2nd - 11th OCTOBER 2026
As we look ahead to the 2026 Calne Music and Arts Festival, it is a pleasure to welcome you to another year of creativity, connection, and celebration. Our Festival continues to evolve while staying true to its roots, championing artistic excellence and bringing people together through a shared love of music and the arts.
This year’s programme promises a rich and inspiring mix of events. From the much-loved Family Day and Open Art Exhibition to performances spanning opera, classical recitals, choral, folk, drama, and literature; there is something for everyone to discover and enjoy.
At the heart of it all remains our vibrant local community, whose talent and enthusiasm make this Festival so special. We are continually inspired by the artists and performers who call Calne home and who contribute so generously to its cultural life.
My sincere thanks go to our Committee and co-opted members. Their dedication, energy, and commitment behind the scenes ensure the Festival continues to flourish year after year.
We warmly invite you to join us, whether as a long-time supporter or a first-time visitor, in celebrating the arts in all their forms, and in experiencing the unique spirit of our Festival.
Carole Browne
CMAF President
FESTIVAL PATRON
Our patron, Brett Dean, is a renowned Australian composer and violist, a resident of Calne.
Calne Music and Arts Festival (CMAF) is a community celebration of music and the arts, which takes place during a ten-day period at the beginning of October each year. The Festival aims not only to provide entertainment for the people of Calne and surrounding villages, but also to promote local musical and artistic talent. The Festival was inaugurated in 1974 and has grown substantially over the years, showcasing some exceptional talent, whilst reaching a wide cross section of the community.
Charity Constitution
The objective of the society shall be to encourage interest and participation in the Arts by the local community, through a programme of activity including performances, concerts, exhibitions, talks and workshops during the festival period.
The society is committed to supporting local and regional performers and artists as well as showcasing visiting performers and exhibitors where appropriate to the programme.
In order to deliver the objectives of the society, the committee shall have the power to raise funds and invite and receive contributions from any persons or person whatsoever by way of subscriptions, sponsorship, donations and otherwise provided that the society shall not undertake any permanent trading activities in raising funds for its charitable objectives.
Registered charity number: 276875
OPEN ART EXHIBITION
Each year Marden House in Calne hosts an impressive Open Art Exhibition, presenting the works of predominantly local Artists. Nearly all works are for sale and the exhibition boasts some reputable names, making this a must for art enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Participation in the Open Exhibition is truly inclusive and 'open' with work only being refused if it does not meet the entry criteria.
The Open Art Exhibition 2025 showcased nearly 300 pieces of art by local artists.
Sign up to CMAF newsletter here to be kept up to date with exhibition information.
The organising Committee are always looking for new participants, both amateur and professional, and would welcome any suggestions for events which could be included in future years.
If you would like to offer continued support to the festival, please consider becoming a 'Festival Friend', which comes with reduced ticket prices to some concerts and special events.
The Festival is run entirely by volunteers so please do bear with us as we respond to your enquiry.
Phone number : 07834199190
Email : contact@cmaf.org.uk
CONTACT US
FESTIVAL FRIENDS
Become a Friend and help a wonderful local festival to thrive.
The Calne Music and Arts Festival has been an important part of Calne life for 50 years.
Funds from our supporters have enabled us to bring an exciting programme of music and art focusing on local talent to Calne for a week every year.
But what of future years?
We need your help to ensure the continuation of the Festival for the next generation.
The benefits for Friends include:
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Priority mailing of programme.
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Free lunchtime concert and reduced price tickets for most other events.
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Invitations to special Friends' events and exhibition previews.
The Friend’s fee is a modest £20.00 per year.
Becoming a Friend will help to ensure that the Festival is secure for future years.
For membership details and subscription form please click here
CMAF COMMITTEE
Carole Browne (President), John Boaler (Chair), Jacintha Douglas (Treasurer), Anne Davey (Friends Secretary), Genevieve Sioka (Art Director), Emma Hazlewood (Sponsorship Manager) Glenis Ansell, John Spiller, Kristy Jones, Jemima Palfreyman
We are always excited to hear from people interested in being a part of the Festival Committee. We are especially interested to hear from people with accounting, event management and catering experience.
There are also many volunteering opportunities during the festival, including stage hands, exhibition stewards and catering tasks.
We are also always keen to hear from art, theatre and music students as well as media students who might want to add experience to their resume.
Please do get in touch to discuss contact@cmaf.org.uk
With thanks to our generous sponsors:
