De Mowbray Music
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FESTIVAL
13 - 16 AUGUST 2026
TICKETS ON SALE FROM SATURDAY 21 MARCH
USE CODE EARLYBIRD10 FOR 10% OFF BEFORE 21 APRIL!
FREE FAMILY
EVENT
COMMUNITY STAGE
Saturday 15 August
10am
Start your Saturday with a celebration of community talent. Amateur performers, local choirs, rising young rock stars and captivating storytellers fill the stage in a vibrant, free-flowing showcase of grassroots arts. Unwind in the beautiful café garden at the heart of Thirsk Market Place.
Orff's CARMINA BURANA
Saturday 15 August
7pm
Durham Voices return to the festival for a third year with Orff’s monumental Carmina Burana. Under the direction of Benjamin Ellin, and accompanied by piano and percussion, this epic cantata surges with intensity and drama. A selection of a cappella choral works sets the stage for the main event.
KEITH'S BIG LEAP
FAMILY
EVENT
Sunday 16 August
3pm
Join local author Mike Barfield for Keith’s Big Leap, a delightful new children’s story brought to life with original music by Benjamin Ellin and enchanting animation by Momoko Abe. Meet Keith the leaf as he discovers courage, change and the wonder of the seasons on his journey through the circle of life.
Sponsor the De Mowbray Music Festival
Interested in sponsoring the De Mowbray Music Festival, becoming a Friend of the Festival or making a donation?
Find out more:
2025 Gallery
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Take a look at the full programme here:
“The Festival Orchestra is small in number, but under Benjamin Ellin’s direction it shaped Verdi’s music with real distinction, providing sensitive support for the soloists and the excellent Durham Voices.”
Review - Music OMH
“You should be charging us more for this!"
Audience Member
“We will be planning our holiday next year around the festival so we can definitely attend all of the events as they sound fantastic!”
Audience Member
“I just wanted to say how much l enjoyed working with you and the rest of the orchestra during the rehearsal and concert yesterday. I must also mention the accomplished performances by the soloists and choir - you must have been very proud!”
Performer
“Thanks so much for involving me in the festival. I really enjoyed the weekend and working with you again. Well done to both of you for putting on a fantastic event.”
Performer
​“The orchestra again proved its worth under Benjamin Ellin, providing strikingly well-shaped accompaniment for the singers after a delicate, chamber-like overture.”
Review - Music OMH
2024 Gallery
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Take a look at the full programme here:
"The Requiem was really outstanding. The choirs, soloists and orchestra (not to mention the organist and conductor!) combined seamlessly to deliver a sublime and uplifting performance.
Thank you for a memorable evening!"
Audience Member
Many thanks again for the opportunity to be part of your festival. It was a pleasure to work with you, and a joy to see a festival embedded in the community with such integrity (and kazoos!). I particularly loved the working atmosphere you created, and wish there was more of that in the profession!"
Performer
"The concert in St Mary's wouldn't have been out of place in the Albert Hall- the quality was so good. Please continue to grow and develop it- it is wonderful for the town. Why shouldn't Thirsk have its own Festival to rank alongside Swaledale, Ryedale and Ripon?!"
Audience Member
2023 Gallery
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Take a look at the full programme here:
“This was living evidence of what can come from dedicated individuals and groups, collaborating at all levels can deliver for a community. There should be only one way up - to engage even larger and varied audiences with continuing quality productions.”
Article in the Darlington & Stockton Times
“Herriot Hospice Homecare is so grateful to have been supported by this year’s De Mowbray Music Festival. From providing refreshments for the opera at St Mary’s, to holding a raffle during an Evening of Jazz at Thirsk Racecourse, it was an incredibly special and thoroughly enjoyable weekend. We have loved being part of the festival this year, and extend our thanks to everyone involved with planning and running the festival for their support.”
Herriot Hospice Homecare
2021 Gallery
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Take a look at the full programme here:
“The Festival was a charitable gift to Thirsk and all who attended its events. The varied contributions, the melding of musical forms and worlds, provided something for every taste. But the standout point was the quite exceptional quality of the performers and performances which brought audiences to their feet in admiration and thanks.”
A Letter of Thanks to the Darlington & Stockton Times from Dr John R Gibbins