The Stanford Festival 2025
The Stanford Festival 2025 took place in the beautiful surroundings of Salisbury Cathedral Close from 11–12 October 2025.
The weekend featured a rich variety of talks, recitals, services, and social gatherings, celebrating the music and legacy of Sir Charles Villiers Stanford.
Friday 10 October
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17:30 – Evensong, Salisbury Cathedral
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19:00 – Informal Dinner (venue and cost TBC, depending on interest
Saturday 11 October
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10:00 – Talk: The History of Music at Salisbury Cathedral
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11:00 – Recital: Violin & Piano
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12:00 – Talk: The History of the Royal School of Church Music
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13:00 – Lunch in Sarum College
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14:00 – Talk: Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
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15:00 – Recital: Voice & Piano
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16:45 – Organ Recital (John Challenger, Salisbury Cathedral)
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17:30 – Choral Evensong, Salisbury Cathedral
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19:30 – Festival Drinks Reception, The White Heart
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20:00 – Festival Dinner, The White Heart
Sunday 12 October
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09:15 – Choral Mattins, Salisbury Cathedral
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10:30 – Eucharist, Salisbury Cathedral
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12:00 – Guided Tour (cost TBC, depending on interest)
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13:00 – Lunch (venue and cost TBC, depending on interest)
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16:30 – Choral Evensong, Salisbury Cathedral
Our Festival Home: Sarum College
Situated just a stone’s throw from the Cathedral itself, Sarum College is steeped in history. Its roots trace back to the 17th century, though the site itself stands atop layers of older ecclesiastical heritage, with parts of the building occupying the footprint of the original Bishop’s Palace.
Over the centuries, it has housed theological colleges, training institutions, and musical gatherings — and today, it remains a vibrant centre for theological education, reflection, and public engagement. Its beautiful Georgian frontage and views across the Close make it a serene and fitting setting for our talks, gatherings, and Festival HQ.
We were immensely grateful to Sarum College for hosting us in October.
Recitalist Spotlight: John Challenger
Organist of Salisbury Cathedral and Stanford Festival 2025 Recitalist
We were thrilled to welcome John Challenger, Assistant Director of Music at Salisbury Cathedral, as our organ recitalist for The Stanford Festival 2025.
A graduate of St John’s College, Cambridge, and organ scholar under Andrew Nethsingha, John is widely recognised for his expressive and stylish playing. Since his appointment to Salisbury in 2012, he has played a central role in the musical life of the Cathedral, where his performances have received wide acclaim.
His recital for the Festival, taking place on Saturday 11 October, was a deeply rewarding centrepiece of the weekend
