Etchingham Music Festival

23/06/2026

People are always saying:
“We must support local events.”
“We need more community spirit.”
“Someone should organise things around here.”

Well… unfortunately for you, someone did.

So now you actually have to come.

Etchingham Music Festival 2026 begins in less than a week with world-class musicians, beautiful summer evenings, jazz, Beethoven, wine, conversation, atmosphere and a church full of people pretending they totally understand chamber music.

Independent local festivals only survive because people turn up, bring friends and support them — and we promise this one is rather special.

So this is your official opportunity to support the community while also having an excellent evening out.

Honestly, it’s basically volunteering.

Admittedly, slightly unusual volunteering because you do still have to buy a ticket… but sadly the Steinway hire company remains stubbornly committed to capitalism.

(For legal reasons and piano-related karma, we should add that we absolutely love Steinway and are very grateful for their magnificent pianos.)

22/06/2026

Less than a week to go until the opening concert of Etchingham Music Festival 2026…

Which means it is now perfectly acceptable to:
• dramatically listen to Beethoven while making tea
• pretend you know what “opus” means
• tell people you are “attending a recital”
• and spend an evening in a beautiful church with a glass in hand listening to world-class music instead of watching rubbish on television

Come on — get out of the house, bring your friends, support live music, support local events and experience something real.

We’ve got orchestras, chamber music, jazz, rising international stars, a lovely atmosphere… and yes, there is a bar.

St Mary’s Church is only a short walk from Etchingham station, so even the train can do most of the hard work for you.

19/06/2026

Did you know that Sergei Rachmaninov once performed here in East Sussex?

During the golden years of Hastings’ classical music scene, Rachmaninov appeared at the White Rock Theatre in both 1935 and 1936, performing with the Hastings Municipal Orchestra to great acclaim. At that time, Hastings was a major cultural centre, attracting some of the greatest musicians in the world to the Sussex coast.

It is remarkable to think that audiences in our corner of Sussex once experienced one of history’s greatest pianists and composers performing live just a short distance from Etchingham.

Today, that rich musical tradition continues through organisations such as Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra and festivals like Etchingham Music Festival — bringing world-class musicians back into intimate local spaces where live music can still be experienced up close and shared as a community.

There is something rather special about knowing that this part of Sussex has such a deep and enduring musical heritage.

18/06/2026

In a world where more and more of life is lived through screens, messages and remote conversations, there is something truly special about coming together to share a live experience.

Etchingham Music Festival is more than a series of concerts — it is a gathering of people who love music, atmosphere, conversation and community. An opportunity to pause, listen, connect and feel something together in real time.

There is nothing quite like live music filling the beautiful space of St Mary’s Church — the sound, the energy, the silence between notes, the shared experience with friends and strangers alike.

Whether you come for the orchestra, the chamber music, the jazz supper or simply the atmosphere, we promise an unforgettable experience that will stir the senses and lift the spirit.

And yes… there is a bar.

Come and be part of it.

Buy tickets for music, comedy, theatre, film, festivals and much more - with the best service in UK ticketing

16/06/2026

Let the train take the strain and enjoy a summer evening at Etchingham Music Festival 2026.

St Mary’s Church is just a short walk from Etchingham railway station, with convenient direct services from London, Tunbridge Wells, Hastings and surrounding areas — making it wonderfully easy to enjoy world-class live music in the heart of the Sussex countryside.

Leave the car behind, step off the train and into an unforgettable evening of music in one of Sussex’s most beautiful historic churches.

Tickets are on sale now:
https://wegottickets.com/EtchinghamMusicFestival

Buy tickets for music, comedy, theatre, film, festivals and much more - with the best service in UK ticketing

16/06/2026

We are delighted to welcome violinist Sara Trickey and pianist Dan Tong to Etchingham Music Festival 2026 for what promises to be a beautiful and deeply expressive afternoon of chamber music.

This special programme explores the musical connections between Beethoven, Schumann and Brahms — tracing inspiration across generations through some of the greatest violin sonatas ever written.

The recital will include Beethoven’s Sonatas in A minor Op.23 and G major Op.78, followed by Schumann’s Sonata in A minor Op.23 and Brahms’ Sonata in G major Op.78.

Renowned for their sensitive and compelling performances, Sara Trickey and Dan Tong bring exceptional musicianship and insight to this remarkable programme in the intimate setting of St Mary’s Church, Etchingham.

Sunday 5th July 2026
4.00 pm

Tickets:
https://wegottickets.com/EtchinghamMusicFestival

16/06/2026

Join us for a very special evening at Etchingham Music Festival 2026 with the wonderful Dime Notes.

Known for their infectious energy, vintage style and outstanding musicianship, The Dime Notes will bring an evening of swinging blues and classic jazz to St Mary’s Church in memory of Lucky Shepherd, our long-standing friend and supporter.

This much-loved festival evening combines great live music, good company and a delicious supper by Adam Newington in the unique atmosphere of Etchingham Music Festival.

A joyful summer evening not to be missed.

Saturday 4th July 2026
7.30 pm
St Mary’s Church, Etchingham

Tickets:
https://wegottickets.com/EtchinghamMusicFestival

16/06/2026

We are incredibly fortunate to welcome Thomas Kelly to Etchingham Music Festival 2026.

Thomas is one of Britain’s most exciting rising pianists and an alumnus of the Royal College of Music, where he currently holds the prestigious Benjamin Britten Fellowship. Earlier this year he was awarded 2nd Prize at the Liszt Utrecht Competition, performing Liszt’s Piano Concerto No.2 with the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra.

His rapidly growing international career has already taken him to major venues including Wigmore Hall in London and the Philharmonie Berlin, with upcoming performances across Europe, South Korea and the United States.

Despite this extraordinary success, we are delighted that Thomas will join us in the intimate setting of St Mary’s Church, Etchingham, for a special recital featuring Beethoven’s magnificent Waldstein Sonata, Andante Favori and more.

A rare opportunity to hear one of the great young talents of British classical music at the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career.

Tuesday 30th June 2026
7.30 pm

Tickets:
https://wegottickets.com/EtchinghamMusicFestival

09/06/2026

We are delighted to welcome Richard Evans and Trinity Music Academy to Etchingham Music Festival 2026.

Based at Trinity School in Croydon, Trinity Music Academy has earned an outstanding reputation for nurturing exceptionally talented young musicians aged 8–18, combining musical excellence with a deep commitment to developing creativity, individuality and leadership.

Under the direction of Richard Evans, the Academy has inspired a new generation of performers through its passion, dedication and outstanding musical training.

This annual concert has become one of the festival’s most joyful traditions — a wonderful opportunity to hear some of the brightest young musical talent in an intimate and inspiring setting.

Sunday 28th June 2026
4.00 pm
St Mary’s Church, Etchingham

Tickets:
https://wegottickets.com/EtchinghamMusicFestival

01/06/2026

We are delighted that Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra will open Etchingham Music Festival 2026.

Under the direction of conductor Marcio da Silva, HPO has become one of the South East’s most exciting professional orchestras, known for its passionate performances and commitment to bringing exceptional classical music to local audiences.

Joining the orchestra will be Pasha Mansurov (flute) and Aleksandra Mansurova (violin) performing C.P.E. Bach’s Flute Concerto in D minor, alongside Tscherepnin’s Chamber Concerto and Beethoven’s magnificent Eroica Symphony.

An unforgettable opening night awaits in the beautiful setting of St Mary’s Church, Etchingham.

Saturday 27th June 2026
7.30 pm

Tickets:
https://wegottickets.com/EtchinghamMusicFestival