115th Festival in March 2027

Most of the planning of the 2027 Festival has already been completed and with many of the dates and classes already organised. All of the Adjudicators are booked and you can see a list on this site.

The syllabus will be available in November with entries opening on 1st December 2026

Some of our concerts have been arranged with full details to follow over the coming weeks. There will again be a Family concert on the final Sunday afternoon and of course the Festival concert on the last Saturday.

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

  • Tuesday 1st December 2026

    Entries open for the 2027 Festival

  • Monday 25th January 2027

    Entries close for the 2027 Festival

  • Monday 22nd February 2027

    Latest date that entrants will be informed of the date and time of their class

  • Friday 5th March 2027

    Band Night at The Theatre with Adjudicator Ben Costello

  • Saturday 6th March 2027

    Junior and Senior Choir classes with Adjudicator Ben Costello

  • Sunday 7th March 2027

    Guitar classes with Adjudicator Gary Ryan

  • Monday 8th March 2027

    Woodwind and Brass classes with Adjudicator Paul Harris

  • Wednesday 10th March 2027

    School Workshops with Lizzie Soden and Lydia Tomita

  • Thursday 11th March 2027

    School Workshops run by Lizzie Soden and Lydia Tomita

  • Friday 12th March 2027

    Piano classes with Adjudicator Jena Pang

  • Saturday 13th March 2027

    Piano classes with Adjudicator Jena Pang

  • Sunday 14th March 2027

    Concert with the Dominic Alldis Trio

  • Monday 15th March 2027

    Strings and Ensemble classes with Adjudicator Nadia Hinson

  • Tuesday 16th March 2027

    Speech and Drama classes with Adjudicator Rebecca Thompson

  • Wednesday 17th March 2027

    Speech and Drama class with Adjudicator Rebecca Thompson (reserve day if required)

  • Friday 19th March 2027

    Junior and Senior Vocal classes with Adjudicator Jane Wilkinson

  • Saturday 20th March 2027

    Festival Concert - showcasing the best of the Festival Fortnight

  • Sunday 21st March 2027

    Family Concert - details to be announced