Lichfield Festival has announced an exciting 2026 programme which brings together an eclectic mix of artistic events and innovative performances, spanning drama, dance, literature, comedy, and music of every kind.
A melting pot of stellar performers, inspiring new talent and local voices, Lichfield Festival takes place over thirteen days from 7-19 July across multiple venues in the city. Headline artists performing in Lichfield Cathedral include thrilling first appearances by MOJO Award-winning singer-songwriter Rumer, and charismatic saxophonist and broadcaster Jess Gillam; and return visits from ‘first lady of folk’ Kate Rusby, and guitarist Xuefei Yang with flamenco dancer Maria Vega following their captivating debut in 2021. World-renowned KNDS Fairey Brass Band play live to a screening of Wallace and Gromit’s comedy outing The Wrong Trousers and Ballet Cymru bring exceptional dancing, distinctive costumes and Tchaikovsky’s gorgeous music to the classic fairytale The Sleeping Beauty.
Among events marking the 250th anniversary of US Independence is a walking tour with local historian Jono Oates highlighting Lichfield’s own American links. Festival favourites the BBC National Orchestra of Wales give an all-American programme including works by Copland and Barber, while St Paul’s Cathedral organist, James Orford, plays American music in recital. There’s glitz and glamour from celebrity duo, singer Liza Pulman (of Fascinating Aida fame) and pianist Joe Stilgoe in Hooray for Hollywood, and Americana from award-winning guitarist/vocalist Holly Carter.
French icons also feature as a theme this year. Cassiopeia Berkeley-Agyepong celebrates the life of legendary dancer, singer and darling of the Jazz Age Josephine Baker, vocalist Jess Walker shines a light on cabaret chanteuse Barbara, and Liberata Collective explore the life and myth of Marie Antoinette in a costumed performance with Baroque music and gesture. A plethora of other highlights includes Lichfield-born writer Katie Arnstein’s comic tribute to her home city, jazz singer Clare Teal, former BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winner Jim Moray, Festival Associate Artists and early music recorder ensemble Palisander, and comedian and Radio 4 stalwart Simon Evans. Chart-topping duo The Ayoub Sisters play Scottish/Egyptian fusion and innovative Aurora Percussion Duo use an array of instruments and even body percussion in their performance.
For history lovers, there are literary events with renowned Tudor historians Tracy Borman and Alison Weir. Lesley Smith gives a costumed portrayal as Nell Gwynne, and Andrew Margerison is ’That Knave, Raleigh’, reflecting on a life of glory as he awaits his fate in the Tower of London. Tributes to much-missed celebrities include a Festival commission Victoria Wood in Cabaret created by Amy J Payne, while Ronnie Scott’s Artistic Director and pianist James Pearson pays homage to the great jazz pianist, actor and comedian Dudley Moore. Running throughout the Festival in Lichfield Cathedral (from Thursday 9 July) is Laura Page’s free-to-attend exhibition Hidden Depths, a series of photographic portraits that reimagine ageing and defy stereotypes of what it is to be older.
Opening Lichfield Festival on Tuesday 7 July are stellar Shakespeare company, The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, whose outdoor performances draw huge crowds. They perform Othello as the Bard would have known it – with an all-male cast and Elizabethan costumes. Rachmaninoff’s serenely beautiful Vespers, sung by Birmingham choir Ex Cathedra, create an atmospheric evening in the Cathedral, with more multi-genre choral music featuring as the Midlands Choir of Year 2026 reaches its exciting climax.
Rachmaninoff also features in the late-night Cathedral recital that closes this year’s event: pianist Junyan Chen is a former Festival Young Artist and now returns as second prize-winner of the highly prestigious Leeds International Piano Competition. Damian Thantrey, Director of Lichfield Festival, said: “As with every summer Festival, we’re incredibly excited to be working with and welcoming such a wonderful mix of top talent to Lichfield, covering all genres, and the city will be full to bursting with performers and audiences this July.”
Lichfield Festival is grateful for the support of 2026 Principal Corporate Partners McArthurGlen West Midlands, Rayburn Tours, Aqua Pura, Pegasus Homes, Lichfield District Council and Arts Council England and runs from 7-19 July 2026. Priority booking for Lichfield Festival Friends opened on Thursday 9 April.
