Exploring Thaxted Festival: More Than Just Music

28/02/2025

The Thaxted Festival 2025 is set to bring another summer of world-class music to the historic town of Thaxted. From 20 June to 13 July, the festival will showcase outstanding performances, featuring orchestral, chamber, vocal, and choral music, as well as genres like blues and tango. But Thaxted Festival isn’t just about music - it’s an immersive cultural experience that blends history, art, community, and exploration. Whether you’re here for a concert, a weekend, or an extended stay, there’s so much more to discover beyond the music.

Thaxted Festival Extra: Enriching Your Experience

For those looking to delve deeper into the arts and the heritage of Thaxted, the Festival Extra series offers a rich selection of events that complement the main concert programme.

Here are just a few highlights:

🎶 Community Choirs - Thaxted Singers - Celebrate local talent as Thaxted’s very own community choir takes the stage, bringing together choirs from across the region in a heartwarming performance.

🎬 Quartet Film Screening at Saffron Screen - Enjoy a special screening of Quartet, the charming British film about retired musicians rekindling their love for music, directed by Dustin Hoffman.

🎨 Private View at the Fry Art Gallery - Step into the artistic world of North-West Essex at this exclusive event featuring works by renowned local artists.

🏰 John Webb’s Windmill Hard Hat Tours - Experience Thaxted’s most iconic landmark like never before with a behind-the-scenes tour of this historic windmill.

🎵 Wolfson College Cambridge Chamber Singers - Hear Haydn’s delightful ‘Little Organ Mass’ as part of the morning service in Thaxted Church. A welcome revival of a Thaxted Festival tradition, featuring the historic Lincoln Organ and a Cambridge choir.

👻 Thaxted Ghost Walk - Take a spine-tingling evening stroll through Thaxted’s historic streets and uncover the town’s eerie legends and ghostly tales.

For full details and booking information, visit the Thaxted Festival Events Page.

Discovering Thaxted Essex and Its Surroundings

While attending the festival, take time to explore Thaxted’s medieval charm. With its roots tracing back to the Domesday Book, Thaxted is home to stunning historic sites, including:

🏛️ Thaxted Guildhall – A striking timber-framed building at the heart of town, dating back to the 15th century.

🌾 John Webb’s Windmill - This beautiful windmill offers panoramic views of the Essex countryside.

⛪ Thaxted Parish Church - An architectural masterpiece and the main venue for the festival, providing an unforgettable setting for concerts.

The surrounding villages and towns offer plenty of ways to extend your visit:

🏰 Audley End House & Gardens – Just a short drive away, this grand mansion offers a glimpse into England’s aristocratic past, with beautifully landscaped gardens by Capability Brown.

🛍️ Saffron Walden - This market town boasts independent shops, a historic turf maze, the Fry Art Gallery, and the beautiful Bridge End Garden.

🌳 Hatfield Forest - A haven for nature lovers, this National Trust site is perfect for a scenic walk or a picnic by the lake.

Where to Eat and Stay in Thaxted Essex

After a day of concerts and exploration, unwind with fantastic local dining options:

After a day of concerts and exploration, you’ll find a variety of dining options in Thaxted, ranging from traditional pubs to cosy cafés and international cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed meal, a quick bite, or a refined dining experience, there’s something to suit every taste.

For those planning an overnight stay, Thaxted and the surrounding area offer a range of accommodation choices, including historic inns, charming B&Bs, and countryside retreats. Whether you prefer a cosy guesthouse in the heart of town or a luxurious escape in the countryside, you’ll find a welcoming place to rest after a day of music and exploration.

For full details on places to eat and stay, see our Visit Thaxted Page.

Make It an Essex Weekend to Remember

Whether you’re coming for a single concert or planning a weekend getaway, Thaxted Festival 2025 offers an experience that extends far beyond the music. From its unique Festival Extra events to its rich history, art, and local hospitality, it is the perfect destination for a summer cultural escape.

🎟️ Plan your visit today and explore the full programme at Thaxted Festival Events Page.