The Shipley Arts Festival marked the launch of its 2026 season with a special gathering of Friends, sponsors and supporters at Toovey’s salerooms in Washington.
Festival Director Andrew Bernardi and guest musicians presented a series of musical highlights from the forthcoming programme, celebrating the Festival’s continuing contribution to the cultural life of West Sussex.
The event also reflected the Festival’s longstanding commitment to commissioning new music, supporting young artists and presenting performances in some of Sussex’s most distinctive venues. Since its founding, the Festival has commissioned more than 20 new works by British composers, helping to create a lasting musical legacy for the region.
The launch was featured in Sussex World in January 2026.
