There’s something truly magical about Beverley in spring. The blossom’s out, the cobbled lanes glint in the May sunshine, and the mighty Minster stands tall as ever, guarding centuries of stories. But come late May, the town takes on an even more enchanting air as the Beverley & East Riding Early Music Festival returns – this time, with a Georgian twist.
Running from 23rd to 25th May 2025, this isn’t your average music weekend. It’s a lovingly crafted historical experience, one that invites you to wander not just the town, but time itself. Through concerts, talks, walking tours and workshops, the festival paints a vivid picture of 18th-century Beverley, all seen through the eyes of a local gentleman diarist, John Courtney.
A Festival Steeped In Beverley’s Past
Now in its 37th year, the Beverley & East Riding Early Music Festival has never been one to follow the crowd. Organised by the National Centre for Early Music (NCEM), it leans deep into Beverley’s medieval and Georgian roots, offering a rich cultural programme that’s as much about the town’s soul as it is about sound.
The 2025 theme shines a spotlight on the Georgian era – a time of powdered wigs, assembly rooms, candlelit dinners, and, crucially, music in every parlour and public house. Much of what we know about this period comes from John Courtney, a Beverley-born lawyer and landowner who kept detailed diaries between 1759 and 1805. These journals are absolute gold dust for local historians, filled with everything from town gossip and politics to musical tastes and pub visits. And now, they’re the backbone of the festival’s storytelling.
Meet John Courtney: Beverley’s Georgian Eyewitness
To walk in Courtney’s shoes is to glimpse Georgian Beverley in all its bustling, nuanced glory. His diaries take us to the inns where the town’s social life thrived, into heated political discussions over port, and even into his thoughts on global affairs like the French Revolution.
This year, festivalgoers can experience his world firsthand. Local historians Dr. Susan Neave and David Neave, experts on Courtney’s life, will be leading the way. Susan’s talk, “Life and Music in Georgian Beverley and Beyond”, will unravel the daily life and soundscape of the era. Meanwhile, David’s “Georgian Beverley” walking tour promises to be a highlight – tracing Courtney’s footsteps through familiar streets with unfamiliar stories tucked around every corner.
Music As It Was Meant To Be Heard
Of course, music takes centre stage. And it’s not just played – it’s lived, contextualised, and brought to life with a historical richness that’s hard to beat. Headlining the weekend is Ensemble Augelletti, this year’s musicians-in-residence and absolute masters of weaving narrative through Baroque sounds. They’ll be popping up throughout the festival: running workshops for young musicians (the delightful “Pick a Card”), performing folk tunes in the Monk’s Walk Pub, and bringing the house down in Sunday’s finale concert “And We Were Enchanted”.
Their speciality? Making the music of the 1700s feel fresh, vibrant, and full of life – just as it would’ve been in Courtney’s day. This isn’t stuffy recital territory; this is music that dances through pub walls, spins you through a Georgian ball, and whispers secrets through candlelight.
Other performances promise to be equally mesmerising. The festival opens with Florilegium and soprano Rowan Pierce delivering a programme dedicated to Handel – an obvious favourite of Georgian society – inside the stunning St Mary’s Church. Later, the internationally renowned vocal group Stile Antico will celebrate their 20th anniversary with the soaring sacred music of Palestrina in the awe-inspiring Beverley Minster.
Fancy something more intimate? Head to Toll Gavel United Church to hear Nardus Williams and Elizabeth Kenny explore the opulence and drama of 17th-century Italian music. Or catch The York Waits at St John’s Church as they transport listeners even further back, to Tudor England with their atmospheric period instruments.
A Living, Breathing Georgian Experience
But what truly sets the Beverley festival apart is its immersive flair. The programme isn’t just about watching from a pew; it’s about joining in. Take the “Pick a Card” workshop – designed for kids aged 7 to 12, it introduces Georgian dance and music in a playful, engaging format. Or for grown-ups with a love of singing, there’s the “Come & Sing” session with Stile Antico, where participants can rehearse and perform Renaissance music alongside professionals.
This kind of community involvement is core to the NCEM’s mission – bringing early music to life for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re a scholar, a singer, a casual listener, or just someone who fancies something a bit different, there’s a door open for you here.
Venues That Echo With Time
Part of the festival’s undeniable charm lies in its venues – historic buildings that feel like part of the performance themselves. From the towering Beverley Minster, whose Gothic spires have loomed over the town since the 13th century, to the warm, storied walls of St Mary’s Church, every note is steeped in atmosphere.
Even informal venues get in on the act: the Monk’s Walk, one of Beverley’s oldest pubs, becomes a stage for folk tunes and country dances, blurring the line between past and present.
Practical Bits: When, Where, And How
Dates: Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th May 2025
Tickets: Available through www.ncem.co.uk or by calling 01904 658338
Prices: From £5 for workshops to £35 for premium concert seats
Tip: Some events tend to sell out early, so don’t dawdle!
Discounts are often available for under-35s and multi-event passes, making the weekend great value for families and culture-loving couples alike. And with Beverley’s cosy cafés, charming pubs, and local B&Bs all within easy reach, it’s an ideal weekend getaway.
Why It Matters
Events like this don’t just entertain – they connect us to the deeper threads of our shared heritage. In a world that moves fast and forgets quickly, the Beverley & East Riding Early Music Festival is a gentle, joyful reminder to slow down, to listen, and to remember. To hear the music not just with your ears, but with your imagination.
So whether you’re a returning visitor or new to Beverley, consider this your invitation. Step into the Georgian world of John Courtney, soak in the music that once echoed through drawing rooms and candlelit chapels, and let yourself be transported. You won’t just hear history – you’ll feel it.