Banbury Early Music Festival

02/06/2026

Heidi Fardell Recorder Flute will be at Banbury Early Music Festival giving a recorder workshop - but until then you can hear her on BBC Radio 4

02/06/2026

Linarol Consort will be at Banbury Early Music Festival but until then you can hear them on BBC Radio 3 In tune!

11/05/2026

The Shawm Shop - early wind instruments is set to make a welcome return to the Banbury Early Music Festival on 26th–27th September, with reed maker and performer Lizzie Gutteridge once again bringing her expertly crafted selection of historical instrument reeds to Banbury!

I've a quiet week between gigs and have been taking my chance to start restocking the reed boxes. A mixed bag with tenor and bass crumhorn red at the back, bass curtal in the left, soprano shawm on the right and tenor and bass sordune in the jars at the front.
I'll be bringing the reeds along to some events this summer, in case anyone would like to try something before they buy, starting with the Bagpipe Society's Blowout at the end of this month and the International Festival of Town Pipers in York at the beginning of July.

02/05/2026

We’re delighted to mark the release of Linarol Consort’s beautiful new album, Epitaph for a Green Lover! Huge thanks to the Continuo Foundation for their generous support in bringing both this recording and the CD launch tour to life.

We’re also thrilled to welcome Linarol Consort as part of this year’s festival programme. To hear this extraordinary music performed live, join us at the Banbury Early Music Festival on Saturday 26th September 2026 at 7:30pm, Marlborough Road Methodist Church Banbury.

21/03/2026

HAPPY EARLY MUSIC DAY!!
What better way to celebrate than to show you our snazzy new flyers designed by the incredible

We’re so excited for September 2026! Ticket details coming soon!

19/03/2026

We are so excited to hear Linarol Consort in concert at the Banbury Early Music Festival this coming year! Thank you to the Continuo Foundation for supporting part of Festival programme for this coming year!

22/02/2026

The Banbury Early Music Festival is delighted to welcome The Gonzaga Band to perform on at the festival on Sunday 27th September 2026!

Founded in 1997 by cornettist Jamie Savan, this innovative Early Modern ensemble (named after Monteverdi’s Mantuan patrons) explores the intimate relationship between vocal and instrumental performance practice through research-led programming and a flexible chamber-to-orchestral lineup, most often appearing as a trio with soprano Faye Newton and keyboardist Steven Devine, and with six acclaimed recordings to its name across Chandos, Resonus Classics, and Deux-Elles.

Keep an eye out for more exciting reveals!

Banbury Early Music Festival 2026 (Saturday 26th - Sunday 27th September 2026).

20/02/2026

We are delighted to welcome Alyson Lewin to what is becoming our busiest Makers Marketplace to date at the Banbury Early Music Festival! We are especially excited that Alyson will be bringing a wonderful selection of recorder and early music editions, alongside publications from her own company, Hawthorns Music.

Originally from Belfast, Alyson studied Music at Bristol University, specialising in recorder performance and music history. Alyson tutors adults on courses across the UK, teaching recorder from beginner to diploma level. Alongside her teaching, performing, conducting and singing, she runs Hawthorns Music, publishing high-quality music for recorder and early music players.

We can’t wait to host you at the festival Alyson!

Keep an eye out for more exciting reveals this week!

Banbury Early Music Festival 2026 (Saturday 26th - Sunday 27th September 2026).

19/02/2026

We are delighted to be welcoming David Hatcher, founding member of the Linarol Consort, to deliver a Multi-Instrumental Workshop at the Banbury Early Music Festival this year!
�Born in Warwick, David Hatcher studied viola da gamba with Charles Medlam and recorder with Philip Thorby at Trinity College of Music, London. He has enjoyed an international career, touring widely across Europe, America, Israel and Japan, broadcasting for the BBC, and recording with leading early music ensembles. Now based in Leominster, he performs with many of the UK’s foremost period groups and is a highly sought-after teacher at summer schools and specialist courses.

David’s wealth of international performing and teaching experience, combined with his passion for early music, promises an inspiring and engaging session for all participants. We very much look forward to welcoming him to Banbury for what is sure to be a highlight of the festival!

Keep an eye out for more exciting reveals this week!

Banbury Early Music Festival 2026 (Saturday 26th - Sunday 27th September 2026).

18/02/2026

We are thrilled to welcome Hemiola Crafts to the Banbury Early Music Festival for the entire festival weekend!

Hemiola Crafts will be showcasing a beautiful range of handmade musical accessories, including music stand bags, purses, peg turners, and much more! Alongside these practical essentials, they’ll also be offering a selection of non-musical items crafted from their distinctive music-themed fabrics! Perfect as unique gifts or stylish everyday treats!

If you’re looking for something special, Hemiola Crafts will be your one-stop shop at the Banbury Early Music Festival!

Keep an eye out for more exciting reveals this week!

Banbury Early Music Festival 2026 (Saturday 26th - Sunday 27th September 2026).