Looking back at 2025

Preparations for the music festival take place throughout the year but as far as the musical

programming is concerned, we are planning up to two years ahead. This year, however, has

been different. We bid farewell — and extend our heartfelt thanks — to Jonny Cohen, who has

led the festival since 2013. At the same time, we are thrilled to welcome Sir Nicholas Kenyon,

the distinguished arts administrator and writer, who has kindly agreed to take on this role. His

wisdom and experience will help shape the next chapter of the festival’s story, and we all look

forward enormously to working with him. I will therefore be announcing next year’s programme

in the coming weeks, and certainly by Christmas.

One piece of news I can already share is the launch of our Song Weekend, to be held in the

Spring at Westonbirt School, from 13–14 March 2026. This addition to the festival will allow us

to explore song in all its variety, passion and beauty, from Italian canzone and French chansons

to German Lieder. The rooms at Westonbirt will provide an intimate setting where audiences will

be closer to the artists and will hear the repertoire as it was meant to be heard. We are

especially pleased that Joseph Middleton, one of Britain’s most sought-after accompanists and

a Tetbury native, will perform in the very first concert.

The musical Best Dressed Window Competition returns for a second year to transform Tetbury

into a celebration of music, with judging by Lulu Guinness OBE, whose generous support we

warmly appreciate. Last year we raised £600 for music provision at the local primary school

and promoted our free tickets for school-age children — and the town looked wonderful.

Do please take time to admire the displays!

I have been greatly helped throughout the year by Pam Johnson and Sam Jones, long-standing

volunteers who have taken on various aspects of the administrative load. Their commitment and

good humour have transformed the task of managing the festival’s many administrative threads.

A shout out too to Nick Ullmann, our concerts manager, for his good practical advice throughout

the year.

As ever, I would like to thank our Sponsors, our Dolphin supporters, the team at St Marys’,

our volunteers, and you, our audience for your wonderful support

TETBURY MUSIC FESTIVAL