Wednesday, 22 July 2026 / Published in News
A choir stand on stage in Lichfield Cathedral
After a hotly-contested competition (in temperatures to match), Friday Voices from Anslow near Burton upon Trent, emerged victorious and were crowned 2026 Midlands Choir of the Year as part of
Tuesday, 21 July 2026 / Published in News, Young Critics Review
Summer transports us to the far-away sounds of Kasai Masai as she saw them with Young Critics in Lichfield this month.  As the crowd took their seats in the sweltering
Sunday, 19 July 2026 / Published in News
As the final notes sound on Lichfield Festival 2026, we’re taking a moment to look back on the whirlwind of events that have filled the last fortnight. Lichfield Festival holds
Wednesday, 15 July 2026 / Published in News, Young Critics Review
Marie Antoinette character.
Isla popped back to eighteenth century France with Liberata Collective and got the read on Marie Antoinette for Young Critics.  On Wednesday last week I had the opportunity to see
Wednesday, 08 July 2026 / Published in News, Young Critics Review
Lichfield Cathedral above a crowd
The Festival has kicked off with the high drama of Othello staged outside Lichfield Cathedral by The Lord Chamberlain’s Men. Young Critic Lucian tells us how ‘it almost felt that
Saturday, 04 July 2026 / Published in News
Holly Carter poses with a guitar
    Our America250 mini-series marks the anniversary of US Independence with a focus on an eclectic mix of music from across the pond, from jazz to classical, Hollywood musicals
Tuesday, 23 June 2026 / Published in News
Back in 2021, we tentatively programmed the first post-Covid Lichfield Festival, hopeful that audiences would want to come!  We needn’t have worried.  The escapism of music, drama and dance was
Monday, 15 June 2026 / Published in News
Dancers on stage in Ballet Cymru's Sleeping Beauty
The exceptional Welsh dance company Ballet Cymru are true Lichfield Festival favourites who always leave the audience spellbound with their magnificent performances. In their 40th anniversary year, they’re back with
Wednesday, 10 June 2026 / Published in News
A man sits at a guitar with a microphone
For many years now, one of the Festival’s focusses has been its jazz output, and 2026 is no different as we welcome a host of the UK’s most talented jazz
Tuesday, 26 May 2026 / Published in News
A woman stands in front of a coloured wall with an alto saxophone
Livewire performer Jess Gillam is one of the most recognisable saxophone players in the world.  She became the first saxophonist to reach the BBC Young Musician finals in 2016, the
Wednesday, 13 May 2026 / Published in News
A group of singers in a horseshoe, led by a conductor
After an incredible live Semi-Final on Sunday 10th May, when we were treated the most glorious day of stunning singing, we are thrilled to announce that the finalists for Midlands
Thursday, 23 April 2026 / Published in News
Two women stand in a desert playing a violin and cello
Tickets can now be booked for all events in the Summer Festival, taking place from 7 – 19 July 2026. We’ve got some fantastic shows coming to Lichfield in a
Saturday, 18 April 2026 / Published in News, Young Critics Review
Annaya looks back on Annie Garthwaite’s appearance at Lichfield Literature Festival, she tells us what we should learn from historical women and how Garthwaite came to write ‘The Kings Mother’.
Thursday, 16 April 2026 / Published in News
Jess Gillam with saxophone.
Lichfield is gearing up for an unforgettable July as we announce our exciting 2026 programme; bringing together an eclectic mix of artistic events and innovative performances, spanning drama, dance, literature,
Wednesday, 15 April 2026 / Published in News, Young Critics Review
Two men sit on a stage in front of a seated audience
Young Critic, Emelia, got the chance to hear Masud Husain speak about his new book ‘Our brains, our selves’ at Lichfield Literature Festival in March. At the Hub at St
Monday, 06 April 2026 / Published in News, Young Critics Review
Book cover of Intelligence written by Robert Newman.
Young Critic, Amy, looks back on Rob Newman’s visit to Lichfield Literature Festival. With Newman’s takes on the benefits of comedian-authors and 1930s female philosophers, it was an event that
Tuesday, 31 March 2026 / Published in News
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, our Big Give Arts For Impact campaign raised over £11,000 including £3750 in match funding, which will provide free music lessons for 180
Monday, 30 March 2026 / Published in News, Young Critics Review
Arthur Snell and an interviewer sit on a stage facing an audience
Near death experiences and how we should maybe think about moving the Canada. Young Critic, Harper, shares her thoughts on Arthur Snell’s visit to Lichfield Literature Festival to talk about
Tuesday, 24 March 2026 / Published in News, Young Critics Review
Book cover of Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things written by Pierre Novellie.
Lucian got the chance to hear Pierre Novellie speak about his new book at this years Lichfield Literature Festival. Covering everything from Warhammer to Einstein, read Lucian’s thoughts on the
Tuesday, 10 March 2026 / Published in News
Pupils enjoying their lessons at Charnwood Primary Academy
“Everyone was included and no one was left out.” With music increasingly squeezed from the curriculum, many children will never experience the joy of learning an instrument unless they come
Thursday, 05 March 2026 / Published in News
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We’re delighted to announce that the winner of our 2026 Tiny Stories competition is Sophie Webb, age 9! Young writers from across the Lichfield area were tasked with writing a
Tuesday, 10 February 2026 / Published in News
Two people in discussion on stage in front of the Lichfield Literature Festival logo.
Lichfield Literature Festival is back for its 20th year, to inspire, inform and entertain! As always, we are joined by a star-studded line-up of award-winning writers from the worlds of
Tuesday, 27 January 2026 / Published in News
A person with curly hair writes on paper during a book or writing workshop at Lichfield Festival.
Beacon brings together cultural venues, local creatives, educational settings and community groups to celebrate and support creativity across Lichfield District. We’re really excited to be launching Beacon, a brand-new Local
Tuesday, 16 December 2025 / Published in News, Young Critics Review
View down the nave of Lichfield Cathedral, lit by blue and red lights, a choir dressed in black stands at the end
‘As we all know from ‘How the Grinch stole Christmas’, [singing and celebrating together] is the true spirit of the holiday.’ One of our young critics, Amy, got the chance
Thursday, 11 December 2025 / Published in News
A workshop leader is visible in front of a screen, viewed from behind some children.
Every year, Lichfield Festival offers not only performances, but a whole selection of creative opportunities for young people to explore, create and express themselves through our learning and participation strand,
Tuesday, 02 December 2025 / Published in News
The Midlands Choir of the Year and Rayburn Tours logos
Lichfield Festival are delighted to announce a new partnership with Rayburn Tours, who join us as proud Principal Sponsors of Midlands Choir of the Year 2026!   Rayburn Tours have
Friday, 14 November 2025 / Published in News
A group of singers performing by candelight
Ex Cathedra will return to the majestic surroundings of Lichfield Cathedral on 5 December for an evening that has become one of the quiet treasures of the festive season. Presented
Friday, 24 October 2025 / Published in ASPIRE! Previous Projects, News
Festival staff sit in discussion with school pupils at the Creative Careers event.
Our Creative Careers Day and Webinar, presented in collaboration with Lichfield Arts, was an exciting event designed to give young people and emerging creatives the chance to explore diverse career
Wednesday, 08 October 2025 / Published in News
A view from behind of audience members sat in rows in a converted church, as Festival Director Damian Thantrey speaks.
Last weekend, Lichfield came alive with the sounds of exquisite chamber music as the 2025 Lichfield Chamber Music Festival was held. Running from 2 – 5 October 2nd in intimate
Friday, 03 October 2025 / Published in News
A Festival staff member watches a saxophonist on a TV screen
We’re looking for a passionate and committed Head of Partnerships & Giving to join our team. Someone who is great at building relationships, both with corporate partners and HNW Individuals,