White Horse Festival autumn highlights 

Round & About

White Horse Festival invites you to enjoy extraordinary experiences, in harmony with nature, between 2nd & 5th October

There’s a new festival galloping into the Wiltshire cultural calendar, with world-class music on your doorstep. The White Horse Festival, a new classical and cross-genre music celebration, will take place across the region. 

Founded by Julia Hudson, who grew up in Savernake Forest, and led by celebrated conductor Hilary Davan Wetton, the festival promises to deliver innovative, inclusive events that appeal to all ages. The mission is simple but powerful: to bring high-quality, engaging music to rural communities that often miss out on cultural buzz. 

The four-day festival kicks off on Thursday, 2nd October, with Harvest Moon, an atmospheric evening of jazz featuring Jo Harrop and her band at The Ridgeway Barns. From there, the weekend unfolds with a diverse line-up: a talk on the art of conducting, fine dining accompanied by live opera, imaginative music sessions for children, and a thrilling British debut performance from South Korean pianist Seonghyeon Leem at Wick Bottom Barn. Family-friendly events include The Singing Shell, an interactive session for toddlers, and Whale Song, a musical adventure designed for ages four to 10 years; both taking place at Ramsbury Memorial Hall. 

On Sunday, the festival steps into the landscape itself, with Rooted in Earth, a guided walk, rustic farm lunch, and folk music experience at Warren Farm in Savernake. The weekend wraps up with Trumpet Fireworks, a lively concert for all ages with Crispian Steele-Perkins and Hilary Davan Wetton at St Mary’s in Great Bedwyn. 

What makes the White Horse Festival stand out is its strong connection to local life, working with community venues and businesses, and celebrating the area’s stunning natural surroundings. It’s also a registered charity, run by volunteers who believe that music has the power to bring people together. 

With something for everyone – from tiny tots to seasoned concertgoers – the White Horse Festival is set to become a much-loved fixture in local cultural life.