March 1 – March 26
The Hastings Musical Festival, established in 1908, stands as one of the United Kingdom’s longest-running and most respected performing arts competitions. Returning to the elegant White Rock Theatre in Hastings, East Sussex, in 2026, the festival spans three vibrant weeks in either February or March, offering a rare front-row seat to the alchemy of artistic discovery. Here, emerging virtuosos and seasoned performers alike take to the stage in a supportive yet high-stakes setting that fosters growth, confidence and creative exploration.
Participants of all ages compete across a wide spectrum of disciplines, including vocal solos, instrumental recitals, ensemble music, ballet, contemporary dance, acting monologues and poetry readings. Each class is carefully designed to emphasise technical skill, interpretation, presentation and artistry. Renowned adjudicators experts in their respective fields evaluate every performance, providing thoughtful and constructive feedback that enriches the experience for performers and observers. Class winners are recognised with the festival’s coveted gold, silver and bronze medals, with many junior categories also awarding additional distinctions to encourage developing talent.
Hastings Musical Festival is set against the sweeping backdrop of Hastings’ seafront, the White Rock Theatre offers intimate viewing experiences where audiences can follow the arc of a dancer’s movement or hear the subtle nuance of a singer’s crescendo. For educators, parents and arts enthusiasts, these sessions offer authentic insight into the nurturing of talent and the dedication behind polished performance.
Organised by a committed festival committee, the event emphasises professionalism and inclusivity. With recent audiences exceeding 1,000 per session, the festival remains a cultural cornerstone celebrating talent, inspiring creativity and enriching the artistic life of Hastings.
This is an extremely popular event so please BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION EARLY to avoid disappointment.