BRADFIELD FESTIVAL OF MUSIC ASSOCIATION (Registered Charity Number 1080130) ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2022
There is evidence in the Bradfield Parish Council archives that a music festival, usually on Whit Monday, was held in St Nicholas’ Church, High Bradfield in 1813, 1825 and 1835.
Michael Threlfall and James Tomlinson, two local music enthusiasts, decided to explore the possibility of reviving the event and, following discussions with numerous people and organisations, an Association was formed in October 1997. The initial aim of the Association was to attract musicians with a national reputation to perform alongside quality local amateur performers at affordable prices to the public. The Association also wished to encourage young musicians and, from time to time, provide a platform for them to perform. The first week long Festival was held in July 1998.
The Association was registered as a charity in 2000 and achieved the Duke of York Community Initiative Award in 1999, 2003 and 2007. The internationally renowned cellist, Julian Lloyd Webber, became the Festival’s President in 2004 and continues to show an interest in the Festival's development.
The Association collaborates with The Sheffield Music Hub, a local authority funded service providing opportunities for young people to aspire and develop both musically and academically. In 2007 the Association introduced an annual “Young Musician’s Award Scheme” whereby The Sheffield Music Hub nominates two outstanding and promising young musicians from that academic year. A cash award and certificate are formally presented to the two young musicians during the Festival.
The Venue: St Nicholas’ Church, High Bradfield is a beautiful 15th Century building set in the Peak District, with many interesting features: glass, stonework, and woodwork. Simon Jenkins, in "England's Thousand Best Churches" writes that, “from the Church, the view is glorious, enjoyed by the weather beaten gargoyles peering from under toppling pinnacles." Christian worship in Bradfield dates from the 9th century and local historian John Wilson (1719–83) believed that the original Norman church was founded in 1109.
Apart from the historical connection with the Festival, the Church is significant in the Festival’s continuing success as it provides musicians with a wonderful acoustic and a unique atmosphere for their performance.
Management of the Festival: The Festival Committee, comprising of Trustees and other advisors, meets up to six times per year and is supported by about 20 volunteers, immediately before, during and after the Festival.
As well as income from ticket sales the Festival attracts local commercial sponsorship, grants from public funds and charitable trusts, as well as donations from individual benefactors.
The 2022 Festival featured Apollo5, the Brodsky Quartet, Jeneba Kanneh-Mason, the Benjamin Frith Piano Quartet, Jean Johnson and Danny Driver, Julian and Jiaxin Lloyd Webber, and Bella Tromba.
For more details visit the website - www.bradfeldfestivalofmusic.co.uk
The Revd Alan Isaacson, Chair of Trustees, 20.10.22
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