The Villages Music Festival

06/07/2025

A grand finale to the Villages Music Festival 2025; Linda Glenn leading the Modulus Quartet, Laughton Village Choir and soloists in an exultant performance of Handel's Dixit Dominus, in front of a rapt audience at Holy Cross Church, Uckfield.

Thanks to all our musicians, supporters, donors, volunteers and audiences.

30/06/2025

🎶 The Grand Finale – A Joyous Celebration of Music in Uckfield 🎶

Join us on Saturday 5th July at Holy Cross Church, Uckfield (TN22 1BP) for an uplifting evening to close the Villages Music Festival in style.

Experience the extraordinary sound of the Modulus Quartet, known for their bold and immediate take on contemporary music – their passion is utterly infectious.

Two rising-star vocal soloists will also take to the stage – including one with a rather fascinating dilemma: pursue a career in science or follow their musical calling?

At the heart of the evening: Handel’s sparkling Dixit Dominus, written when the composer was just 22. Joyous, fast-paced and full of life, it promises to send you off in high spirits.

🍷 After the performance (6–7:15pm), join the choir for drinks and raise a glass to a fabulous festival fortnight.

Tickets: £15 online / £20 on the door
Book in advance to avoid disappointment!

https://www.villagesmusicfestival.org/2025/classical-concert

The Villages Music Festival brings together the communities of Ripe, Laughton and Chalvington in a celebration of live music...

29/06/2025

Thanks to Andy Neate and Los Twangueros https://www.facebook.com/twangueros for adding some very classy chill to our cream teas at The Villages Music Festival, in the gardens of April Cottage, with views to the Downs.

More music to come all this week: book your tickets at villagesmusicfestival.org

29/06/2025

A moving, engaging and witty take on Puccini's most romantic opera La Boheme was delivered by the Regents Opera team in the gardens of Limekiln Farm last night. If it comes near you, book now (https://regentsopera.com/boheme)

Meanwhile we have cool jazz, debate and Handel's Dixit Dominus still to come in the week ahead; get your Festival tickets at villagesmusicfestival.org

28/06/2025

What does the future of music in Britain really look like?

Join us for a thought-provoking evening of discussion, debate, and discovery at Laughton Village Hall this Wednesday 2nd July from 6–9pm.

Our distinguished panel includes:
• Richard Morrison – Chief Music Critic at The Times
• Professor Georgina Born OBE FBA – UCL academic and Ripe resident
• Will Hancox – Pianist and Director of MusicBox
• Rosie Ann Page – Singer, actor, teacher
Chaired by Paul Boucher

Expect lively conversation, the chance to ask your own questions, followed by refreshments and a special performance by a vocal quartet.

Tickets just £15 per person.
Reserve your seat now and be part of the conversation.

https://www.villagesmusicfestival.org/2025/a-panel-discussion

As Richard Morrison puts it:

“The future of classical music in Britain seems on a knife-edge… we may have to look for other answers.”

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to engage with some of the leading voices shaping the musical landscape.

Villages Music Festival presents A Panel Discussion - Music: What is the future? , featuring A panel discussion on the future of music in the UK, featuring Richard Morrison, Art Critic of The Times newspaper, Georgina Born, OBE FBA, Professor of Anthropology and Music at University College, London,....

27/06/2025

Just one day to go!

The Villages Music Festival opens tomorrow evening with Puccini’s La Bohème, performed by the superb Regents Opera.

📍 Limekiln Farm, Chalvington, BN27 3TA
🗓️ Saturday 28th June | Gates open at 5pm | £40 (includes a glass of prosecco)

We have a small number of tickets left - book ahead if you can. Some may be available on the door, but we can’t promise!

25/06/2025

Just a few seats remain for La Bohème this Saturday...

The gardens are in full bloom, the prosecco is chilling, and even the weather looks like it's going to be kind!

Whether you’re a lifelong opera lover or a curious first-timer, La Bohème will sweep you up with its unforgettable music, tender romance, and Mimi’s heart-wrenching story of love and loss.

📅 Saturday 28th June | Gates open 5pm | £40 (includes a glass of prosecco)

Secure your seat now, this is one not to miss.

🔗 https://www.villagesmusicfestival.org/2025/la-boheme

24/06/2025

Grey today, but set fair for Saturday evening. Join us for a close-up view of Puccini's classic love story, re-told by top fringe company, Regents Opera, in the gardens of Limekiln Farm, East Sussex. Tickets available online at villagesmusicferstival.org. 6pm 28th June.

23/06/2025

Not long to go now…

Puccini’s La Bohème comes to the Villages Music Festival this Saturday (28th June), performed by the renowned Regents Opera - and it’s set to be a spectacular evening.

🎟 Tickets are selling fast – a limited number may be available on the door, but we highly recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.

You can book your tickets here - https://www.villagesmusicfestival.org/2025/la-boheme

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see a fully staged opera right here in the heart of the Sussex countryside - for just £40!

20/06/2025

What does the future hold for music in Britain?

Join us for a thought-provoking evening of conversation, insight, and ideas.

📍 Laughton Village Hall
📅 Wednesday 2nd July
🕕 6–9pm
🎟 Tickets now available - https://www.villagesmusicfestival.org/2025/a-panel-discussion

This special event brings together a distinguished panel of musicians, writers, and educators to discuss the future of music in the UK. Expect a lively and engaging conversation with the chance to ask your own questions, followed by refreshments and a performance by a vocal quartet.

The panel will feature:
Richard Morrison – Chief Music Critic of The Times
Professor Georgina Born, OBE FBA – Professor of Anthropology and Music, UCL (and Ripe resident)
Will Hancox – Pianist & Director of MusicBox, Wealden
Rosie Ann Page – Singer, Actor & Teacher

Compered by Paul Boucher.

Richard Morrison sat down with us recently and shared some thought-provoking food for thought.

“The future of classical music in Britain seems on a knife-edge right now. On the one hand, we have so much musical talent in this country - composers, singers, instrumentalists, superb orchestras, and many fine choirs. On the other, so many of our musical institutions are struggling to survive financially. Music has been marginalised in many state schools. And excellent young British performers are finding avenues for employment closed off, particularly on mainland Europe. Could the government do more to help? Well, it could - but so far it hasn’t. We may have to look for other answers.”
— Richard Morrison, The Times

Join us for an evening of stimulating discussion at the heart of this national conversation.

16/06/2025

This rehearsal shot feels like a timely reminder… Don’t forget to pack an umbrella for the opera a week this Saturday!

Let’s hope for a dry, balmy evening in the gardens, but as ever with the British summer, one can never be too sure.

Puccini'sLa Bohème will be performed outdoors on Saturday 28th June, with the gardens open from 5pm.

🎟️ Tickets (£40, including a glass of prosecco) are still available. Don’t miss this magical night of music under the open sky.