The Lichfield Festival Experience

Posted on Thu 20 Jun

One of the Midlands’ most popular multi-arts events, Lichfield Summer Festival returns this month with another magnificently eclectic programme of entertainment and attractions.

From folk music to cabaret, Shakespeare to children’s classics, orchestral performances to a spectacular firework finale at Beacon Park, there’s sure to be something to tempt all tastes.

Here is just a small sample of what’s on offer...

Seth Lakeman with Benji Kirkpatrick & Alex Hart - Lichfield Cathedral, Saturday 6 July

Folk favourite Seth Lakeman makes a welcome return to Lichfield, having last performed at the festival in 2017.

Seth will appear with his regular touring partners, Leamington-born musician Benji Kirkpatrick of Bellowhead and Faustus fame, and Alex Hart, who’s been described by Mark Radcliffe as ‘the Stevie Nicks of folk’.

Ghosts, Werewolves & Countryfolk - Lichfield Guildhall, Sunday 7 July

Jim Causley and Miranda Sykes (Show Of Hands and Daphne’s Flight) here join forces with narrator John Palmer to celebrate the life and writing of folksong pioneer Sabine Baring-Gould. A Victorian-era celebrity,

Sabine wrote a gruesome book on werewolves, as well as a collection of ghost stories - often weaving real people, events and folk songs into his fiction. This show explores his life via the music that meant so much to him.

Wendy Kirkland: Blossom Time - The Hub at St Mary’s, Sunday 7 July

Making her Lichfield Festival debut, jazz pianist, hammond player & singer Wendy Kirkland here celebrates the artistry of the late, great American jazz singer & pianist Blossom Dearie, a woman renowned for her ‘girlish voice’ who collaborated with the likes of Johnny Mercer, Miles Davis and Jack Segal. Citing Diana Krall, Eliane Elias and Dena DeRose among her influences, Midlands-born Wendy has made a real impact since releasing debut album Piano Divas in 2017.

Katie Arnstein: Homebird - The Hub at St Mary’s, Monday 8 July

A celebration of ‘home’ is at the heart of this brand-new comedy from award-winning storyteller and Festival Associate Artist Katie Arnstein.

Homebird is a story about belonging, finding your place in an ever-changing world, and keeping your head above water - even when the sea levels are rising...

Katie’s previous Lichfield Festival shows include Sexy Lamp, Sticky Door and The Long Run. Her latest work, Wolverine Woman, can be seen on BBC Three.

Amiri Harewood: Young Artist Series - Wade Street Church, Tuesday 9 July

A Royal College of Music student, Amiri is widely recognised for presenting fresh ideas and diverse programmes.

Regular performances both here in the UK and abroad have earned him plenty of critical acclaim, while his Royal Albert Hall concerto debut, with the Chineke! Orchestra, was described as displaying ‘considerable panache’. This concert features Mussorgsky’s magnificent Pictures At An Exhibition, plus variations on Gershwin’s Summertime.

Ballet Cymru: Romeo a Juliet - Lichfield Cathedral, Thursday 11 July

The award-winning Ballet Cymru return to Lichfield to present an innovative and choreographed version of the world’s greatest love story. Expect intense fighting, passionate duets, lyrical choreography and universal themes.

The production is a collaboration between three Welsh arts organisations - Ballet Cymru, Coreo Cymru (The Dance Creative Producer for Wales) and the Riverfront Theatre in Newport.

Maya Youssef - The Hub at St Mary’s, Fri 12 July

World-renowned Syrian musician & composer Maya Youssef pushes the boundaries of the qanun - an ancient 78-stringed classical instrument traditionally played by men - by fusing it with jazz and Latin styles.

Moving to the UK from Damascus in 2012 via Arts Council England’s Exceptional Talent scheme, Maya has since delighted audiences with performances at the BBC Proms and WOMAD.

Some Like It Hot: The Magic of the Movies - Lichfield Cathedral, Friday 12 July

Enjoy a journey through some of the most marvellous musical moments in movie history - handpicked and performed by Festival Associate Artists Lizzie Ball and James Pearson - Artistic Director at Ronnie Scott’s.

Violinist & vocalist Lizzie and renowned pianist James will also partner for a second show, exploring great musicians and composers of the 20th century at The Hub at St Mary’s on Saturday 13 July.

Peter & The Wolf - Lichfield Cathedral School Gardens, Saturday 13 July

Waterperry Opera’s outdoor production, telling a well-known tale of exploration and bravery, is sure to enchant adults and children alike with its combination of classical music, narration and puppetry.

Told by two actors, the story is accompanied by Prokofiev’s witty and wonderful music.

BBC National Orchestra of Wales - Lichfield Cathedral, Saturday 13 July

Under the direction of Principal Conductor Ryan Bancroft, the renowned BBC National Orchestra of Wales bring this year’s festival to a close with a programme of music by Holst, Elgar and Brahms.

Finnish cellist Senja Rummukainen (pictured) will accompany the orchestra, performing Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E minor, Op.85, ahead of her performance of the same piece at the BBC Proms later in the summer.

Lichfield Festival takes place at various locations across the city from Thursday 4 to Sunday 14 July. To check out the full programme and book tickets, visit lichfieldfestival.org.