St Austell Festival of Music & Speech Set for Its Biggest Week Yet

The St Austell Festival of Music and Speech returns later this month with a surge in entries and a packed week of performances at St John’s Methodist Church.

Big Rise in Entries After Format Change

The Festival, running from Monday 24th to Saturday 29th November, shifted to a single week of classes for 2025. Organisers say the change has led to a 20 to 30 per cent increase in entries across Spoken Word and Music.

Rebecca Thomas, Music Secretary, said, “The large increase in entries was a very pleasant and welcome surprise! We are looking forward to a glorious Festival filled with both first-time and returning performers. It is always a joy to listen to the efforts of the performers. We are also very grateful for the support of Cornwall Council and St Austell Town Council who have provided us with financial support. Several local businesses have also provided their support, including The White Hart, CMST (the Cornwall Music Service Trust), Ocean and Country estate agents, Financial Advice Centre Par and St Austell Printing Company.”

Admission to the Festival is £1.50 per day.

Free Early Years Workshop

Families with young children can also join a free Early Years Music Workshop on Monday 24th November. It runs from 10.30 am to 12 noon in the St John’s Sunday School room. The session is provided by the CMST Early Years Team and sponsored by the Radford Charitable Trust. Accompanied children under five are welcome to drop in for as long as they like.

Looking Ahead to the Celebration Concert

A Celebration Concert will take place on Thursday 26th March 2026 at 7 pm, also at St John’s Methodist Church.

Timetables for the Festival are available at www.staustellfestival.org

Long History of Performance

Founded in 1948, the Festival has seen many well-known names take part in their youth, including John Nettles of Midsomer Murders and the late Dennis Brain, a leading French horn player of his generation.