The Villages Music Festival

19/06/2026

16/06/2026

Tickets for The Astatine Trio at Ripe Church on Friday 19th June are available at villagesmusicfestival.org; their programme includes The Archduke Trio

12/06/2026

The Villages Music Festival is very pleased to welcome The Astatine Trio back to Ripe, in the intimate setting of Ripe Church, on Friday 19th June.

Since their last concert with us, in 2024, they've been accoladed as Radio 3 New Generation artists, and are now in a busy 2026 schedule. January saw performances on Radio 3's In Tune, and at King's Place and St Luke's in London; in February there were trips to historic venues in Holland Park and Hastings; March included a visit to the Lizst Academy in Budapest; May brought concerts at the Norwich and Norfolk Festival and the Brighton Festival, before travel to Japan for the Osaka International Chamber Music Festa.

After Ripe, the diary already includes visits to Paris, the Cheltenham Festival and the International Music Festival of Savona, Italy. Tickets for Friday are available online at villagesmusicfestival.org

06/07/2025

A grand finale to the Villages Music Festival 2025; Linda Glenn leading the Modulus Quartet, Laughton Village Choir and soloists in an exultant performance of Handel's Dixit Dominus, in front of a rapt audience at Holy Cross Church, Uckfield.

Thanks to all our musicians, supporters, donors, volunteers and audiences.

30/06/2025

🎶 The Grand Finale – A Joyous Celebration of Music in Uckfield 🎶

Join us on Saturday 5th July at Holy Cross Church, Uckfield (TN22 1BP) for an uplifting evening to close the Villages Music Festival in style.

Experience the extraordinary sound of the Modulus Quartet, known for their bold and immediate take on contemporary music – their passion is utterly infectious.

Two rising-star vocal soloists will also take to the stage – including one with a rather fascinating dilemma: pursue a career in science or follow their musical calling?

At the heart of the evening: Handel’s sparkling Dixit Dominus, written when the composer was just 22. Joyous, fast-paced and full of life, it promises to send you off in high spirits.

🍷 After the performance (6–7:15pm), join the choir for drinks and raise a glass to a fabulous festival fortnight.

Tickets: £15 online / £20 on the door
Book in advance to avoid disappointment!

https://www.villagesmusicfestival.org/2025/classical-concert

The Villages Music Festival brings together the communities of Ripe, Laughton and Chalvington in a celebration of live music...

29/06/2025

Thanks to Andy Neate and Los Twangueros https://www.facebook.com/twangueros for adding some very classy chill to our cream teas at The Villages Music Festival, in the gardens of April Cottage, with views to the Downs.

More music to come all this week: book your tickets at villagesmusicfestival.org

29/06/2025

A moving, engaging and witty take on Puccini's most romantic opera La Boheme was delivered by the Regents Opera team in the gardens of Limekiln Farm last night. If it comes near you, book now (https://regentsopera.com/boheme)

Meanwhile we have cool jazz, debate and Handel's Dixit Dominus still to come in the week ahead; get your Festival tickets at villagesmusicfestival.org

28/06/2025

What does the future of music in Britain really look like?

Join us for a thought-provoking evening of discussion, debate, and discovery at Laughton Village Hall this Wednesday 2nd July from 6–9pm.

Our distinguished panel includes:
• Richard Morrison – Chief Music Critic at The Times
• Professor Georgina Born OBE FBA – UCL academic and Ripe resident
• Will Hancox – Pianist and Director of MusicBox
• Rosie Ann Page – Singer, actor, teacher
Chaired by Paul Boucher

Expect lively conversation, the chance to ask your own questions, followed by refreshments and a special performance by a vocal quartet.

Tickets just £15 per person.
Reserve your seat now and be part of the conversation.

https://www.villagesmusicfestival.org/2025/a-panel-discussion

As Richard Morrison puts it:

“The future of classical music in Britain seems on a knife-edge… we may have to look for other answers.”

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to engage with some of the leading voices shaping the musical landscape.

Villages Music Festival presents A Panel Discussion - Music: What is the future? , featuring A panel discussion on the future of music in the UK, featuring Richard Morrison, Art Critic of The Times newspaper, Georgina Born, OBE FBA, Professor of Anthropology and Music at University College, London,....

27/06/2025

Just one day to go!

The Villages Music Festival opens tomorrow evening with Puccini’s La Bohème, performed by the superb Regents Opera.

📍 Limekiln Farm, Chalvington, BN27 3TA
🗓️ Saturday 28th June | Gates open at 5pm | £40 (includes a glass of prosecco)

We have a small number of tickets left - book ahead if you can. Some may be available on the door, but we can’t promise!