Nevill Holt Festival 2025 set to begin with guests including Boris Johnson, Alistair Cook and Richard E Grant
An arts and culture festival featuring famous names from the worlds of music, art, theatre and comedy is set to get under way later this month.
The Nevill Holt Festival takes place at the Nevil Holt Hall, near Market Harborough, from Friday, May 30 through to Sunday, June 22.
The rural Leicestershire setting began hosting the festival in 2013 with a series of operatic performances but has expanded into a broader arts festival, featuring concerts, conversations, performances, art exhibitions and more.
The idea for the festival was inspired by many of the hall’s former owners who have championed the arts, from the Kirkby and Nevill families and the Cunards through to current owner David Ross.
Last year’s festival premiered six new works, and also helped to mentor 40 emerging musicians, champion 10 emerging singers, and provide creative opportunities for almost 2,000 children.
This year’s musical highlights include a six-night run of Cosi fan tutte by Opera North, the King’s birthday prom, and a concert by Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra.
Guests for ‘in conversation’ evenings range from former prime minister Boris Johnson and former MP Jeffrey Archer to television presenter Trinny Woodall.
From the world of sport there is Olympic triathlon champion Alistair Brownlee, former England cricket captain Alistair Cook with comedian Miles Jupp, and an evening with cricket broadcasters Jonathan Agnew and Phil Tufnell.
Other famous names appearing on a packed programme include film actor Richard E Grant and fashion designer Paul Smith.
From the world of food, there will be talks from former Great British Bake Off presenter and media personality Prue Leith, TV chef Sophie Grigson and Bake Off winner Matty Edgell.
Playing it for laughs will be poet Pam Ayres and stand-up Jason Byrne, and there will also be a comedy club for kids among several shows aimed at the family.
For the full programme and to book, visit https://nevillholtfestival.com/
