Skip to content

Devon music festival to move to Norfolk

BBC MusiciansBBC
The event has attracted hundreds of musicians to Totnes each summer
  • Dartington Summer School and Festival will take place at Gresham’s School in Norfolk in 2024
  • It was announced by Dartington International Summer School Foundation, which has taken over its running from the Dartington Trust
  • The event usually brings hundreds of musicians to Totnes each summer

A music summer school and festival that has been held in Devon for 75 years will be held in Norfolk in 2024.

The Dartington Summer School and Festival recently revealed the event would no longer take place on the historic Dartington estate.

It followed the stepping down of both the Dartington Trust's artistic director and summer school team.

The Dartington International Summer School Foundation has taken over running the 80 music classes for pro and amateur musicians, and said it would hold the event at Gresham’s School in Holt.

Medieval hall on the Dartington Estate
Musicians have said the medieval hall on the Dartington Estate was an "incredibly special" venue

It means about 400 people who would spend a month in Totnes in the summer will head to Norfolk instead.

The foundation, an independent charity, said it was "thrilled" the Music Summer School and Festival would take place in Holt from 27 July to 10 August.

A spokesperson said it would provide "a fabulous base... with stunning performance and rehearsal facilities along with relaxing and comfortable residential accommodation for participants, all surrounded by beautiful grounds and woodlands".

'Such a shame'

Totnes councillor Georgina Allen said: "It’s such a shame to see this go – it has been a big part of the cultural offering of this part of Devon.

"But we hold out the hope that there will be other festivals and events that will partner with the trust and continue to make this area of the South Hams such a wonderful cultural destination".

The Norfolk event will feature a range of courses for participants including choir, opera scenes, chamber music, wind and strong ensembles, composition and vocal masterclasses.

The programme will be announced by the end of November and booking will open at the start of December, the charity said.

Follow BBC News South West on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].

Related internet links