Calne Music & Arts Festival will hold its Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 19th February, at 7.30pm in the Harris Room at The Lansdowne Strand.
Festival chairman John Boaler said committee members have already been busy planning this year’s festival, which will run from 3rd October to the 10th October, with much of the programme now confirmed.
Among the returning highlights will be The Magnificent AKs, described as “Wiltshire’s singing men”, who proved popular with audiences last year and will be back by demand.
The festival’s jazz evening will feature the Burgundy Street Stompers, bringing New Orleans-style jazz to Calne, while this year’s chamber concert will include Schubert’s String Quintet, described by Mr Boaler as “sublime”. The concert has been put together by festival patron Brett Dean and will feature internationally-renowned cellist Adrian Brendel.
The festival will open on 3rd October 2026 with a Family Day, offering a range of free activities. Over the following week there will be around 20 separate events, including talks on art and wildlife photography, drama performances, concerts by local choirs, lunchtime recitals and opera. The festival’s open Art Exhibition will also run throughout the week.
Mr Boaler said the festival aims to introduce audiences to new experiences as well as familiar favourites.
“We hope there will be something there for everyone,” he said. “If you have never listened to jazz, been to a talk on art or heard a piano recital, do come along and hopefully discover that you enjoy it.”
Members of the public are welcome to attend the AGM, where organisers will also be encouraging new volunteers to get involved with the festival.
Want to know what’s on in Calne? Visit our local events page for listings and to find out how to add your own events for free. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news. Have you got a story for us? Email editor@calnenews.com
