Southwell Music Festival 2026 includes a number of free and “pay-what-you-can” events for all to enjoy, including the return of the free Festival Fringe and Saturday’s Musical Picnic.
Looking for more events? Head to our Online Box Office to find out What’s On or view the Festival brochure.
Musical Picnic | Saturday 29 August
Our much-loved family event returns to the Minster’s beautiful Palace Gardens for an afternoon of fun, music and celebration.
Enjoy live performances throughout the afternoon, featuring talented young musicians from The Minster School, the Nottingham Youth Jazz Orchestra and even a steel band!
There will be plenty to keep everyone entertained, including craft activities and face painting, plus refreshments (including ice cream!) will be available from the Festival Marquee.
Don’t forget to bring your picnic blanket and camping chairs, plus a yummy picnic of course! We can’t wait to see you for an afternoon of musical fun!
12 – 3pm | Minster Palace Gardens, Southwell Minster
This is a “pay-what-you-can” event. Suggested donation is £5. This is a popular event. Book your tickets in advance online.
Relaxed Concert: One and All | Saturday 29 August
After the success of last year’s event, we are delighted to present our next Relaxed Concert – a welcoming, inclusive musical experience for everyone.
Carris Jones returns to present a vibrant mix of music, alongside fellow Festival regular Libby Burgess. They will be joined by a selection of singers and instrumentalists drawn from the Festival’s resident ensembles, the Festival Sinfonia and Festival Voices.
This concert is specially designed for those who benefit from a more relaxed performance setting, including families with young children, individuals with sensory or communication needs, learning disabilities, or who are neurodiverse.
There’s a friendly, flexible approach to noise and movement, and audience members are free to move in and out of the Minster as they wish.
11.15am – 12pm | Minster Crossing
This is a pay-what-you-can event. Suggested donation £5.00. Please book in advance online.
All children under 18 and adults with additional needs should be accompanied by a responsible adult (e.g. parent or support worker).
Free Festival Fringe | Friday 28 August, Saturday 29 August, Sunday 30 August & Monday 31 August
The free Festival Fringe brings even more music to Southwell, this year raising money for Framework.
Fringe performers include local young musicians, the winners of Nottingham Young Musician of the Year and the Halictus Jazz Ensemble. Local musicians will entertain visitors to Ceramics in Southwell in the Market Square on Sunday—no booking required.
Young Musicians Showcase | Friday 28 August, 2pm | Southwell Methodist Church
Our first Fringe performance puts local young musicians front and centre. Come and support the stars of the future.
Masterclass | Saturday 29 August, 10am | Southwell Methodist Church
In our annual Masterclass, Festival artists share their skills and knowledge as they coach talented young musicians.
Music for Ceramics in Southwell | Sunday 30 August, 10am – 4.30pm | Market Square
Local musicians will provide music to accompany the Ceramics Fair – classical, jazz and folk musicians will be playing throughout the day.
Nottingham Young Musicians of the Year | Monday 31 August, 11am | Southwell Methodist Church
Finalists of the annual competition, Ananya Jayaram (voice) and Louis Millar (trumpet), perform at this showcase concert. An opportunity to hear two of our region’s finest young musicians – both names to watch for the future.
Halictus Jazz Ensemble | Monday 31 August, 1pm & 2.50pm | Festival Marquee
Back by popular request, Nottingham-based Halictus Jazz Ensemble return to the Festival, blending classic and contemporary styles of jazz and blues for two performances in the relaxed surroundings of the Festival Marquee.
Festival Worship | Sunday 30 August
An opportunity to hear beautiful music in the context of Christian worship. No admission charge
Festival Eucharist: 10 – 11.20am
The Nave, Southwell Minster
Southwell Cathedral Choir
Festival Voices
Festival Sinfonia
Festival Evensong: 3.30 – 4.30pm
Minster Quire, Southwell Minster
Southwell Cathedral Choir
Organ Recital | Monday 31 August
A Bank Holiday organ concert in the Nave of Southwell Minster.
Performed by Southwell Minster’s Assistant Director of Music, Jonathan Allsopp. Free admission with retiring collection for the Minister
3.45 – 4.30pm | Southwell Minster
No booking required.