Founded in 1981, Lichfield Festival continues to be one of the Midlands’ most vibrant and inclusive celebrations of the arts. Each summer, our 11-day multi-arts festival transforms the historic cathedral city of Lichfield into a hub of creativity, presenting over 60 events that span mainstream, contemporary and classical genres. From comedy to classical music, folk to family workshops, our goal is simple: to ensure arts for all.

The Festival has now evolved into a year-round cultural programme that inspires, connects and delights audiences across Staffordshire and beyond. Alongside the flagship Summer Festival, we now present Lichfield Literature Festival; a four-day celebration each March exploring new ideas with 20+ critically-acclaimed writers and debut authors, an Autumnal Chamber Music Weekend; a return to our classical roots with four days of sublime music in intimate venues, and a festive Christmas concert in Lichfield Cathedral in early December.

Across recent years, our stages have welcomed a dazzling array of artists, writers and performers, reflecting the Festival’s commitment to excellence and diversity. Recent guests and performers include Tony Hadley, Kate Rusby, The Unthanks, KT Tunstall, Mark Watson, Nitin Sawhney, Mica Paris, Eddi Reader, Ballet Cymru, the BBC Concert Orchestra, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Grimethorpe Colliery Band, and the London Community Gospel Choir. Our literary and spoken word events have featured acclaimed writers and thinkers such as Alison Weir, Tracy Borman, Paterson Joseph, Simon Mayo, Mark Watson, Bobby Seagull and Justin Webb. Together, they embody the Festival’s dynamic blend of music, theatre, literature, dance, cabaret and comedy; a rich tapestry of experiences that makes every season unique.

Our Learning & Participation programme also continues to flourish, empowering young people and nurturing local talent. The newly launched Young Creatives initiative supports aspiring artists through mentorship, collaboration and performance opportunities, while the revamped Young Critics scheme gives emerging voices a platform to explore arts journalism. Meanwhile, our Music in Schools project now provides free instrumental lessons to over 150 local primary school children, helping to ensure that music education remains accessible to all.

With its blend of world-class artistry, community spirit and deep local roots, Lichfield Festival stands as a cornerstone of the Staffordshire cultural calendar; a celebration of creativity, connection and shared experience. Whether you are a lifelong supporter or discovering us for the first time, we invite you to join us and experience world-class events on your doorstep