Choral music festival to return for 71st year

The Edington Music Festival will return this month for its 71st year, providing a week of choral services and performances. 

The festival will return to Edington Priory Church from Sunday 23rd August to Sunday 30th August. 

“The theme this year is The Tree of Life, which offers scope for wide-ranging consideration of life, death and everything in between, and for glorious music to punctuate the theme,” said Anne Curtis from the festival. 

“The festival has a new director this year, Alexander Hamilton, who is director of music at His Majesty’s Chapel Royal, Hampton Court Palace. The Nave Choir, where the best girl and boy choristers from the UK’s cathedrals and chapels join their male counterparts, will be directed for the first time by Alexander Pott, formerly a festival organist, and assistant organist and acting director of music at Magdalen College, Oxford.” 

Three choirs – Nave, Consort and Schola – together with three festival organists and guest organists will perform throughout the week. The Mozart Requiem will form the framework for the Solemn Requiem service at 8pm on Friday 28th August. 

“Highlights of the week will be the live recording by BBC Radio 3 on Wednesday 26th August, followed by the annual fun Musical Supper which raises funds for community and parish facilities,” said Anne. 

Tickets for the Musical Supper cost £35 and can be purchased from Hugh at musicalsupper@edingtonfestival.org or on 01225 754626. 

There will also be a celebratory lunch at 1pm on Saturday 29th August, provided by two long-term supporters of the festival. 

“The aim is to give festival-comers a relaxed opportunity to meet those involved with festival infrastructure,” said Anne. 

Places are available on a first come, first served basis. To book a place or find out more, contact Susie Hancock on secretary@edingtonfriends.org.uk or 01225 754626.  

For the full programme of events, visit edingtonfestival.org/2026-2 

Picture: The 60th anniversary of the festival in 2015