About us

Over the decades, the Petworth Festival has evolved, flourished, and matured into a highly regarded trio of uniquely distinct events: the Petworth Proms, the Petworth Summer Festival, and the Petworth Literary Festival.

We’re excited and ambitious about the future. Our vision is to become the leading town festival in the country, one that inspires young people to discover, explore, and develop a lifelong passion for the arts.

Venues

The board of trustees

  • NEIL FRANKS

    Chairman of the Board & Trustee

  • IAN BARLOW

    Hon. Treasurer & Trustee

  • GEORGINA DE ZULUETA

    Trustee

  • DOUGLAS RAE

    Trustee

  • SUSAN HAMILTON

    Trustee

  • CATHY REID JONES

    CATHY REID JONES

    Trustee

  • BRIAN LANAGHAN

    BRIAN LANAGHAN

    Trustee

  • JULIA CUSSINS

    JULIA CUSSINS

    Trustee

The Management Team

  • ALASTAIR WADDINGTON

    ALASTAIR WADDINGTON

    Executive Director

  • Stewart Collins, Artistic Director

    STEWART COLLINS

    Artistic Director

  • MELODY JONES

    Festival Administrator

  • JESSICA COOLING

    Events Manager

  • SANDRA MORLEY

    Accounts Manager

History

The Petworth Festival is a remarkable success story. 

Founded 46 years ago by Lord Egremont, the composer Robert Walker, and musicologist Gerald Abraham, the Petworth Summer Festival has grown into a vibrant, multi-genre celebration featuring world-class classical music, jazz, comedy, and world music. Each summer, over two weeks of performances bring leading artists and emerging talent to unique venues across Petworth and the surrounding villages and towns.

The Petworth Literary Festival, launched in 2011, hosts top authors and public figures every autumn, while the Petworth Proms, introduced in 2024 in partnership with the National Trust, offers a unique classical concert experience inside the historic Petworth House. 

Rooted in community and creativity, the festival champions new talent and delivers inspiring outreach programmes, including school songwriting projects and partnerships with leading arts organisations, such as the Royal Academy of Music, The Leeds International Piano Competition, National Trust & Petworth House and West Sussex Music.

Access

  • By Train

    Petworth is not directly served by rail, although there are nearby towns from which you will be able to travel from and to by taxi:

    • Haslemere Station: departing London Waterloo, Haslemere station is approx. 8 miles from Petworth

    • Pulborough Station: departing London Victoria, Pulborough station is approx. 7 miles from Petworth

    By Taxi

    There are a number of local taxi and minicab operators in and around Petworth

    By Car

    Petworth is well-connected to the A3, A283 and the M23 by the A272, a delightful drive through the heart of the South Downs.

  • Pound Street Car Park is easily accessible and within a short walking distance of the town centre. There 249 spaces and 2 disabled spaces. The parking tariff is between 8.00am – 6.00pm Monday – Saturday (including Bank / Public Holidays).

    Parking Charges: Monday – Sunday

    The first hour is free

    Up to 2 hours - £0.90

    Up to 3 hours - £1.20

    Up to 4 hours - £1.40

    Up to 5 hours - £2.00  

    Up to 6 hours - £2.30

    Up to 8 hours - £2.60

    Up to 10 hours - £3.30

    Alternatively, you can download the Mipermit App and pay for your parking.  

  • Further information to be added shortly.

    Please contact the box office for urgent enquiries.

    Box Office: 01798 344576

  • Further information to be added shortly.

    Please contact the box office for urgent enquiries.

    Box Office: 01798 344576