Southwell Music Festival returns this August, filling the Nottinghamshire town with musical delights for all to enjoy from Friday 22 – Monday 25 August.
Now in its 11th year, the Festival welcomes professional musicians and performers from across the UK and shines a spotlight on the best of Nottinghamshire’s home-grown talent.
The full 2025 Southwell Music Festival programme has now been announced, with tickets on sale from Monday 9 June, with Priority Booking available earlier for Festival Friends. From intimate solo recitals to majestic choral masterpieces, from lively jazz and folk sessions to inspiring performances by local youth and amateur groups alongside internationally acclaimed professionals, there’s something for every musical taste at this year’s Festival.
Blending jazz, choral music, gospel and blues and featuring the sublime Festival Voices and Southwell Music Festival’s very first Big Band act, The Cottontail Orchestra, this year’s Friday evening concert brings selections from Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concerts to the Southwell stage. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience this groundbreaking work from one of the leading jazz pioneers in the atmospheric setting of Southwell Minster.
On Friday, the Festival also kicks off its programme of talks, with its newest patron, the inspirational Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason. A familiar presence in Southwell, with several of her talented children having appeared at the Festival over the years, at this special event, Kadiatu will share more about her creative journey and the experiences that have shaped one of the most remarkable musical families in the UK.
Folk music takes centre stage on Saturday night. Acclaimed folk artist Kathryn Tickell OBE returns to Southwell Music Festival after a sell-out performance in 2023, this time alongside her band The Darkening and a special collaboration with the Festival Voices. Composer, performer and the foremost exponent of the Northumbrian pipes, Kathryn’s music is deeply rooted in the landscape and people of Northumbria, with her having twice won the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Musician of the Year. Early booking is recommended!
On Sunday evening, the Festival Voices and Baroque Sinfonia join forces to fill the Minster Nave with glorious sound with a performance of Bach’s majestic B Minor Mass, conducted by Artistic Director Marcus Farnsworth. One of Bach’s grandest works, expect sizzling choruses and heart-rending solos, making it one of the most joyous experiences in music. Not to be missed!
The Bach theme continues into Monday, with singers of all abilities invited to participate in the Festival’s Come and Sing: Bach Magnificat. A morning rehearsal is followed by a performance, with singers performing alongside professional soloists, accompanied by the Festival Baroque Sinfonia.
Bach’s music is also featured in the Festival’s Surround Sounds series, where audiences experience live music in the intimate setting of the Minster’s Chapter House. And night owls can round off their Saturday evening with a Live and Late performance of Bach’s Goldberg Variations.
Bringing Latin jazz and soulful grooves to Southwell, the Festival welcomes rising jazz star Inês Loubet for a Sunday afternoon gig in the Marquee, and there will be two opportunities to enjoy an hour of much-loved songs from the shows and musical greats as the Festival Cabaret takes up residence in Southwell Library on Friday and Saturday.
2025 sees the return of the ever-popular Saturday afternoon Musical Picnic. Families and friends can come together in the Minster’s Palace Gardens to enjoy performances by young musicians from The Minster School, the Nottingham Samba Collective, and the Nottingham Youth Jazz Orchestra. There will be plenty to keep everyone entertained, including craft activities, face painting and picnics!
A new addition to the programme will be a Saturday afternoon Relaxed Concert, One and All. This will be a welcoming, inclusive musical experience for everyone, specially designed for those who benefit from a more relaxed performance setting, including families with young children and individuals with sensory or communication needs, learning disabilities, or neurodiversity.
Once again, the Festival Fringe returns with free performances in venues and outdoor locations across Southwell, this year raising money for Inspire Youth Arts Able Orchestra. Local musicians, groups, and ensembles can now apply to perform as part of the Fringe. Head to the Southwell Music Festival website to find out more.
Southwell Music Festival Founder and Artistic Director Marcus Farnsworth said:
“It’s wonderful to be back with our signature eclectic programme, bringing four jam-packed days of live music to our beautiful Nottinghamshire town. We’re proud to offer an extraordinary range of performances, taking full advantage of the stunning venues that make Southwell the perfect festival town. There’s something for everyone, and I can’t wait to share it with you.”
As a registered charity, Southwell Music Festival also welcomes new sponsors, donors, partners and volunteers. If you or your business wants to make a difference to arts in the region by supporting Southwell Music Festival 2025, please email SAR@southwellmusicfestival.com.
Posted on 27 May 2025
