Elgar Festival 2026 in Worcester, Malvern and Pershore

Set against the iconic backdrop of ‘Elgar Country’, the Elgar Festival is a highlight of the West Midlands cultural calendar, this year taking place across the scenic destinations of Worcester, Malvern, and Pershore from 23 - 31 May 2026.

The festival celebrates the enduring legacy of Worcester-born composer Sir Edward Elgar (1857–1934), through a diverse programme featuring world-class artists and accessible performing experiences, talks, exhibitions and guided walks designed to attract the broadest audience.

There are opportunities to hear the English Symphony Orchestra - as Orchestra-in-Residence at the Elgar Festival, under their Conductor and Artistic Director of the festival, Kenneth Woods. Featured composer this year is 97-year-old icon of British music, Thea Musgrave, whose music abounds in colour, emotion, drama and impact. Hear Elgar’s last major orchestral work, the beloved Cello Concerto in the viola arrangement, alongside his first, ‘The Black Knight’, and some of the best musicians currently on the circuit, including Robert Hollingworth and I Fagiolini, oboist Nicholas Daniel, pianist and composer Huw Watkins, violist Rosalind Ventris alongside Classic FM presenter Zeb Soanes, world renowned Elgar record producer Andrew Keener and many more. Some of the region’s best-loved ensembles including The Elgar Chorale, The Jenny Lind Singers and Worcestershire Symphony Orchestra also take part.

A 'Come and Play Elgar' day invites amateur musicians to perform alongside members of the English Symphony Orchestra in two of Elgar’s most challenging overtures as part of a collaborative workshop. The ‘Elgar for Everyone’ Family Concert is hosted by ESO Youth’s patron, Classic FM broadcaster, composer and author Zeb Soanes, and provides an introduction to the orchestra for music lovers of all ages. Over 100 young musicians from across Elgar Country will play alongside their teachers and ESO mentors for a performance following rehearsals and workshops.

A highlight of the program includes the premiere of the winning entries from the 2026 Young Composers Competition. All concerts at the Elgar Festival offer free entry for under 18s accompanied by full-paying adults. Many other events are free-of-charge including relaxed concerts, talks, film and an exhibition. Find full details of the programme, timings, venues and how to book on the website. (Photos by Michael Whitefoot)