WORLD class vocal and chamber music returns to the heart of Devon next month

Set in and around the picturesque Whiddon Parishes of north Dartmoor, the annual Whiddon Autumn Festival (WAF) which runs from September 17 to 21, will see a vibrant musical programme including choral performances, chamber music, art song and jazz

In addition to performances there will be participation opportunities and events for children, with a dazzling line-up of young artists, all curated by local-born artistic director Freddie Crowley.

“This year is our fifth annual festival and we have an exciting and diverse programme of events, including lots for the local community to get involved in,” said Izzi Blain the festival’s publicity officer and friends coordinator.

“There will be several performances from Ferrier award-winning tenor Matthew McKinney and returning ensemble-in-residence Corvus Consort. And acclaimed singer-songwriter The Magic Lantern will be running a songwriting workshop at the Drewe Arms, before taking to the Long Room stage for an atmospheric evening performance.”

Each year WAF invites one of the country's most exciting young music creators to be our composer-in-residence and this year British/Japanese composer Ben Nobuto has taken on the role. As well as writing new music for Corvus Consort and our Festival String Quartet, Ben will compose a brand new song for the WAF Children’s Choir. All these works will be premiered during the festival in September 2025

There are plenty of community events to get involved with including a Come&Sing workshop, Music & Coffee Morning and the Family Concert, which are all pay-what-you-feel events. The festival offers free and discounted tickets for under 35s and a 50% discount for those claiming government benefits.

For more information and ticket details visit the festival website at www.whiddonautumnfestival.co.uk.