top of page

About

Find out more about the history of the festival and what makes it unique.

Music Performance

Our Story

Newcastle under Lyme Festival is an annual event, organised by volunteers, which provides a valuable performance opportunity in speech, drama, and music. We aim to provide a well organised and enjoyable festival; a platform for amateur performers of any age, from far or near, to demonstrate their talents.

For anyone who can act, recite, play an instrument or sing, or is in a band or choir, this chance to perform in front of a live audience should not be missed.

Budding composers and poets are also catered for with competitions to perform their own creations, or have them performed on their behalf.

Competitors are given a verbal and written adjudication by carefully chosen and respected adjudicators of international standing, and these ‘words of wisdom’ should help the competitors in the development of their art.

For the visitor, whether connected to a competitor or not, we provide a pleasant, and cheap, day out, one in which you can see and appreciate the talent of others, matching your conclusions with those of the adjudicator.

There is a friendly atmosphere at our festivals, and this is reflected in the favourable feedback we receive from competitors and audience alike.  In 2017 a total of 1420 performers took part. This number is the highest for many years.

History

Newcastle-under-Lyme Festival: A Proud Tradition of Performance
Our Roots
The festival began in the late 1920s, born from efforts by the Newcastle Chamber of Trade to boost local business during tough economic times. In 1931, vocal competitions were introduced, planting the seeds of what would become a long-standing celebration of the performing arts.
Expanding the Stage
By 1936, the festival had grown to include music, folk dancing, drama, and elocution.  A year later, school choirs and solo instrumental classes were added, reflecting the community’s growing enthusiasm.
In 1949, the festival adopted a two-weekend format: drama on the first weekend, music on the second, which stayed in place until 2023.  By 1951, it featured over 50 music classes and became affiliated with the British Federation of Musical Festivals.

Brass, Drama & Growth
The 1950s saw a surge in popularity for brass competitions, especially after the brass quartet contest was named the North Midland Championship.
In 1997, after a 40-year break, speech and drama classes returned and were an instant success.

Changing Times, New Focus
While adult participation peaked in 1981, entries began to decline in the following years. However, youth involvement grew and by 1999 the festival offered 55 well-supported classes.
The festival is constantly evolving and listening to competitors needs.  In 2021 the festival moved online due to the covid pandemic enabling competition in some classes to continue.  Since 2022 the festival has been back in person moving to a one weekend, one site festival which has proved highly popular with competitors and spectators alike.

Why It Matters
Participants value the chance to receive expert feedback and perform in a supportive environment.
Thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers, the festival continues to thrive—nurturing talent, building confidence, and celebrating the joy of performance.

A Universal Language
Whether performing solo, in a choir, or on stage, our competitors learn to listen, collaborate, and inspire.
The Newcastle-under-Lyme Festival is proud to be part of a global tradition where music and drama connect people across borders.

bottom of page