A CHANGE OF FOCUS: IN 2026 WE WILL BECOME “A CELEBRATION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE”

Times change and needs change. Our Festival, currently named Buxton Music, Speech and Drama Festival, will acquire a new focus during 2026. It was established as a vocal and choral festival in 1907 and has survived wars, economic hard times and pandemics. It has continued to adapt and has thrived in good times too, as the performing arts scene in Buxton has diversified and matured. The Festival has augmented its original vocal and choral offering with instrumental music, speech and drama according to demand. We also have a new banner design thanks to Megan Thomas of Wren and Folk.

The 2026 Dates, Times and venues have now been chosen

This season’s dates will be:

• Friday 15th May 206
• Saturday 16th May 2026

We are currently using only one location, The Buxton Methodist Church, Chapel St, Buxton SK17 6HX.

The Festival has always been run by a small group of committed people who are happy to give some of their time to ensure that it survives into its second century.  If you would like to join us as a volunteer, please speak to any member of the committee, you will be made most welcome!

You may also like to consider becoming a Friend of the Festival.  For £25 (or more if you would like to make a donation) you will receive free entry to all Festival events and free refreshments at the Winners’ Concert.  To become a Friend drop an email to the treasurer, Charles Huff, on admin@buxtonmsdfestival.co.uk, call our chairperson on 01298 24573 or speak to any member of the committee.