THE WORLD’S longest-running classical music festival made a triumphant return to Hereford this summer, with more than 2,000 visitors a day enjoying performances across the city during the 297th Three Choirs Festival.

The eight-day celebration of choral and classical music drew in over 16,500 ticket sales, with 65 per cent of attendees travelling from outside Herefordshire. Among the visitors were more than 70 members of the American Friends of the Three Choirs Festival, alongside international guests from beyond North America.

From Saturday, July 26 to Saturday, August 2, the festival delivered 71 concerts and events across venues in the city, including 22 sell-out performances. Highlights included six world premieres, such as Richard Blackford’s new work The Black Lake, and a revival of The Atonement by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. Vocal groups The King’s Singers and Stile Antico also performed in the grandeur of Hereford Cathedral.

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SERVICE: The Hereford Cathedral Choir leads the congregation during the Opening Service of the 2025 Three Choirs Festival, under the direction of Geraint Bowen. (C.Dale Hodgetts)

The festival opened with a special service led by Artistic Director Geraint Bowen, who conducted the Three Choirs Festival Chorus, Hereford Cathedral Choir and the Flowers Band. The service featured organist Peter Dyke and was attended by the High Sheriff of Herefordshire, Helen Bowden, and local MP Jesse Norman.

The city saw a significant boost in footfall as a result of the event. Hereford Business Improvement District recorded 68,826 visitors in the city centre during the week, marking an 11 per cent increase in new visitors compared to the previous week.

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SOLOISTS: A soprano soloist performs alongside the festival orchestra and chorus during one of the many standout concerts of the 2025 Three Choirs Festival in Hereford Cathedral. (C.Dale Hodgetts)

Five concerts by the Three Choirs Festival Chorus took place in the cathedral, supported by the Philharmonia and BBC National Orchestra of Wales. National youth ensembles were also given a platform in three concerts designed to spotlight emerging talent.

The programme also included talks, lectures and guided walks with the Hereford Guild of Guides. Actor Alastair McGowan joined pianist Mark Bebbington to perform The Story of Babar the Elephant, and 20 groups from across the three counties performed at the city’s Bandstand.

On Tuesday, July 29, the festival was honoured by a visit from Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. His Royal Highness, President of the Festival, and Her Royal Highness attended a performance of Handel’s Alexander’s Feast in Hereford Cathedral.

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PERFORMANCE: A packed Hereford Cathedral watches as the Philharmonia Orchestra and Festival Chorus deliver a rousing evening performance at the 2025 Three Choirs Festival. (C. James O'Driscoll)

Critics praised the festival’s rich programme and its delivery. The Spectator declared, “Three cheers for the Three Choirs Festival,” while The Times highlighted its “fine moments and performers with gusto.” Bachtrack described one of the cathedral performances as “a performance that even the great Handel might have envisaged.”

The city centre thrived with activity beyond the concert halls. Cathedral Close was buzzing with visitors enjoying catering by Thomas Franks and drinks from Nineteen. Local artists and designers exhibited in a special showcase supported by the Guilds of Designer Makers and Artists.

Free events such as Bandstand performances and open cathedral rehearsals ensured the festival reached a wide audience.

Organisers expressed their gratitude to Hereford Cathedral, the Diocese of Hereford, Herefordshire Council, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire, local MPs Jesse Norman and Ellie Chowns, and the many sponsors, members and supporters who make the festival possible.