Latest update: the 2017 Thaxted Festival will run from Friday 23 June to Sunday 16 July!

The 2016 Festival marked the centenary of the first concerts to be held in Thaxted Parish Church, organised at Whitsuntide 1916 by Gustav Holst.

He and fellow composer Ralph Vaughan Williams did much to encourage music-making in the town over subsequent years, with the later involvement of Holst's daughter Imogen.

Our 2016 programme celebrated Thaxted's links with Gustav Holst and his founding events, while continuing to offer the diversity of performance for which the modern Festival is celebrated.

Since its re-founding in 1980, Thaxted Festival has attracted the very best of British and international musicians, in genres ranging from orchestral, chamber and vocal music to jazz, folk, big-band and popular standards, from early music to contemporary compositions.

Audiences and performers alike enjoy the superb acoustics and uplifting architecture of Thaxted's spacious Parish Church and appreciate the relaxed, informal atmosphere of our events.

Events for younger audiences, and educational projects with local schools, form an important part of the Festival's activity.

Thaxted itself offers hospitality and refreshment, and many scenic picnic opportunities, so that there is nowhere better to enjoy a summer evening of music!

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Join the Thaxted Music Lovers scheme:

Support Thaxted Festival and enjoy special booking privileges and other benefits at Bronze, Silver or Gold level.