Since 1951, King’s Lynn Festival has evolved into a world-class annual celebration of music and arts. From breathtaking classical performances to intimate jazz evenings, thought-provoking talks to community events, our festival fills the town with a fortnight of creativity and joy. So, how did we get here?
“Nothing but the best” — that was the guiding principle of Ruth, Lady Fermoy when she launched the first King’s Lynn Festival in 1951. Originally created to celebrate the restoration of the historic Guildhall of St George, her vision laid the foundations for a Festival that would grow into one of the UK’s most respected cultural events.
What began as a week of music and the arts has become a cherished tradition – a place where the community gathers to experience world-class performance in the heart of King’s Lynn.
The Guildhall of St George – now believed to be the oldest working theatre in the UK that once hosted Shakespeare – was nearly lost in the aftermath of the Second World War. Used for scenery storage and threatened with demolition, its fate changed when Alexander Penrose of Norfolk bought the building in 1946 to save it from destruction.
Penrose’s vision of an arts centre captured the imagination of Lord and Lady Fermoy. Together, they formed a trust, raised restoration funds, and transformed the Guildhall into a cultural hub. The newly restored building was officially opened in 1951 by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother – who became a long-time Festival Patron.
From its earliest days, King’s Lynn Festival attracted legendary names from music, literature, and the performing arts. Benjamin Britten, Kathleen Ferrier, Peter Pears, Same Judy Dench, Peggy Ashcroft, Peter Ustinov – all graced Festival stages.
Live BBC broadcasts and regular royal visits helped the Festival quickly gain national and international recognition. Yet throughout its success, it has remained deeply rooted in the King’s Lynn community.
Part of the Festival’s magic lies in its venues. Performances take place in some of Norfolk’s most beautiful and historic buildings:
Each one provides an atmospheric and intimate setting for memorable experiences.
Today, King’s Lynn Festival continues to present a diverse and inspiring programme. While classical music remains at its core, the Festival now features a wide mix of genres – including folk, jazz, spoken word, contemporary classical, and visual arts. The Festival has also expanded its connections with schools and community groups of all ages, creating vibrant arts projects than enrich and empower.
Audiences have enjoyed performances by Nicola Benedetti, Benjamin Grosvenor, Tasmin Little, Sam Lee, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Lesley Garrett, Jools Holland, the Black Dyke Band, Evelyn Glennie, and more. The Festival also supports new music, commissioning works from brilliant upcoming talents, both local and national.
As we look to the future, King’s Lynn Festival is embracing a renewed mission:
To enable Kings Lynn and West Norfolk’s residents to live the richest possible lives through access to excellent, inclusive and unique creative experiences.
This Festival belongs to King’s Lynn – shaped by its people, inspired by its past, and driven by a belief in the power of the arts to connect, uplift, and transform.