One of the Cotswolds' best-kept cultural secrets unveils its 2026 festival programme

Tucked away in the Gloucestershire countryside, Elmore Festival returns for four days of exceptional chamber music and live jazz in 2026, bringing internationally acclaimed performers to one of the county's most atmospheric historic settings – and it's just £5 a ticket for under-25s.

By Michelle Fyrne  |  Published
Nestled beside the scenic River Severn in Gloucestershire’s picturesque countryside, Elmore Festival is back for its seventh year this summer.

For four days each summer, the quiet Gloucestershire village of Elmore becomes the setting for one of the Cotswolds' most distinctive cultural experiences. 

Returning in August 2026, Elmore Festival combines world-class chamber music, acclaimed jazz performances and a warm, intimate atmosphere, attracting internationally recognised musicians to the remarkable surroundings of St John the Baptist Church.

Since launching in 2020, the festival has steadily grown in reputation and ambition, welcoming an increasingly impressive lineup of acclaimed artists and ensembles while remaining one of Gloucestershire's lesser-known cultural treasures.

Taking place from Wednesday 5 to Saturday 8 August 2026, Elmore Festival welcomes audiences to the historic village of Elmore for four days of exceptional music in an intimate setting.

What to expect at Elmore Festival 2026?

Concerts take place inside the beautifully preserved 13th-century St John the Baptist Church, offering audiences the chance to experience chamber music up close in one of Gloucestershire's most atmospheric venues. With the church professionally lit to show off the stunning architecture, it has been described as 'a feast for the eyes, as well as the ears' by artistic director Felix Hughes.

This year's programme features internationally acclaimed Trio Kagura, award-winning Talland Quartet, vocalist Immy Churchill with Scottie Thomson's Jazz Trio, acclaimed double bass soloist Toby Hughes, pianists Victor Lim and Kanako Mizuno, clarinettist James Gilbert, prize-winning organist Timothy Stewart and classical accordionist Alise Silina.

Bringing together internationally recognised performers and emerging talent, the carefully curated programme combines chamber music, solo recitals and live jazz performances, appealing to seasoned classical music enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike.

Enjoy live jazz at Elmore Festival

Following consecutive sell-out jazz evenings in 2024 and 2025, the festival's popular jazz night returns for 2026, bringing rich rhythms, bold improvisation and a lively atmosphere to the outdoor marquee.

Alongside the performances, visitors can enjoy drinks from The Festival Bar, delivered in partnership with Gloucester's award-winning Pelican Inn, serving local ciders and cask ales from Wye Valley Brewery and Uley Brewery.

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There isn't much that you can buy with a fiver nowadays, but as part of Elmore Festival's commitment to making exceptional live music accessible to younger audiences, anyone aged under 25 can book a ticket for just £5.  

When and where is Elmore Festival 2026?

Elmore Festival takes place from Wednesday 5 to Saturday 8 August 2026 at St John the Baptist Church in Elmore, Gloucestershire.

How much are tickets for Elmore Festival 2026?

Ticket prices vary depending on the performance, with £5 admission available for under-25s. 

How to book tickets for Elmore Festival 2026

For more information and to book tickets, visit elmorefestival.com.

Event

Elmore Festival 2026

Venue

St John the Baptist Church, Elmore, GL2 3SP

Dates

Wednesday 5 to Saturday 8 August 2026

Times

Performances take place from 7pm on Wednesday 5, 12.30pm on Thursday 6, 1.10pm on Friday 7 and 1.10pm on Saturday 8 August 2026.

In partnership with Elmore Festival  |  elmorefestival.com

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