THE line-up for the 2026 Lichfield Festival has been confirmed.
The “melting pot” of arts performances will take place across the city from 7th to 19th July.
It will feature music, dance, talks and exhibitions at a range of venues.
Headline artists performing in Lichfield Cathedral include singer-songwriter Rumer, saxophonist and broadcaster Jess Gillam, folk favourite Kate Rusby and guitarist Xuefei Yang with flamenco dancer Maria Vega.
Other highlights include the KNDS Fairey Brass Band playing live to a screening of Wallace and Gromit’s comedy outing The Wrong Trousers and Ballet Cymru’s production of The Sleeping Beauty.
Events will mark the 250th anniversary of US independence too, including a walking tour with historian Jono Oates, an American programme from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and stateside work performed by St Paul’s Cathedral organist James Orford.
There will also be appearances by the likes of Liza Pulman, Joe Stilgoe, Holly Carter, Cassiopeia Berkeley-Agyepong, Josephine Baker, Jess Walker, the Ayoub Sisters and the Liberata Collective.
History lovers can enjoy visits by Tracy Borman, Alison Weir, Lesley Smith and Andrew Margerison.
Damian Thantrey, director of Lichfield Festival, said:
“As with every summer festival, we’re incredibly excited to be working with and welcoming such a wonderful mix of top talent to Lichfield covering all genres – and the city will be full to bursting with performers and audiences this July.”
Running throughout the festival in Lichfield Cathedral is Laura Page’s free-to-attend exhibition Hidden Depths, which features a series of photographic portraits that reimagine ageing and defy stereotypes of what it is to be older.
Public booking opens on 23rd April. For ticket details and the full programme visit www.lichfieldfestival.org.
