Today we’re thrilled to announce that there will be a second Halstead Music Festival, running from June 5-7 this year.
Since moving to the area with my family, to take up the role of Head of Royal Academy Opera in London, I have been interested in finding a way to share the joyous and diverse world of classical music in a local setting. Happily, the impressive St. Andrew’s Church is the perfect venue for a project like this, thanks to its central location and high quality piano and organ. My sincere thanks to the League of Friends of St Andrew’s, and particularly to Claire Cannon, for their assistance in making the Festival a reality.
Over three days last summer, we offered you five concerts of the highest professional quality, with a piano recital, chamber music, an organ recital on the splendid Father Willis organ, and a vocal and operatic extravaganza to close. We welcomed over two hundred visitors over the weekend, and received great feedback from those who attended.
This year, we will kick off the Festival on Friday 5th at 7.30 with a piano recital by Christopher White from the Royal Academy of Music, and we are also so happy to welcome back the talented young Scintilla Quartet for a Vienna-inspired programme on Saturday 6th at 4pm.
The Sunday concerts this year are devoted to the organ (2pm) and the human voice (7pm): we’re delighted with how these programmes are taking shape! As ever, refreshments are provided by the League of Friends of St Andrew’s, to whom we are incredibly grateful. The afternoon tea after the organ recital is a particular highlight!
Details for each concert can be found on our 2026 concerts page, with excerpts from last year’s concerts still available to enjoy on our Highlights page!
At the Halstead Music Festival we set great store on ensuring the broadest possible access, especially for young people, which is why we have elected to make the entire event free for under-16s. For those over 16, each concert is competitively priced at £15, with no hidden booking fees. For those who wish to enjoy the full range on offer (or to dip in and out over the course of the weekend), we offer a Festival Ticket at £50, representing the best value for money. Tickets can be booked online (see link below)from April, or pay on the door with card, cash, or cheque.
Do browse our website for further information on the concerts and artists of 2026, as well as directions for parking plus other local attractions. For any comments or queries, please email halsteadmusicfestival@gmail.com
We look forward to welcoming you to the second Halstead Music Festival in June!
Christopher White
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/halstead-music-festival-2026-4281273
halsteadmusicfestival.co.uk 