World-class talent comes to Lichfield Festival sponsored by Chamber patron
A 'world-class ' array of talent has been unveiled for July 's Lichfield Festival - which is sponsored by Cannock Chamber of Commerce patron McArthurGlen.
The festival features a wide range of musical, theatre, literary, community and family events.
The festival kicks off with a rousing Opening Concert in Lichfield Cathedral on Thursday 6 July featuring ITV 's 2022 Britain 's Got Talent stars, the London Community Gospel Choir who have played Glastonbury, recorded with Madonna and sung at the FA Cup Final at Wembley.
The Cathedral also forms a stunning backdrop for a star-studded line-up including multi-award-winning performing artist, composer and producer Nitin Sawhney CBE, and folk singer-songwriter Kate Rusby, who has recently celebrated 30 years as a touring musician.
Broadway superstar Melissa Errico sings showstoppers from musical theatre giants, with a quartet led by jazz pianist and MD, James Pearson. Pearson, who is Artistic Director of London 's famous Ronnie Scott 's, is one of three new Associate Artists announced for 2023-2025 alongside violinist and vocalist Lizzie Ball and musical explorers the Brodsky Quartet who have just marked their 50th anniversary. Together, James and Lizzie celebrate famed songwriters including Carole King, Joni Mitchell and the late Burt Bacharach in the Cathedral.
There are also Cathedral concerts from returning Associate Artists, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, renowned Baroque violinist Rachel Podger, and a summer extravaganza from the Grimethorpe Colliery Band.
Tommy Smith OBE returns for a late evening saxophone concert, and Festival Patron Julian Lloyd Webber hosts and curates an atmospheric 'Bach by Candlelight ' concert, performed by his internationally acclaimed cellist wife Jiaxin Lloyd Webber, to close the Festival.
Talks and literary events include mathematician and University Challenge star Bobby Seagull and historian Tracy Borman. Also, documentary film-maker Alex Bescoby reflects on recreating his 9,000km journey across the world from Singapore to London.
Comedy takes a look at the life of an orchestral triangle player; there 's a one-woman show from Lichfield-born actress and writer Katie Arnstein; and music, high heels and fairy lights feature in Jenni Winter 's Mother 's Ruin.
Providing an explosive finale to this year 's events, the free Festival Fireworks take place on Saturday 15 July in Beacon Park.
Lichfield Festival has long been one of the most eclectic multi-arts festivals in the UK and a beacon in the Midlands cultural calendar. The Festival is delighted to be continuing its partnership with designer outlet McArthurGlen West Midlands following a highly successful relationship in 2022.
David Jackson, centre manager, McArthurGlen said: ”We are proud to continue to support Lichfield Festival and those involved with its important work.
“The Festival is widely known and loved across the region as somewhere people can come together and celebrate the thriving arts and culture in the local area and beyond. McArthurGlen West Midlands are delighted to play a part in enabling this, and will support growth and development of the Festival in future. ”
Festival organisers say they are extremely grateful for the generous support received from corporate and individual sponsors, Lichfield District Council and other local and national grant-awarding bodies, enabling the Festival to bring top artists and events to the city year on year.
Lichfield Festival runs from 6-16 July 2023. Tickets and details are available in the website. Festival Box Office 01543 306271 (call-back service) or email [email protected].
Pictured: Katie Arnstein