Classical, jazz and folk at Southwell Music Festival

Festival Crowd Header

Southwell Music Festival returns with its 11th edition, featuring a diverse lineup of classical, jazz, and folk performances, along with opportunities for singers of all abilities to participate in this musical celebration.

Southwell Music Festival Returns

The annual Southwell Music Festival is set to return to the historic town, promising a weekend filled with classical, jazz, and folk music for music lovers of all ages.

Professional Musicians and Local Talent

The festival, now in its 11th year, will feature a lineup of professional musicians from across the UK, as well as shine a spotlight on the best of Nottinghamshire's home-grown talent.

Friday Evening Jazz Concert

The festival kicks off with a unique jazz concert on Friday evening, featuring the Festival Voices and The Cottontail Orchestra performing selections from Duke Ellington's Sacred Concerts at the atmospheric Southwell Minster.

Saturday Night Folk Music

Acclaimed folk artist Kathryn Tickell will take the stage on Saturday night alongside her band The Darkening, offering a blend of traditional folk music deeply rooted in Northumbria.

Sunday Evening Classical Performance

The Festival Voices and Baroque Sinfonia will join forces on Sunday evening to perform Bach's majestic B Minor Mass in the Minster Nave, conducted by artistic director Marcus Farnsworth.

Monday Come and Sing

The festival will conclude with the annual Come and Sing event on Monday, inviting singers of all abilities to participate in a performance accompanied by the Festival Baroque Sinfonia.

Musical Picnic and Fringe Events

Throughout the weekend, there will be free musical events including a Saturday afternoon Musical Picnic and a new addition, the Relaxed Concert, offering a more informal classical music experience.

Exciting Festival Fringe

The festival fringe will feature free performances in various venues across Southwell, showcasing local musicians, groups, and ensembles in a celebration of community music.

Visit the Southwell Music Festival website for ticket information and the full programme of events to enjoy a weekend of musical delights in the heart of Nottinghamshire.

Published on 01 August 2025 by Ben Robinson

Recent News More news

Upcoming Festivals Browse all

  • Jazz Cafe Festival

    03 August 2025

    The iconic Jazz Café will host its debut jazz music festival at beautiful Burgess Park. It will include four unique experiences to enjoy, all bringing forward that undeniable Jazz Café e...

  • Boardmasters

    6 August - 10 August 2025

    Relentless Boardmasters is the ultimate surfer's weekend in Newquay at the beautiful Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach. With the World's best surfers competing to win £120,000 and some of the best...

  • BoomTown Festival

    6 August - 10 August 2025

    One of the UK's largest independent music festivals and the most theatrically driven, Boomtown Fair is a five-day interactive experience. It combines live art and immersive theatre with a diverse line...