At the heart of Thaxted Festival is Education

Working with key partners Essex Music Hub, Orchestras Live and the London Mozart Players, we have created a three year Education Plan so we can build long-term relationships with local schools to strengthen music provision and expand opportunities across the local rural area.

The Festival itself will benefit from more family focused concerts, sensory workshops for babies and toddlers and art workshops for teens and tweens. Our heavily discounted tickets for those under 18, and family-friendly concert timings mean more opportunities for all to access our exceptional music concerts with world-class musicians.

Each School Education Project is tailored to the pupils present meaning that each group produces a unique composition and the pupils have an experience that cannot be replicated. Music education creates confidence, improves teamwork and of course fosters talent. Our aim is to create musicians for tomorrow, but also to ensure EVERY child, no matter their ability, has the opportunity to explore and learn through music.

Our opening concert in 2026 featured children from Thaxted Primary School singing and playing violins alongside LMP Orchestra. The best bit? The fact they were performing their own composition!

‘To have the opportunity to perform as part of a London Mozart Players concert is beyond exciting - it is an unforgettable experience that shows our children what is possible when passion, talent and opportunity come together.’ Emma Dymond, Deputy Headteacher, Thaxted Primary School

All of this is funded by Thaxted Festival through a substantial Arts Council England grant and generous donations from local charities and individuals. We can’t wait to see what the pupils create and perform at 2027’s Opening Concert.

For more information on supporting our Education Projects, or nominating a school who would like to take part, please contact us at music@thaxtedfestival.co.uk