2026 Festival
The 2026 Woking Music Festival will run between 6th and 29th November, 2026. Music classes were held at St John’s Church, Church Rd, St John’s, Woking, GU21 7QN except for the choral session on 11th November and instrumental session on 12th November which were held at Woking High School (Morton Rd, Woking. GU21 4TJ, additional access from Horsell Rise, satnav GU21 4BD). Speech and drama sessions were at Halstead St Andrew’s School (Church Hill House, Wilson Way, Woking, GU21 4QW).
This year marks an historic milestone for Woking Music Festival. One of the largest of its kind in Surrey with about 1000 taking part each year, in 2026 we celebrate 100 years since the festival was founded by Nancy Leigh in 1926. 100 years of creativity, community, and unforgettable performances.
Over the past century, generations of performers of all ages and abilities, teachers, families and supporters have come together to share their passion for the performing arts, helping the festival grow into an esteemed and much-loved tradition. Respected teachers and performers act as adjudicators, giving valuable advice and guidance to all participants.
There are also trophies to be won (more than 90 in all, including the prestigious Most Promising Young Singer and Young Actor Awards and the Woking Junior Musicians of the Year). A selection of outstanding participants aged 14-20 years has the opportunity to compete for the coveted title of Woking Young Musician of the Year on 6th February, 2027.
From its earliest beginnings our festival has provided a stage for talent to flourish, confidence to grow, and lifelong memories to be made. Countless young performers have taken their first steps into the spotlight here, inspired by the encouragement, friendship, and spirit that define our festival.
Our centenary celebration is not only a reflection on our rich history, but a tribute to everyone who has shaped the festival across the decades, both performers and volunteers who work so hard to make each year successful. We are delighted to celebrate this special year and we also look to the future with excitement and pride.
Christine Loosemore
Chairman
Woking Music Festival
The telephone number for last minute contact with the festival by entrants and performers is:
07579 095418
Please note that there is no facility to leave a voice message. If there is no reply, please send a text.
This number is only manned during festival running times and for about an hour before each session. Outside these times, please email the section secretary.
Entries to the 2025 Festival are now closed
Click here for the
Festival Timetable
Provisional Timetable
Vocal & Choral
10th November 4.30-10.00pm (incl choirs) Woking High School
13th November 4.00-10.00pm St John’s Church, Woking
17th November 4.00-10.00pm St John’s Church, Woking
20th November 4.00-10.00pm St John’s Church, Woking
Instrumental (incl composition)
11th November 4.00-10.00pm St John’s Church, Woking
12th November 4.00-10.00pm St John’s Church, Woking
19th November 4.00-10.00pm St John’s Church, Woking
Piano
6th November 4.00-10.00pm St John’s Church, Woking
7th November 9.30am-6.30pm St John’s Church, Woking
16th November 4.00-10.00pm St John’s Church, Woking
18th November 4.00-10.00pm St John’s Church, Woking
21st November 9.30am-6.30pm St John’s Church, Woking
24th November* 4.00-10.00pm St John’s Church, Woking
Speech and Drama
14th November 9.30am-7.15pm St John’s Church, Woking
22nd November 9.30am-7.15pm Halstead St Andrew’s School
29th November 9.30am-7.15pm Halstead St Andrew’s School
* This dates will only be used if more entries are received than can be scheduled on the other days.
The schedule for individual classes is only drawn up when all entries have been received. Until that process has been completed, we can’t know when any given class will be held, other than that choral classes will be on 10th November.
Venues
St John’s Church, Church Rd, St John’s, Woking. GU21 7QN
Halstead St Andrew’s School, Church Hill House, Wilson Way, Woking. GU21 4QW
Woking High School, Morton Rd, Woking. GU21 4TJ (Access is from Horsell Rise. Satnav: GU21 4BD)
Details of the panel of adjudicators are available here.
Please complete the mailing list form to receive an e-mail to be kept up to date with information about the Festival.
Audience
We welcome spectators at all our sessions. It’s entertaining and, especially for those who are learning to perform, very educational.
Ticket price for entry is £5 for an adult, and gives admission for all sessions on the day of purchase. You can come and go as you wish, except while someone is actually performing or during the adjudications. Under 18s are free.
If you plan on coming more than once, a rover ticket is worth considering at £16. It gives you access to all the festival sessions and you also get a programme.
A programme costs £4.
You might also like to support us by becoming a Friend of the Festival which gives you and us additional benefits.