The Hastings Musical Festival has been captivating audiences for over 100 years. Every year, children and adults from 4 to 84 take the stage to showcase their talent in the categories singing, dancing, speech, mime/drama, and Instrumental, all of which are marked by a specialist, expert adjudicator. With hundreds of participants, it’s an exciting chance to build confidence and make memories.

Fizzy Robot
Fabulous dancing group

The festival starts on 23 February and will run throughout March, with the finale concert taking place on 30 March, and would welcome an audience to help continue the support. Performers are travelling from Sussex, Kent, and Surrey to participate, and would love to share their talent.

Festival highlights are:

  • Speech, Drama and Mime from 24 to 27 Feb, drama throughout the week, medal classes on 27 February.
  • 6 March: School choirs in the morning, adult classical singing in the afternoon and youth choirs in the evening, all in the main auditorium
  • 6 March, 6 p.m. White Rock Studio: Molly Townson Evening of Classical Cabaret. This is a special event dedicated to Molly Townson, a beloved local figure whose contributions to the festival and the Hastings arts community were immeasurable. This evening will feature a selection of stunning vocal performances in honour of Molly, including Gilbert and Sullivan, vintage song, humourous and art songs. There will be a bar available; period costume welcomed.
  • 13 March: Primary class instrumental in the morning, Gold Medal in the afternoon, recitals and Young Instrumentalist of the Year ceremony in the evening
  • 18 March, evening: Dance Medals (Bronze, Silver, Gold). Young dancers will perform both their ballet and narrative solo routines for a combined score. This remains one of the most anticipated competitions in the Festival. Children aged 9-11 will qualify for Bronze, aged 12-14 for Silver, aged 15-20 for the Gold Medal.
  • 19 March, afternoon: Singing, Gold Medal and Singing Championships. Evening, 6.00pm: amazing array of adult choirs.

Tickets for all sessions: White Rock Theatre box office. Hastings Musical Festival website: ticket packages for those wishing to attend multiple sessions. whiterocktheatre.org.uk/whats-on/event/hastings-musical-festival-2025 Please visit hastingsmusicalfestival.org.uk for more information. Also on facebook and Instagram.


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https://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ARTSHMF-1024x582.jpghttps://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ARTSHMF-150x150.jpgHIPArtsHastings Musical Festival,White Rock TheatreThe Hastings Musical Festival has been captivating audiences for over 100 years. Every year, children and adults from 4 to 84 take the stage to showcase their talent in the categories singing, dancing, speech, mime/drama, and Instrumental, all of which are marked by a specialist, expert adjudicator. With hundreds...The Hastings & St Leonards non-profit community newspaper