Imagine being part of a Festival that is more than a century old! Think of the children and
adults who took part during the two world wars (no it didn’t miss a year!). Every year there has
been a story to tell about a brave soloist, a surprising act, a breath-taking performance…
The Mid-Somerset Festival was actually established in 1902 and not surprisingly,
is one of the oldest in Britain. Mrs Mildred Mansel founded the Festival and was at the forefront
of the organisation until 1910 when it had become firmly established.
In its early days the Festival was held in various small towns in mid Somerset but as its scale
and scope steadily increased it eventually settled in Bath in 1952, where it has been held each
March ever since. It now runs for a full fortnight. Speech & Drama Classes are held in the first week, Music in the second, with a concert presented at the end of each week.
Bath-in a World Heritage City
What a location! Bath, a Georgian City built on Roman foundations, is designated a World
Heritage city, famous for its squares and crescents of soft honey-coloured local stone. It boasts
excellent hotels and restaurants, and a rich cultural life, with the Literary Festival held in
February, the Mid-Somerset Festival in March and the International Music Festival in May-June. Participants of all ages come from far and wide, many choosing to come for several days,
combining the Festivals with sightseeing in this highly attractive city. Visitors may wish to try the famous Spa waters whilst listening to the Pump Room Trio!
For details of the Bath area visit the Bath Tourism Bureau.
Mid-Somerset Festival Venues
Classes are held in the centre of the city, using venues all within easy walking distance of the
Festival Office, situated for the Festival fortnight in the Pump Room. We are privileged to have
access to some of the most prestigious venues in Bath – only a few competitive festivals
can offer a platform under glittering Georgian chandeliers in the Guildhall Banqueting Room,
rooms regularly frequented by the greatest and the best that international
artists can offer.
Syllabus
The Syllabus, which contains details of all classes and application forms for entry, is available from the October preceding each Festival. Click on Syllabus and Programme Request link.
Getting involved behind the scenes
Here’s your chance to be involved behind the scenes. Being a registered charity, the Festival
is administered entirely by volunteers. The General Council is responsible for the main
organisation, with many more people giving their time during the Festival acting in such roles as stewards and announcers.
We need your help! Being a large organisation we can only continue to operate if we are
constantly attracting new faces. So why not become a festival volunteer? It’s a great way
to see behind the scenes, meet the performers and meet like-minded people.
If you are interested in having a role in the Festival, large or small, please use our contact form
Become a Friend of the Festival
The Festival receives no grants from public bodies and is run wholly by volunteers. It costs in excess of £34,000 to stage a Festival with significant expenditure on the hiring of venues and payment of professional adjudicators. Income generated from entry fees, ticket and programme sales is insufficient to meet the full running costs and the Festival depends upon supplementary financial support from sponsors (large and small), Friends and other generous donors.
The Friends’ subscription is £12 per annum (minimum). In return, a Friend receives a ticket giving free entry to all competition rooms during the Festival and a Newsletter three times a year. For further details contact the Membership Secretary at msfmembers@aol.com
