Ryedale Festival 2026: 16 Days of Music in Yorkshire

The Ryedale Festival is back for 2026, bringing 16 days of world-class classical music, folk, jazz, and community events to venues across North and East Yorkshire. Running from July 10th to July 26th, this year's festival features 60 events spread across 40 different locations. While the festival has its roots in Pickering, which is celebrating its 45th year as a festival hub, the 2026 programme expands into several new areas. York is one of the key locations featured this year, alongside other new additions like Bridlington Priory, Howden Minster, Richmond, Selby, and Kirkbymoorside. Led by Artistic Director Christopher Glynn, the festival has seen record ticket sales ahead of its opening, reflecting a strong period of audience growth.

This year's lineup is built around five distinct artistic residencies. Conductor John Wilson and the Sinfonia of London are starting a three-year association with the festival, performing "An English Summer" at the York Barbican, which includes Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending. The Gesualdo Six will perform four concerts across the region, including stops at Bridlington Priory and Richmond, alongside guests Matilda Lloyd and Josephine Knight. The Van Baerle Piano Trio will present works by Brahms and Shostakovich, accompanied by commentary from BBC Radio 3's Stephen Johnson. Cellist Laura van der Heijden leads a series of musical encounters featuring works by Haydn and Saint-Saëns, while flugelhorn player Imogen Whitehead will perform the world premiere of Gabriel Jackson's Flugelhorn Concerto with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra under Charlotte Corderoy.

Beyond the residencies, the festival features performances from high-profile soloists and ensembles. Siblings Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Isata Kanneh-Mason, pianist Benjamin Grosvenor, and Junyan Chen are all on the schedule. Vocal ensemble Tenebrae will mark their 25th anniversary with a performance in Ripon Cathedral, the Dunedin Consort will perform Purcell in Helmsley, and the Royal Northern Sinfonia will travel to Sledmere and Hovingham. Other highlights include Mark Padmore singing Schubert's Winterreise, a dedicated Schubert Day guided by Katy Hamilton, and a celebration of the 400th anniversary of composer John Dowland's death. For those interested in folk and contemporary styles, Eliza Carthy and The Restitution will perform in Selby Abbey, while Matt Ford brings swing and Sinatra classics to the Milton Rooms in Malton.

In addition to the main concert programme, the festival includes family-friendly events, community workshops, and educational initiatives. Opera North will present their Mini Magic Flute, and there are interactive family shows like The Duck With No Luck and Don't Ask the Dragon. Local singers also have the opportunity to join the festival choir for a performance of Mozart's Requiem. The festival continues its partnership with BBC Radio 3, which will broadcast performances by its New Generation Artists and Waverley Young Artists, ensuring these regional performances reach a wider national audience.