Taking place in Thaxted’s magnificently spacious Parish Church, Thaxted Festival offers a relaxed atmosphere, the highest standards of performance from renowned professional artists, the superb natural acoustics of Thaxted Church, and a warm welcome in beautiful historic surroundings. Whether you are attending a single performance, making a weekend of it or packing in the entire season, we guarantee you a timeless musical experience!

With its origins in Gustav Holst’s 1916 Whitsun Festival in Thaxted Church, Thaxted Festival attracts the very best of British and international musicians, in genres ranging from orchestral, chamber and vocal music to jazz, folk, big-band and swing, from early music to contemporary styles. Events for younger audiences, and educational projects with schools, have formed an important part of our mission over many years.

Thaxted Parish Church has been described as the finest parish church in the country and provides the perfect venue for the Thaxted Festival. The town itself offers hospitality and refreshment, and many scenic picnic opportunities, so that there is nowhere better to enjoy a summer evening of music!​

Many concert-goers make a weekend mini-break of their visit to Thaxted Festival, taking in several concerts in between discovering this lovely part of Essex. Local attractions include the delightful market town of Saffron Walden, the Fry Art Gallery and Audley End House and Gardens.

Chairman: Peter Donovan
Artistic Director: Christopher Weston
Secretary: Miranda Sandison
Treasurer: Janet Grogan
Trustees: C Michael Collins, James Fallas, Paul Meader, Ann Moore, Carolyn Wingfield

Festival Manager: Lorna Burkle
Patrons: Marijke Curtis, Zeb Soanes
Registered UK charity 296329
Company limited by guarantee, registered in England: number 2101271
Registered office: 10a Watling Street, Thaxted, CM6 2PE