114th Festival in March 2026

Planning of the 2026 Festival has already begun with many of the dates and classes already organised. Many of the Adjudicators are already booked and you can see a list  on this site

Some of our concerts have been arranged with NC3 and Tom Poster & Elena Urioste performing on the middle weekend.

Some of the fixed dates are already showing to the right.

The Festival fortnight brings a wide variety of music and genres to the town each year with over 400 class entries, several concerts and over 3000 people either performing, watching and supporting this really is a Festival to celebrate in the town.

 

Some of the performers at the inaugural Young Performer's Recital in 2023

"I just wanted to say a huge thank you to you and the rest of the committee for all the amazing work you put into organising the CNMF. Both my children have played in the festival this year and last and it's just been great for them to get the chance to perform in a non-threatening environment. The adjudicators this year (Nadia and the chap who did the piano classes on Saturday) were fantastic, just the right balance between being encouraging but giving great pointers of things to work on. Last year's adjudicators were great too but I can't remember their names! Thanks again, you are doing an amazing thing putting the festival on every year. Many thanks."

Janet Hayes

Our enormous gratitude also goes to the team of volunteers, official accompanists, Friends,people, and businesses in the town who support us as well as the parents and teachers who support and encourage our participants. If you would like to support or get involved in the Festival in some capacity, or have any feedback on what we offer, do please contact any committee member.

Key Dates

  • Monday 1st December 2025
    Opening date for entries for 2026 Festival
  • Monday 2nd February 2026
    Closing date for entries
  • Friday 6th March 2026
    Festival Opens - Band Night at The Theatre
  • Saturday 7th March 2026
    Junior and Senior Choir Classes - Town Hall
  • Sunday 8th March 2026
    Guitar Classes - Town Hall
  • Monday 9th March 2026
    Woodwind and Brass Classes - Town Hall
  • Wednesday 11th March 2026
    Children's Workshop (1) - Town Hall
  • Thursday 12th March 2026
    Children's Workshop (2) - Town Hall
  • Friday 13th March 2026
    Piano Classes - Town Hall
  • Saturday 14th March 2026
    Piano Classes - Town Hall
  • Saturday 14th March 2026
    Concert - Town Hall
  • Sunday 15th March 2026
    Concert - Tom Poster & Elena Urioste - Town Hall
  • Monday 16th March 2026
    Strings and Ensembles Classes - Town Hall
  • Tuesday 17th March 2026
    Speech and Drama Classes - Town Hall
  • Wednesday 18th March 2026
    Speech and Drama Classes - Town Hall
  • Friday 20th March 2026
    Senior Singing Classes - Town Hall
  • Saturday 21st March 2026
    Junior Singing - Town Hall
  • Saturday 21st March 2026
    Festival Concert - Town Hall