the Nottinghamshire cultural calendar, the Festival welcomes professional musicians and performers from across the UK as well as shining a spotlight on the best of Nottinghamshire’s home-grown talent.
The full four-day Festival line-up will be revealed at a free Launch Concert on Friday 15 May at Southwell Minster. The concert is open to everyone. Reserve your free tickets online
In the meantime, here’s a preview of some of this year’s highlights.
Isata Kanneh-Mason – Artist-in-Residence
Acclaimed pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason will be the Festival’s 2026 Artist-in-Residence. An artist in demand across the world, there will be multiple opportunities to hear Isata perform across the weekend.
On the Friday evening, Isata joins the Festival Sinfonia for a performance of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 27. This masterpiece of elegance and charm will be performed in the awe-inspiring setting of the Southwell Minster Nave.
Isata will also be performing in the more intimate setting of Southwell Minster’s State Chamber, with two opportunities to enjoy this concert on both Saturday and Sunday. Thanks to recent funding from Newark and Sherwood District Council through the UK government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund, the Festival has been able to purchase a new grand piano for the Minster’s State Chamber, and Isata will be one of the first of many artists to put the piano through its paces.
A Night at the Opera
Favourites from the opera and theatre repertoire take centre stage on Saturday night, as audiences are invited to join the Festival Voices and Artistic Director Marcus Farnsworth for A Night at the Opera. Experience the high drama, joy and emotions of some of the greatest music written for the stage.
Brahms’ Requiem
On Sunday evening, the Festival Voices and Festival Sinfonia join forces to fill the Minster Nave with glorious sound with a performance of Brahms’ Requiem. This cornerstone of the choral repertoire is conducted by Marcus Farnsworth, and features stellar soloists Anna Dennis (winner of the Royal Philharmonic Society’s Singer award in 2023) and baritone Gareth Brynmor John, with Southwell Minster providing the perfect setting for this profoundly moving meditation on love, loss and hope.
Music for all to enjoy
The ever-popular Come and Sing returns on Monday, with singers of all abilities invited to come together to perform works by Mendelssohn alongside professional soloists and the Festival Sinfonia.
2026 also sees the return of the Saturday afternoon Musical Picnic. Families and friends can come together to enjoy music, performed by professional and amateur musicians and community groups in the Minster’s Palace Gardens. The Relaxed Concert also returns to the programme, offering an opportunity to experience classical music in an informal setting. All are welcome, including families with children, people with sensory and communication impairments or learning disabilities, and those who are neurodiverse.
And once again, the Festival Fringe is back with free performances in venues and outdoor locations across Southwell. Local musicians, groups, and ensembles can apply to perform as part of the Fringe, and information about the Fringe Open Call will be released soon.
We are thrilled to be joined by the outstanding Isata Kanneh-Mason for what promises to be another fantastic year for the Festival. Southwell is the perfect festival destination, and we can’t wait to welcome locals and visitors alike to our beautiful town for four days of unforgettable music.
Marcus Farnsworth, Southwell Music Festival Artistic Director
Public Booking opens on Monday 18 May. Festival Friends enjoy Priority Booking for all concerts and events, which this year will open prior to the Launch Concert. Join the Festival Friends from just £50 per year, or £35 per year for under-35s.
The Rural England Prosperity Fund aims to improve productivity and strengthen the rural economy and rural communities.
Your opportunity to host a Southwell Music Festival musician
Do you have a spare room available for one or more days across the August Bank Holiday weekend? Would you like to offer in-kind support to Southwell Music Festival? We are looking for volunteer hosts to provide accommodation for musicians.
Being a volunteer host is a simple way to support the Festival. With a multitude of artists arriving in Southwell to perform, we are asking local people to open up their homes and provide accommodation.
If you live in or near Southwell, have a spare bedroom and can provide a simple breakfast (no other meals are required), then we would love you to consider becoming a volunteer host.
Volunteer hosting is a brilliant opportunity to become more involved in the Festival and meet some of our fantastic artists. This year’s Southwell Music Festival takes place from 28 – 31 August, but we will also require hosts in the days leading up to the Festival. We take into consideration the days you are available to host (you don’t need to be available for the whole week), and even just one or two days is greatly appreciated.
To say thank you, all volunteer hosts can enjoy Priority Booking for Southwell Music Festival concerts and receive an invitation to a special thank-you event, where you can meet with other hosts and musicians for an informal evening of music performances and refreshments.
I really enjoyed hosting a musician. She was lovely – good company, very considerate and the perfect house guest. I felt part of the Festival because I was hosting, and I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend, attending a number of concerts. I’m looking forward to doing it again!
Helen Rushby – 2025 Volunteer Host
If you’re interested in finding out more about being a host, please contact our Host Co-ordinators, Brian and Steph Platts, at hosts@southwellmusicfestival.com.
New year, new faces at Southwell Music Festival
With 2026 promising to be another bumper year for Southwell Music Festival, we start the year by welcoming new General Manager, Peter Siepmann, who will play a leading role in planning and delivering the Festival.
Peter joins Southwell Music Festival from Peterborough Cathedral, where he has been working as a Fundraising Officer. This follows almost twenty years in music education at Uppingham School and Repton School, where he was Head of Academic Music. A local Southwell resident, Peter is also an active performing musician, serving as Director of Music at Nottingham Cathedral and Conductor of the Nottingham Bach Choir.
Peter says:
I am excited to be joining a Festival that is so uniquely embedded in its local community, where the warmth, joy and spirit in which music-making happens are as important as the world-class quality of the resulting performances. I am very much looking forward to working with Marcus Farnsworth and the whole team of hugely committed and hard-working volunteers, as together we shape the next chapter of this wonderful Festival.
Announcing new Southwell Music Festival Patrons
The Festival has also recently appointed three new Patrons: writer, public speaker and lecturer Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason; Wigmore Hall Artistic and Executive Director John Gilhooly; and Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward.
Speaking of his appointment, John Gilhooly says:
It’s a great honour to become a patron of such a forward-looking and innovative festival which continues to have both local and national impact. I wish it every success and look forward to many visits.
We thank Kadiatu, John, and Claire for their continued support of Southwell Music Festival, and warmly welcome Peter to the Festival team.
Visiting Southwell Music Festival 2025? Essential Festival information
Southwell Music Festival 2025 opens on Friday 22 August, with four days of sensational live music across venues in the town.
If you’re coming to the Festival (or maybe you still need to book your tickets), here’s the essential information you need to make the most of your Southwell Music Festival weekend. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Festival!
Visit the Festival Hub
The Festival Hub is this year located at Trebeck Hall on Bishop’s Drive (What3Words: founders.fall.valuables). At the Festival Hub you can:
- Buy tickets for concerts, including tickets for this year’s Christmas Celebration concert
- Buy your souvenir programme book and browse the range of Festival merchandise
- Festival Friends can buy tickets to the Sunday Friends’ Reception event
- Meet our volunteer Festival Makers, who are here to answer your questions and help make the 2025 Festival as brilliant as ever
Festival Hub opening times are:
Wednesday 20 August: 9am – 5pm
Thursday 21 August: 9am – 5pm
Friday 22 August: 8:30am – 10:15pm
Saturday 23 August: 8:30am – 10pm
Sunday 24 August: 9am – 7.30pm
Monday 25 August: 8:30am – 2pm
Visit The Hub Art Exhibition
Taking place in the Hub throughout the Festival is an exhibition of artworks by Festival cellist, Nathaniel Boyd. Nathaniel, well-known to Festival audiences for his virtuosic cello playing, is also an accomplished artist. A selection of his work will be on display and available to buy.
What’s on in the Festival Marquee
The Festival Marquee – to be found in the beautiful surroundings of the Palace Gardens – and is a popular meeting place for audiences and performers alike.
This year, the Marquee will be serving drinks, including tea and coffee, plus light snacks. If you’re coming to an evening concert in the Minster you can also book a pre-concert evening meal through our Meals in the Marquee offer.
On Sunday at 1.30pm the Marquee becomes a music venue as we welcome Inês Loubert Trio for a special Fesitval Jazz performance. Book tickets for Inês Loubert Trio.
And on Monday, join us at 12.45pm and 2.45pm for free Music in the Marquee with Halictus Jazz Ensemble – grab a drink and enjoy! No booking required.
Marquee opening times are:
Friday 22 August: 12pm – 11:30pm
Saturday 23 August: 12pm – 12am
Sunday 24 August: 1pm – 9pm
Monday 25 August: 12pm – 4pm
Food and drink options
If you are attending an evening concert you can pre-book a two-course Meal in the Marquee. Each evening there is a set menu with a vegan and gluten-free option available. Meals must be booked in advance – find out more and book online.
The Minster Refectory will also be open each day of the Festival. Advance booking is recommended. Please call 01636 815691.
The Festival Marquee in the Palace Garden will also be serving drinks, including tea and coffee, plus light snacks.
More about food and drink options in and around Southwell.
Support the Festival Fringe
The Festival Fringe is a selection of free performances taking place across the Festival. No booking is required, just turn up.
Chetham’s Alumni Vocal Showcase
Friday 22 August, 3pm, Southwell Methodist Church
Music for Ceramics in Southwell
Sunday 24 August, 10am – 4.30pm, Market Square
Young Musicians Showcase
Monday 25 August, 11am, Southwell Methodist Church
Halictus Jazz Ensemble
Monday 25 August, 12.45pm & 2.45pm, Festival Marquee
Recruiting now: Freelance roles with Southwell Music Festival
Want to join the Southwell Music Festival team? We are recruiting for two freelance roles to help deliver this year’s Festival.
Freelance Box Office Manager
We are seeking a friendly and detail-oriented Box Office Manager to join our team during Southwell Music Festival 2025 on a temporary, freelance basis.
The role is part of the frontline professional team for our busy four-day festival. You’ll be based in our Festival Hub in Trebeck Hall, alongside our General Manager, Festival Hub Manager, Volunteers and Festival Maker apprentices.
The role demands excellent standards of customer service, both in person and over the telephone. You will be the face of the Box Office. You’ll be selling tickets and merchandise for concerts and events, distributing pre-booked tickets and answering general event enquiries from members of the public. You’ll also train, supervise and support our Festival Maker apprentices and Volunteers as part of the professional team, alongside our General Manager and Festival Hub Manager.
The role requires strong communication skills, the ability to handle cash transactions accurately, and a passion for live music and/or the arts.
More about the role and how to apply.
Freelance Festival Event Manager
The Festival Event Manager is part of the frontline professional team for our busy four-day festival. Your base will be our Festival Hub in Trebeck Hall, but you will support events at venues across Southwell. You will work alongside our General Manager, Festival Hub Manager, Box Office Manager, Volunteers, and Festival Maker apprentices.
The role demands excellent standards of event management and customer service. You will oversee the delivery of smaller festival events, supported by our General Manager. You will also be trained to use our Box Office system to provide cover/relief for our Box Office Manager during quieter periods.
You’ll provide:
- General supervision for events, setups and packdowns, ensuring things run efficiently and to schedule.
- General troubleshooting in consultation with our General Manager and Festival Hub Manager.
- A go-to point for our experienced Volunteer Event Coordinators, Production Team and Artists.
- Supervise and support new volunteers and our apprentice Festival Makers.
- Box Office cover, selling tickets and merchandise and answering general event enquiries.
Could you be our new Trustee?
The Board of Southwell Music Festival is currently inviting applications for a new Trustee, who will lead on processes, policies and initiatives to support the management and engagement of Volunteers across the organisation.
Working closely with our Chair, General Manager and members of our Festival Committee, the new Trustee will utilise their expertise in working with a wide range of volunteers, to help ensure best practice and innovative approaches to volunteer engagement. They will consider the full volunteer lifecycle, including recruitment, induction, training, support, monitoring, feedback, skills development and networking/social activities.
The role would suit somebody who has experience of volunteer supervision, management or human resources, in a community-facing context (ideally gained within the arts or live music). The individual will be supported by the Festival’s Board, Committee, and professional team to develop and implement new initiatives and approaches. The new Trustee will work with a wide range of people to champion volunteering at Southwell Music Festival, providing oversight, guidance and ideas. The role is not required to directly manage volunteers for Festival events, though there are opportunities to become further involved if you wish.
For further information about the role and application process, please take a look at the application pack.
Applications should be sent to recruitment@southwellmusicfestival.com.
This position is being advertised on a rolling basis until a suitable trustee is appointed.