If you’re the kind of person who likes your live music with a view – think medieval abbeys, seaside towns and countryside churches – then Ryedale Festival 2025 is right up your street. Running from Friday 11 to Sunday 27 July, this year’s line-up blends world-class classical performances with jazz, folk, poetry and even baby-friendly concerts. It’s not just for the tux-and-ballgown crowd either. With events priced from just a fiver, this is live music for everyone, set against some of North Yorkshire’s most stunning backdrops.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s going on and why it’s worth sticking it in your calendar.
Big names, local flavour
This is the 44th year of the Ryedale Festival, and they’re not playing it safe. Headliners include superstar saxophonist Jess Gillam, Grammy-winning conductor Eric Whitacre, and acclaimed soprano Claire Booth, named Singer of the Year by the Royal Philharmonic Society. Violist Timothy Ridout also returns, and he’s bringing something extra special with him – more on that in a sec.
Top-tier groups like Quatuor Mosaïques (a legendary Austrian string quartet) and the genre-blending vocal group VOCES8 will be sticking around as Ensembles in Residence, meaning more than one chance to catch them.
From seaside to string quartets
Over 57 performances are planned across 33 venues, including spots you wouldn’t usually expect to find a world-class orchestra. Think Castle Howard, Selby Abbey, and even tucked-away churches on something they’ve called a “Troubadour Trail” – a travelling concert series led by mandolinist Alon Sariel.
And for the classical purists? There’s a deep dive into the final quartets of Haydn and Schubert, plus orchestral shows from big hitters like the Royal Northern Sinfonia, Opera North, and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, who are making their festival debut.
Fresh sounds and forgotten gems
One of the standout premieres is “Speak of the North”, a brand-new song cycle by composer Gavin Higgins. Inspired by northern landscapes and poetry from the Brontë sisters, this work covers everything from coal mining to the Sycamore Gap tree. There’s even a musical argument between Hadrian’s Wall and the tree itself – which sounds like the kind of creative chaos you don’t want to miss.
And it’s not all about the new. The festival will revive Arthur Bliss’s passionate Viola Sonata – reimagined by composer Philip Wilby into a full concerto for Timothy Ridout and the Orchestra of Opera North. Plus, they’re dusting off Michael Tippett’s rarely heard chamber cantata Crown of the Year, giving it a long-overdue return to the stage.
More than music: jazz, Jane Austen and little ones
Fancy a break from string instruments? Head to Malton’s Milton Rooms where Pete Long and his all-star jazz band salute Duke Ellington, or catch folk legend Kate Rusby sharing tunes from her new album.
Over in the theatre corner, Dame Harriet Walter (yep, the one from Succession and Killing Eve) brings a fresh take on Pride and Prejudice, channelling Jane Austen’s wit like you’ve never seen before. And Caroline Bird, poet and playwright, adds a dose of lyricism with brand-new work tying music and words together.
Everyone’s invited – seriously
The festival’s not just about watching, it’s about getting involved. That includes:
- Concerteenies: gigs for babies, toddlers and families.
- Songs That Move: interactive music therapy events designed for people living with Parkinson’s, stroke, and dementia.
- Come and Sing: open workshops led by VOCES8 and Eric Whitacre, where anyone can have a go.
And if you’re under 25? Nearly all events cost £5 or less. Plus, over 2,000 discounted tickets are up for grabs via the Ryedale Rush scheme – handy if you’re on a budget but still want that live concert buzz.
Meet the future stars
The Young Artist Platform, relaunched this year with help from the Waverley Fund, gives top emerging talent a spotlight and some solid career help. 2025’s class includes:
- Guitarist Jack Hancher
- Pianists Firoze Madon and Ethan Loch
- Recorder player Hassan Marzban
- The Fibonacci Quartet
You might not know their names yet, but give it a few years.
On the radio – and beyond
Can’t make it in person? BBC Radio 3 is broadcasting five festival concerts, including performances by New Generation Artists like Julius Asal, Hana Chang, Elizaveta Ivanova, and Santiago Sanchez.
Oh, and if you fancy reliving it all later (or watching in your pyjamas), there’s always RyeStream, the festival’s digital platform that’s already reached over 200,000 music lovers worldwide.
So, why bother?
Because Ryedale isn’t just about sitting quietly while someone plays the violin. It’s about shared moments, weird venues, surprising sounds and the kind of creative energy you just don’t get from a Spotify playlist. Or, as Festival Director Christopher Glynn puts it:
“In a world where screens so often replace shared experiences, festivals remind us of something irreplaceable: live music.”
And honestly? He’s right.
More info and tickets: www.ryedalefestival.com
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