Gloucestershire &amp; Worcestershire

Pitch-perfect plans incoming! The fabulous <a href="https://3choirs.org/">Three Choirs Festival</a> is back in good voice in Hereford this summer (26 July – 2 August &#8211; lock it in the diary), bringing a week-long symphony of choral brilliance to iconic spaces – including the breath-taking Hereford Cathedral. 



Expect glorious concerts, fascinating talks, behind-the-scenes tours and all manner of musical treats popping up in venues and alfresco spots all over town.



Want the crème de la crème guide? We’ve picked out the unmissable highlights that are totally worth booking now – scroll on for the hottest tickets.







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-the-red-hot-ticket">1. The red hot ticket</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/05/Elijah-Jess-Dandy-c-Clare-Park_a2daab59f861ecff000027d77edbf8cb-1000x667.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-70029" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/05/Elijah-Jess-Dandy-c-Clare-Park_a2daab59f861ecff000027d77edbf8cb-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/05/Elijah-Jess-Dandy-c-Clare-Park_a2daab59f861ecff000027d77edbf8cb-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/05/Elijah-Jess-Dandy-c-Clare-Park_a2daab59f861ecff000027d77edbf8cb-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/05/Elijah-Jess-Dandy-c-Clare-Park_a2daab59f861ecff000027d77edbf8cb.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Clare Park</figcaption></figure>



What: Mendelssohn: Elijah – This breathtaking oratorio is back by popular demand, so be sure to book your tickets early! With majestic choruses, powerful solos, and dramatic orchestral passages, it’s a guaranteed showstopper and one of the festival&#8217;s most anticipated performances.



When: Sat 2 Aug, 7:30 &#8211; 10:15pm, Hereford Cathedral



<a href="https://3choirs.org/events/mendelssohn-elijah">Book here</a>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-the-family-favourite">2. The family favourite</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/06/2-7-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-70302" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/06/2-7-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/06/2-7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/06/2-7-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/06/2-7.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



What: Babar the Elephant – Bring the whole family along to hear the beloved tale of Babar, which has enchanted children for generations. Escaping from the jungle to the big city after his mother dies, will he ever return home? Join celebrity narrator&nbsp;Alistair McGowan&nbsp;and pianist&nbsp;Mark Bebbington&nbsp;on this exciting musical adventure.



When: Wed 30 Jul, 3 &#8211; 4pm, Holy Trinity Church



<a href="https://3choirs.org/events/babar-the-elephant">Book here</a>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-a-late-night-treat">3. A late night treat</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/05/Credit-Eduardus-Lee_Stile-Antico-1500x1000-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="singer at three choirs festival" class="wp-image-70033" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/05/Credit-Eduardus-Lee_Stile-Antico-1500x1000-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/05/Credit-Eduardus-Lee_Stile-Antico-1500x1000-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/05/Credit-Eduardus-Lee_Stile-Antico-1500x1000-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/05/Credit-Eduardus-Lee_Stile-Antico-1500x1000-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Eduardus Lee</figcaption></figure>



What: J.S. Bach: Brandenburg Concertos &#8211; Round off your day with a late-night treat – some of the liveliest and most colourful works from musical genius JS Bach. Experience a whistle-stop tour of the orchestral ensemble with the different combinations of instruments in each concerto, and marvel at Bach’s skill in creating these magical masterpieces.



When: Mon 28 Jul, 10 &#8211; 10:50pm, St Francis Xavier&#8217;s Church



<a href="https://3choirs.org/events/brandenburg-concertos">Book here</a>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-for-a-shot-of-heavenly-harmonies">4. For a shot of heavenly harmonies</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/05/Sarah-Connolly-c-Christopher-Pledger-copy-1000x667.jpg" alt="singer at three choirs festival" class="wp-image-70028" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/05/Sarah-Connolly-c-Christopher-Pledger-copy-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/05/Sarah-Connolly-c-Christopher-Pledger-copy-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/05/Sarah-Connolly-c-Christopher-Pledger-copy-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/05/Sarah-Connolly-c-Christopher-Pledger-copy.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Christopher Pledger</figcaption></figure>



What: Howells: Hymnus Paradisi – A little piece of heaven and one of the greatest English choral pieces ever composed, Howells’ Hymnus Paradisi is the composer’s grief-stricken response to losing his nine year old son. This emotionally charged concert is full of beauty and will leave you profoundly moved.



When: Wed 30 Jul, 7:30 &#8211; 9:30pm, Hereford Cathedral



<a href="https://3choirs.org/events/howells-hymnus-paradisi">Book here</a>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-see-choral-superstars-nbsp">5. See choral superstars&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/05/The-Kings-Singers-c-Frances-Marshall-1000x667.jpeg" alt="singer at three choirs festival" class="wp-image-70030" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/05/The-Kings-Singers-c-Frances-Marshall-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/05/The-Kings-Singers-c-Frances-Marshall-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/05/The-Kings-Singers-c-Frances-Marshall-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/05/The-Kings-Singers-c-Frances-Marshall.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Frances Marshall</figcaption></figure>



What: The King&#8217;s Singers – This world-renowned vocal ensemble brings their signature blend of impeccable harmonies, wit, and charm to the festival. Expect a captivating performance that showcases their versatility across genres.



When: Thu 31 Jul, 3 &#8211; 4:10pm, Hereford Cathedral.



<a href="https://3choirs.org/events/the-kings-singers">Book here</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-for-nbsp-breathtaking-new-music">6. For&nbsp;breathtaking new music</h2>



What: The Black Lake – The world premiere of Richard Blackford’s soaring yet poignant work The Black Lake promises to leave a lasting impression. Prepare to be moved by true musical storytelling and the mystery of the Black Lake…



When: Sun 27 Jul, 7:30 &#8211; 9:45pm Hereford Cathedral



<a href="https://3choirs.org/events/the-black-lake">Book here</a>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-the-rarely-heard-one">7. The rarely heard one</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/06/1-11-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-70299" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/06/1-11-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/06/1-11-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/06/1-11-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/06/1-11.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



What: Coleridge-Taylor: The Atonement –This is an opportunity to hear a rarely performed gem with its lush, sweeping melodies and majestic grandeur. Be a part of this historic revival&nbsp;of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s The Atonement in the composer’s 150th anniversary year.



When: Thu 31 Jul, 7:30 &#8211; 9:30pm, Hereford Cathedral



<a href="https://3choirs.org/events/coleridge-taylor-the-atonement">Book here</a>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-for-an-early-music-moment">8. For an early music moment</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/06/8-1000x667.jpg" alt="singer at three choirs festival" class="wp-image-70207" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/06/8-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/06/8-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/06/8-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/06/8.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Kaupo Kikkas </figcaption></figure>



What: Stile Antico – Intimate, intricate, and utterly sublime, this concert from early-music masters Stile Antico brings the sounds that echoed through the Sistine Chapel and the great churches of Rome to the glorious surroundings of Hereford Cathedral.



When: Mon 28 Jul, 2:30 &#8211; 4:15pm, Hereford Cathedral.



<a href="https://3choirs.org/events/stile-antico">Book here</a>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-want-to-see-something-for-free">Want to see something for free?</h2>



There’s plenty to enjoy without a ticket – if you’re curious, pop into one of the cathedral&#8217;s open rehearsals to experience the building’s acoustics and architecture at full pelt. The open rehearsals are relaxed, meaning you can come and go whenever you please.



The Festival Village is also open to all so you can rock up just to soak up the festival spirit. As well as free live music on the bandstand, browse oodles of gorgeous items made by local designers in the crafts marquee. 



The local craft guilds showcase an exhibition and shop of some of the best local works of art and design, with artists hailing from Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and beyond.



And one for the diary!



Next year&#8217;s festival will be held in Gloucester from 25 July – 1 August 2026 &#8211; lock it in!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/05/Three-Choirs-Festival-Chorus-c-Dale-Hodgetts-1000x667.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-70035" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/05/Three-Choirs-Festival-Chorus-c-Dale-Hodgetts-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/05/Three-Choirs-Festival-Chorus-c-Dale-Hodgetts-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/05/Three-Choirs-Festival-Chorus-c-Dale-Hodgetts-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/05/Three-Choirs-Festival-Chorus-c-Dale-Hodgetts.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Dale Hodgetts</figcaption></figure>







For more information, or to book, head to <a href="https://3choirs.org/">Three Choirs Festival</a> (26 July &#8211; 2 August 2025).

Top notes only: 8 must-see performances at Three Choirs Festival 2025

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