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Lichfield Festival of Music Hits New High in 2025

The Lichfield Festival of Music is celebrating another year of remarkable growth, welcoming 235 amateur performers to its 2025 Festival - a 31% increase on 2024, which itself saw entries rise by 57%.

By contributor David Barton
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Founded in 1977, the Festival has long held a cherished place in the musical life of the city and surrounding area. After a period of uncertainty just a few years ago, this renewed momentum signals a powerful revival. Performers are travelling not only from Staffordshire and the West Midlands, but from as far afield as Cornwall, Nottinghamshire, Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Worcestershire, and Derbyshire. Entrants range across all ages and ability levels, reflecting the Festival’s inclusive spirit.

Almost all sections have seen growth this year, with the most striking development in the solo instrumental classes, which experienced a 95% increase in entries.

Festival Chair, Ken Howcroft, said: “To see the Festival flourish in this way, nearly fifty years after it began, is deeply heartening. The enthusiasm of performers, parents, teachers, and accompanists has been truly inspiring.”

An award being made to a performer at the Lichfield Festival of Music
An award being made to a performer at the Lichfield Festival of Music

The Festival is made possible through the generous support of sponsors. Moseleys Solicitors return as a Festival Sponsor, alongside many trophy sponsors. A substantial grant from the Community Foundation for Staffordshire and Shropshire has enabled significant improvements this year, including a move to a larger venue, Wade Street Church, Lichfield. The Festival also welcomes Kawai as Piano Partner, working with Vale Pianos, Evesham, to provide two high-quality acoustic pianos for competitors.

The public are warmly invited to attend Festival events:

  • Saturday 8th November (10:30am–9pm) – piano and vocal classes

  • Saturday 15th November (10:30am–5:30pm) – vocal, choral, instrumental and ensemble classes

  • Festival Concert: Saturday 15th November, 7:30pm – showcasing outstanding performances from across the Festival

A children's choir performing at the Lichfield Festival of Music
A children's choir performing at the Lichfield Festival of Music

All performances take place at Wade Street Church, Lichfield. Tickets are available on the door: Day tickets £3 for adults (under-18s free); Festival Concert £6 for adults (under-18s free).

Festival Chair, Ken Howcroft, added: “The Festival is not only a celebration of music but of community. We look forward to welcoming audiences old and new to share in the performances and to continue the Festival’s proud tradition.”

To support or find out more about the Lichfield Festival of Music, visit https://lichfieldfestivalofmusic.co.uk