Celebrating artistic excellence
Fostering talent and confidence through performance and feedback.
The North London Festival of Music, Speech & Drama celebrates artistic expression annually. With a focus on nurturing creativity, developing communication skills, and building confidence, the Festival offers a platform for musicians and actors of all ages and abilities. Participants present their talents, receiving valuable feedback from seasoned professionals.
Discover the North London Festival’s diverse classes and opportunities to showcase your artistry and receive expert feedback. Find out more below.
The North London Festival runs once a year (Music in the spring, Speech & Drama in the autumn) and gives participants opportunities to present their artistry to an audience and receive feedback from experienced professionals. It is dedicated to encouraging musicians and actors by celebrating performance and helping to nurture their creativity, by developing excellent communication skills, and building poise and confidence.
The Festival caters for children and adults at all ability levels and is open to any amateur or student who is living or studying in the United Kingdom. Festival classes are not examinations, but every entrant receives constructive oral and written feedback from an adjudicator who is a professional in the relevant field.
The current Festival includes more than 200 classes in over 15 categories. Music classes run between mid-March and May with a break for Easter. Speech & Drama classes take place in the Autumn.
Inspiring artists to reach their potential
As well as competitions for those of school age, the Festival hosts a series of highly respected Premier competitions for conservatoire-level students. These are essential stepping-stones to competing in international competitions. Each year there is an End of Festival concert featuring some of the outstanding entrants to the Festival, and in some categories there are other opportunities for further performance.
Where does the Festival take place?
In 2025 the Music Festival will take place at the Free Church, Hampstead Garden Suburb, with the exception of harp classes which will be at North Bank House, Muswell Hill. The Speech & Drama day will be at The Bull Theatre, High Barnet.
Concerto Performance Opportunity
North & East London Musician Competition offers an opportunity for outstanding performers from the North London Festival of Music, Speech & Drama to perform a concerto.
Get involved…
The Festival’s survival depends on the continued commitment of our donors, members, sponsors, and volunteers. We’d be delighted to hear from you if you would like to get involved.
Festival Audience
Audience members are welcome at all classes to support and encourage competitors. There is no charge for admission, but we do welcome donations towards the considerable costs of running the Festival..
Festival history
Read about our first hundred years
The Festival is affiliated to the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM).
Charity Registration No. 278363.
Support creativity
Participate in the North London Festival of Music, Speech & Drama and contribute to the celebration of creative talent. Together, we nurture artistic growth and elevate performances.