Burford Festival 2028

Call for projects to support now, and ideas for the 2028 Festival

The World Premiere of a brand-new choral work, Five Acts of Human Kindness, by acclaimed British composer Bob Chilcott, with text by Charles Bennett, performed by the Burford School Community Choir as part of the grand final concert of the 2026 Festival.

Thanks to our amazing outgoing Organising Committee and volunteers, led by Jane Arnell, we had a most enjoyable and successful Festival in June this year.

The whole programme was well attended and managed, resulting in a financial surplus. We can therefore make donations to qualifying projects or events planned for 2026/27 in Burford or surrounding villages. See The Bridge magazine in October (or email trustees@burfordfestival.org) for details of how to apply.

We are now thinking hard about what sort of Festival we all wish to see in the future. Please let us have your views!

We want to hear from everyone - our local residents, businesses and sponsors, clubs, societies and other institutions - in Burford and the surrounding villages. We would particularly like to hear from those who didn’t find anything of interest in the last Festival!

The whole format is up for discussion, including:

• Length and timing

• Content – talks, open gardens, music, theatre, community events

• Balance - between community engagement and entertainment for a broader audience

• Venues – around Burford? Including neighbouring villages?

• Should it include events run by other local societies (e.g. the Library Friends, TASC, BDS, BTMA) or offer something different? 

Don’t feel constrained, these are just some suggestions!

Write to us by the October 31^st at trustees@burfordfestival.org. We plan to review your feedback and then host an open meeting to discuss options and views.

Hugo Ashton, Chairman of the Trustees of the Burford Festival