Firstly, a very happy new year to you all!
Since moving to the area with my family, to take up the role of Head of Royal Academy Opera in London, I have been interested in finding a way to share the joyous and diverse world of classical music in a local setting. Happily, the impressive St. Andrew’s Church is the perfect venue for a project like this, thanks to its central location and high quality piano and organ. My sincere thanks to the League of Friends of St Andrew’s, and particularly to Claire Cannon, for their assistance in making the Festival a reality.
Over three days last summer, we offered you five concerts of the highest professional quality, with a piano recital, chamber music, an organ recital on the splendid Father Willis organ, and a vocal and operatic extravaganza to close. We welcomed over two hundred visitors over the weekend, and received great feedback from those who attended.
Check out our Highlights page for clips from four of the five concerts!
I’m delighted to be able to announce that the Festival will return for a second year, this time running from Friday June 5th to Sunday June 7th 2026. Do please mark the dates in your diary, and check back for programme and timing information in the months ahead.
At the Halstead Music Festival we set great store on ensuring the broadest possible access, especially for young people, which is why we have elected to make the entire event free for under-16s. For those over 16, each concert is competitively priced at £15, with no hidden booking fees. For those who wish to enjoy the full range on offer (or to dip in and out over the course of the weekend), we offer a Festival Ticket at £40, representing the best value for money. You will be able to reserve your tickets online from April, or pay on the door with card, cash, or cheque.
Do browse our website for further information on the concerts and artists of 2025, as well as directions for parking plus other local attractions. For any comments or queries, please email halsteadmusicfestival@gmail.com
We look forward to welcoming you to the second Halstead Music Festival in June!
Christopher White
A ticketing link will be available here from April 2026
halsteadmusicfestival.co.uk 