Bewdley Festival of the Arts – 9th October – 25th October
There’s now just two weeks to go until the 2026 Bewdley Festival of the Arts gets underway, bringing another packed programme of music, comedy, talks, literature, history and visual arts to venues across the town.
Now in its 38th year, the Festival once again combines established names with emerging talent, with something to suit a wide range of tastes.
Musical highlights include Glenn Tilbrook, the distinctive voice of Squeeze, Liza Pulman of Fascinating Aida, the internationally acclaimed Carducci Quartet and the Young Pianists of Bewdley. Getting the Festival party started will be the Deborah Bonham Band.
Comedy comes courtesy of Alfie Moore, returning with his popular Radio 4 series It’s A Fair Cop, while Alistair McGowan brings a three-in-one evening of comedy and music.
There’s plenty of conversation too, with BBC broadcaster Stuart Maconie discussing his latest book on the Beatles, punk writer and musician John Robb appearing alongside Ned’s Atomic Dustbin frontman Jonn Penney, and Gardeners’ World presenter Adam Frost joining the programme. Also appearing are Reverend Kate Bottley and Baroness Natalie Bennett, alongside a host of other speakers.
History features strongly, with Lesley Smith portraying Emma Hamilton, Max Keen exploring the story of Dudley Castle, and Dr Gareth Williams discussing Fool’s Gold, the story of the Herefordshire Viking Hoard.
Literature is represented by acclaimed British and Irish writer Kit De Waal, while the Festival’s visual arts programme includes a month-long exhibition celebrating the life and work of recently deceased local artist Claire Spencer, with her son Ben Bowling discussing her work.
The Festival’s Exhibition on Screen programme will also feature Turner and Constable, while local organisations including Severn Valley Railway and West Midlands Safari Park will showcase the work they do.
Some events are already sold out, but limited availability remains for several performances, including Liza Pulman, John Robb, Baroness Natalie Bennett, Kit De Waal and the Carducci Quartet.
The 2026 Bewdley Festival of the Arts takes place across Bewdley from 9th October For full programme details and tickets, visit the festival website.