LICHFIELD FESTIVAL 2026 A FIRST LOOK AT WHAT ’S IN STORE
Rumer
Every July, Lichfield buzzes with drama, dance, literary events, comedy and music of every kind, as Lichfield Festival fever takes hold of the city. This year is no exception, and Live 24/7 has been given a sneak peak of some of the star highlights and hidden gems we can look forward to this summer.
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Especially exciting is the first Festival visit of MOJO Award-winning, Brit-nominated singer-songwriter Rumer, celebrating 15 years since the release of her hit debut album. Alongside her own hits, including the sensational Slow and Seasons of My Soul, she is also known for her soulful renditions of Burt Bacharach and Hal David; sure to be a thrilling evening in Lichfield Cathedral.
By contrast, expect to be blown away by the fast and furious KNDS Fairey Brass Band who’ll play live to a screening of Wallace and Gromit’s comic outing The Wrong Trousers and then wow the audience with a second half of top-drawer brass band music.
Innovative choreography, exceptional dancing and distinctive costumes mark out long-time Festival favourites Ballet Cymru. Enter the enchanted world of the classic fairytale The Sleeping Beauty with Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous music against the stunning backdrop of the Cathedral.
2026 marks the 250th anniversary of American Independence so there’s music and cultural references across several events, not least a walking tour with local historian Jono Oates highlighting Lichfield’s own American links. The superb BBC National Orchestra of Wales’s all-American programme includes Copland’s Appalachian Spring and Barber’s gorgeous Violin Concerto in the Cathedral.
Violinist Joel Munday and Purcell School musicians play American works in their Young Artists concerts. There’s glamour and charm in abundance in celebrity duo, singer Liza Pulman (of ‘Fascinating Aida’ fame) and pianist Joe Stilgoe’s Hooray for Hollywood, and Americana from award-winning rising star guitarist/vocalist Holly Carter.
Liza Pulman and Joe Stilgoe
French Icons also feature in this year’s Festival. Cassiopeia Berkeley- Agyepong’s show celebrates the life of the legendary dancer, singer and actor Josephine Baker, darling of Jazz Age Paris and later a French Resistance spy.
Vocalist Jess Walker shines a spotlight on the
celebrated cabaret chanteuse known simply as Barbara, and Liberata Collective don period costumes and wigs to explore the life and myth of Marie Antoniette in Baroque music and gesture.
Ballet Cymru
You won’t want to miss the return of ‘first lady of folk’ Kate Rusby, or of guitarist Xuefei Yang and flamenco dancer Maria Vega after their captivating and fiery Festival debut in 2021. A plethora of other highlights includes bubbly saxophonist and broadcaster Jess Gillam,
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ENTERTAINMENT LICHFIELD FESTIVAL 2026
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