Alongside the summer, literary, and now Petworth Proms festivals, partnerships with local schools and community groups remain central. In 2024 this took shape as The Big Sing, where all 150+ pupils at Petworth Primary School wrote songs with composer Richard Taylor, later performed at St Mary’s Church to open last year’s Literary Festival.

For 2025 we launch SING OUT! An ambitious and inspiring educational project that brings together 180 children (Years 4–6) from local schools with limited access to creative arts education, alongside sixth-form music technology students.

Through music, storytelling, and technology, participants will collaborate to create six original songs. Composer Richard Taylor and children’s writer Hazel Gould will lead a series of workshops in the beautiful surroundings of Petworth House in early to mid-October. The grand SING OUT! will take place in late October at Midhurst Rother College for all families and parents of the children involved.