Beverley and East Riding Early Music Festival reveals 2025 programme

The National Centre for Early Music’s (NCEM) Beverley and East Riding Early Music Festival is set to return in May (23 to 25 May) for its 37th edition. The 2025 programme aims to celebrates the Georgian heritage for which this historic Yorkshire town is known.

The 2025 festival looks at Beverley through the eyes of 18^th century diarist John Courtney, exploring the music of a town at the centre of Georgian society. As well as lectures focusing on the Georgian era, the festival programme will offer guided walks and musical activities for younger audiences as well as a series of concerts welcoming musical talent from across the globe.

Festival and NCEM director Dr Delma Tomlin MBE said: ‘We’re delighted to be back in Beverley for what is always a joyful weekend of music and friendship in the glorious market town. This year we’ll be looking at the history of Georgian Beverley through the eyes of 18^th century diarist John Courtney and welcoming back a host of our favourite musicians for this wonderful annual celebration of history and culture. I would also like to say a special thank you to the Georgian Society for East Yorkshire as well as Susan and David Neave for their invaluable help.’

This year’s festival sees the return of instrumental ensemble Florilegium who team up with Rowan Pierce for a concert centred around the music of G F Handel, as well as BBC New Generation Baroque Ensemble Augelletti who return to Beverley for weekend residency including a music and dance workshop for families, an evening of folk tunes and country dance music at the Monk’s Walk Public House and the festival finale focusing on the legacy of local diarist John Courtney.

Also coming to Beverley in 2025 is vibrant duo soprano Nardus Williams (pictured above) and lute player Elizabeth Kenny who present an afternoon of storytelling from 17th century Italy. Vocal ensemble Stile Antico also marks its 20^th anniversary with a concert in Beverley Minster, and a Come and Sing event giving participants a chance to sing music from the Sistine Chapel.