King’s Lynn Festival proudly announces a spectacular 75th anniversary festival. The two-week extravaganza (12–25 July 2026) will transform historic venues across the festival town, marking three-quarters of a century of world-class music, arts, and cultural celebration in the heart of West Norfolk.

Since its founding in 1951 the festival has grown into an international destination and one of East Anglia’s most enduring cultural celebrations. With some 40 events spanning classical music, jazz, folk, dance, theatre, visual art, talks, walks, and more, 2026 promises to be its most ambitious yet.

Anniversary festival highlights

The 75th anniversary line-up features an extraordinary array of artists and genres, with a particular focus on these world-renowned performers:

• An evening with the Kanneh-Masons: Experience a masterclass in musical synergy as these world-renowned siblings take the stage. Known for an intuitive rapport that only a lifetime of shared music-making can foster, the duo brings a breathtaking depth to the chamber music repertoire including performances such as Beethoven Piano Sonata No. 21 in C, Op. 53 “Waldstein”.
• Roderick Williams: The acclaimed baritone makes two major appearances. On Sunday 19 July he joins King's Lynn Festival Chorus for Vaughan Williams' Five Mystical Songs and returns on Thursday 23 July with pianist Iain Burnside for a quintessentially English songbook including music by Ireland, Gurney, Holst, and Vaughan Williams, who has strong links to the festival and the town.
• Academy of Ancient Music with violinist Director Bojan Čičić: The ensemble makes a much-anticipated return to the festival with ‘The art of the Italian concerto’ including music by Vivaldi, Corelli, and Locatelli. The festival has enjoyed a long association with Academy of Ancient music and its founder, Christopher Hogwood was a past Artistic Director.
• Boris Giltburg: On Tuesday 21 July, the virtuoso pianist takes to the stage at The Minster. His formidable programme, which he takes to the Wigmore Hall just three days later, features the Bach/Busoni Chaconne in D minor, Liszt’s Sonata in B minor, and Ravel’s visionary Gaspard de la nuit.
• Denys Baptiste: Jazz takes centre stage on Friday 17 July at the Corn Exchange. MOBO award-winning saxophonist Denys Baptiste completes the Gary Crosby Quartet for a special celebration of John Coltrane’s seminal album, A Love Supreme.
• Craig Ogden: The chart-topping guitarist brings a vibrant "Fantasy to Flamenco" programme to the Town Hall on Wednesday 22 July. His performance will span works by Vivaldi and Rameau to the invigorating tangos of Piazzolla.
• Mark-Anthony Turnage is this year’s featured composer. As well as joining Ambrose Miller in conversation, the Contemporary Consort presents a fascinating programme  of music by Turnage with Copland, Stravinsky, and Bernstein.

Celebrating 75 years of excellence

As one of the most significant regional festivals to emerge after the Second World War, 2026 reflects the festival’s bold vision for the future while celebrating an extraordinary history. The programme continues a commitment to the next generation, showcasing young talent with the Young Musicians' Prelude Concerts, and nurturing a young audience with the Family Concert Club, which offers £5 tickets for music students under 18 to selected events.

Artistic Director, Ambrose Miller says:

“As we warmly welcome Ben Horden as our new Festival Manager, we look forward to a spectacular celebration of music and the arts for both West Norfolk residents and visitors to the area.”

Festival Manager, Ben Horden says:

"Our aim remains to deliver a cultural offering as dynamic and inclusive as the community we serve. In combining rich traditions and strong history with a dedication to future development, we don’t just celebrate 75 years of King’s Lynn Festival — we lay foundations for the next 75 with a bold vision for culture in West Norfolk.” 

Tickets

Book Online Here

Telephone: 01553 764864 (Monday–Saturday, 9am–5pm)

In Person: Box Office at the Corn Exchange (Monday–Saturday, 10am–5pm)