A Little History of the Festival.

The Ashwell Music Festival which takes place in Ashwell Parish Church, a Grade One listed building from the 14th and 15th centuries, was started by Canon Jack Catterick in 1953. Since that time the Festival has grown from the original conception of a summer school for young people, to invoke professional musicians, some with national and indeed international reputations.

As a consequence, much as we would like to retain free entry to concerts relying on donations to cover costs, sadly it is no longer a viable option. Even so, we believe that we offer unbelievable value for money, making available performance of a high standard on your doorstop without the aggravation and cost of travelling into London, as well as paying London prices.

We are also offering two concerts free, relying on your generosity to cover costs. One of these concerts, by young musicians from Loral schools, maintains Jack Catterick's original aim.

Any profits that are made will be used to fund and expand Festivals in future years and also towards the Restoration fund for the church to ensure that we have a beautiful church in which to maintain all the traditions that are central to its life in the village.

Tony Gee - Festival Committee Chairman