Lichfield Festival of Music celebrates Small Charity Week with record growth and community thanks
As Small Charity Week (23-28 June) approaches, Lichfield Festival of Music is celebrating the power of small charities to make a big impact - and marking a remarkable year of growth and support within the Lichfield community.
Originally founded by the Foundation for Social Improvement (FSI) and now coordinated by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), Small Charity Week is a national campaign recognising the vital work of small charities across the UK. It champions the role they play in enriching lives, advocating for support, and ensuring their voices are heard.
Lichfield Festival of Music, a registered charity run by a small but dedicated team of volunteers, has been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural life since 1977. In 2024, the Festival saw a 57% increase in entries, reflecting both a renewed appetite for music and performance, and the Festival’s growing reputation for excellence, inclusion, and encouragement.
As it approaches its 50th anniversary, the Festival remains deeply committed to nurturing musical talent across all ages and levels - from young learners to advanced performers, children and adults - and to fostering community connection through the arts.
Sarah Elliott, CEO of NCVO said: “Small charities are the beating heart of our sector and the communities they serve. But many are now under extraordinary pressure. Costs are rising, income is falling, and demand for their support is soaring. This year, Small Charity Week shines a spotlight on financial resilience. It’s a moment to celebrate the impact of small charities, highlight the challenges they face, and call for the recognition, funding and policy change they urgently need.”
The Festival’s growth over the past year has been astonishing, and it simply wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of local businesses, organisations, and individuals who believe in the power of music to inspire and unite.
Support from sponsors, donors, and the wider community continues to be essential in keeping the Festival vibrant and accessible, and to make a number of improvements designed to sustain the Festival’s presence for the next generation of musicians. Every act of generosity, whether financial, practical or voluntary, helps ensure that music in Lichfield continues to flourish.
This Small Charity Week, the Festival invites the local community to celebrate with them: to spread the word, attend an event, offer sponsorship, or simply share in the joy that music brings.
The 2025 Lichfield Festival of Music takes place on Saturdays 8th and 15th November at Wade Street Church, Lichfield. The closing date for entries is Monday 8th September.
To learn more about Small Charity Week, visit smallcharityweek.org.uk
To support or find out more about the Lichfield Festival of Music, visit lichfieldfestivalofmusic.co.uk
