press release. big sing! 2025
By Alastair Waddington
150 primary school children to join Midhurst Rother College music students in celebration of Petworth House art and song writing
Children aged 7 to 11 from five local primary schools will join music students from Midhurst Rother College in a unique performance on Wednesday 22 October 2025 as part of the Petworth Festival’s commitment to nurturing creativity in young people.
Petworth Festival’s SING OUT! project is a pioneering educational initiative that places creativity at the heart of learning for primary-aged school children. Delivered in partnership with the National Trust, the project has engaged local pupils in a unique exploration of visual art, creative writing, and music.
The children visited historic Petworth House, renowned for its exceptional art collection, and were introduced to selected paintings and learned about their historical context, the artist’s life and technique, and the narratives behind the paintings.
Under the expert guidance of creative writer Hazel Gould, the children composed original lyrics inspired by their chosen painting. These lyrics were then set to music in collaboration with award winning composer and musician Richard Taylor, resulting in a series of original songs that reflect the children’s imaginative engagement with the artworks.
Adding a contemporary dimension to the performance, music specialist students from Midhurst Rother College have created digital soundscapes inspired by the paintings. These soundscapes will link the songs and enhance the overall performance.
Susan Hamilton, Petworth Festival Trustee and leader of the project said: “The Sing Out! project exemplifies the Petworth Festival’s commitment to nurturing creativity in young people in West Sussex. We hope this will foster a love of the arts and of music in all the children who have taken part.”
Susan Rhodes, National Trust Visitor Operations and Experience Manger at Petworth House, commented: “The schools were wonderful. I was so impressed with their engagement and ideas, and the lyrics they come up with based on the paintings were brilliant!”
Theresa Daley, Easebourne CE Class Teacher, said: “The creative writing and music workshops were truly inspirational, sparking imagination and teamwork. The children loved exploring their ideas and turning their own words into music, creating a song that reflected their creativity and sense of pride.”
Background: The Petworth Festival (www.petworthfestival.org.uk) enables affordable access to a diverse and world class programme of music, arts and literary events for Petworth and its surrounding communities as well as arts education in local schools.
The Petworth Literary Festival runs from Thursday 29 October – Sunday 9 November and features many of the UK’s best-selling and most loved authors.
For press enquiries please contact: Stella Goodson, Development & Marketing Manager. Email: stella@petworthfestival.org.uk
- ENDS -