Britain's What's On Event Guide
2026 Elgar Festival - 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.
True to their philosophy of ‘Elgar for Everyone’, there are relaxed concerts, family-friendly events, free performances in iconic buildings, walks on the Malvern Hills, and world-class performances by resident orchestra, the English Symphony Orchestra, in Worcester Cathedral with special guests 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. Featured Composer is Thea Musgrave.
There is also plenty of opportunity to take part – Come and Play Elgar, join the Elgar Festival Chorus, be coached in a Young Strings Masterclass or enter a renowned young Composer Competition – the Elgar Festival has something for everybody in the community.
True to their philosophy of ‘Elgar for Everyone’, there are relaxed concerts, family-friendly events, free performances in iconic buildings, walks on the Malvern Hills, and world-class performances by resident orchestra, the English Symphony Orchestra, in Worcester Cathedral with special guests 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. Featured Composer is Thea Musgrave.
There is also plenty of opportunity to take part – Come and Play Elgar, join the Elgar Festival Chorus, be coached in a Young Strings Masterclass or enter a renowned young Composer Competition – the Elgar Festival has something for everybody in the community.
Sat 23 May to Sunday 31 May
Various venues in Worcester and across the region including Worcester Cathedral, Pershore Abbey, Great Malvern Priory, Guildhall and Henry Sandon Hall, Worcester and Elgar’s Birthplace, NT ‘The Firs’, Worcestershire WR1 2LA
Concerts and events take place throughout the day. Please refer to website for prices, times and venues.
Spread the word