Mayfield Festival, which started in 1948, has always been an exclusively classical affair. For 2018, however, the organisers have decided to shake things up, offering alternative events to widen the festival’s appeal.
‘While it has kept classical music at its core, it has evolved and grown into a broader event. This year, it has Mendelssohn, Saint-Saens and Poulenc but also Kidenza for children, an Art Trail, a Ceilidh Band, jazz, Oz Clarkes wine and poetry.’
Chairman and CEO of the event, Steve Swanton
The festival also hosts the International Tunbridge Wells Music Festival which attracts 80 talented young musicians from around the world and 6 renowned judges. A festival of the highest quality, fun and enjoyment’ The 2018 Mayfield Festival of Music and the Arts is happening between Saturday 28th April and Sunday 13th May.
Events that have been introduce this year include ‘Poems of Home and Exile’ by renowned poets Jonty Driver and Isobel Dixon, a showing of the ground breaking 1952 film ‘Tales of Hoffman’, a Bank Holiday Ceilidh with Tinkers Bubble and an Art Trail in and around the village in which 30 local artists are opening their studios, many of which are walking distance from the village centre.
The festival is also hosting, for the second time, the Tunbridge Wells International Music Competition, which features outstanding young concert artists, many of whom will be the stars of the future. It is recognised across the world as a unique event and is bound to provide some musical gems. Students in full time education may apply for free tickets for rounds one and two of the competition.
There are still some tickets left, although some events are sold out. Full information is available on www.mayfieldfestival.co.uk
