A week of music, conversation, and celebration has once again put a spotlight on one of Britain’s most celebrated composers.
The 2026 Elgar Festival wrapped up its programme with an expanded line-up of 27 events across 15 venues in Worcestershire and beyond, offering a vibrant tribute to the life and legacy of Sir Edward Elgar.
Concerts, talks, exhibitions, and community events drew crowds of more than 2,500 people, with performers aged ranging from six to 90.
Kenneth Woods, artistic director of the festival, said: “Elgar was a tireless champion of the contemporary music of his own time, and the festival honours his legacy by supporting living composers in as many ways as possible.
“We are delighted that this year’s festival was so well received.”
This year’s programme featured a mix of orchestral masterpieces, chamber works, choral anthems, and lesser-known pieces, showcasing the full breadth of Elgar’s output.
Cellist Jiaxin Lloyd Webber performed with her husband, festival patron Julian Lloyd Webber in Great Malvern (Image: Michael Whitefoot)
It brought together world-class professional musicians and artists alongside local choirs and ensembles placing the music of Worcester’s most famous son alongside that of his contemporaries and some of today’s leading composers and arrangers.
There were several free events, relaxed concerts, a family concert, exhibitions, choral events, a film screening, Q&As, a guided walk, youth masterclasses, a multi-media community event and a growing performance partnership with students from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
Adrian Gregson, chair of the Elgar Festival, said: “We would like to say a very big thank you to all the performers and support teams who made this year’s festival such a fabulous success.”
Since its launch in 2018, the festival has grown fourfold and continues to expand each year.
It delivers an ambitious programme designed to engage both seasoned Elgar enthusiasts and new audiences alike.
Through partnerships and outreach, the festival aims to keep Elgar’s music fresh and accessible for all generations.
Next year’s Elgar Festival is scheduled to run from May 29 to June 6.
More information is available at www.elgarfestival.org.
