Music
From piano and strings to singing and ensembles, discover opportunities to perform and grow. Our 2027 Music pages are being prepared.
Explore 2027 MusicDon Valley Festival 2027
A place for talent to take the stage.
From first performances to lifelong passions, we celebrate creativity in every form. Discover a welcoming festival of music, speech, drama, art and photography.
2027CREATIVITY BELONGS HERE Music
Speech & Drama
Art
PhotographyDiscover the 2027 Festival. Speech & Drama classes, Art and Photography are ready to explore. Our Music pages are being prepared.
Browse 2027 classesFind your place
Something for everyone.
Four ways to take part. Whether you're stepping on stage, sharing a story, making art or taking photographs, there's a place for you.
Speech & Drama
Poetry, storytelling, public speaking and acting. Explore our 2027 classes and set poems.
Explore 2027 Speech & DramaArt
My Happy Place is our 2027 theme. Share what makes you happy through traditional or digital art.
Explore 2027 ArtPhotography
Capture your view of the world in our 2027 competition. Choose Colour, Composition or Creative Angles. Free to enter.
Explore 2027 PhotographyExplore the 2027 competitions in Art and Photography, browse our Speech & Drama classes, or visit the Music section as we prepare its 2027 information.
OUR 2027 FESTIVAL PANEL
Meet our adjudicators.
Discover the experienced people encouraging creativity and offering constructive feedback across Music, Speech & Drama, Art and Photography.
Five adjudicators. Four disciplines.Meet the adjudicators
Volunteers needed for March 2027
Help us make the Festival happen.
We're especially looking for a Trophy Coordinator, as well as volunteers to help during Festival weekend. Even a few hours could make a difference.
See volunteer opportunities 19–21 March · Doncaster
Taking part
Your festival journey, made simple.
New to the festival? Everyone starts somewhere. Here's what taking part usually looks like.
01
Find your class
Explore the available classes and competition information to find the right section for you.
02
Read the guidance
Read the 2027 Festival Regulations, check the class requirements and note the closing dates.
Read the 2027 regulations ↗03
Enter and enjoy
Follow the entry instructions for your chosen section. Online entry for Music and Speech & Drama is temporarily closed while we update the 2027 class information.
See online entry updates ↗Put it in your diary
Make a date with creativity.
Here are the key dates for the 2027 Festival. Join our mailing list for important announcements and reminders.
31JAN
Music, Speech & Drama
Entries close · 2027
02MAR
Art & Photography
Entries close · 2027
19–21MAR
Festival weekend
19–21 March 2027 · Sir Thomas Wharton Academy
Our 2027 Festival venue
Edlington, Doncaster
Please check the relevant section and the Festival Regulations before entering.
A proud local tradition
A stage for our community since 1912.
For more than a century, Don Valley Festival has encouraged people of all ages to explore and share their talents. We bring together performers, artists, families and supporters in a welcoming, celebratory atmosphere.
With feedback from experienced adjudicators, the festival is about far more than prizes. It's about confidence, learning, connection and the joy of taking part.
Don Valley Festival is affiliated with the British & International Federation of Festivals.
Keep in touch and get involved
Stay in the loop
Be first to hear what's happening.
Syllabus news, entry updates, dates and festival announcements, straight to your inbox.
Join our mailing listVolunteers wanted
Can you lend a hand?
We need helpers for Festival weekend and someone to coordinate our trophies. Every offer of support matters.
Explore volunteeringVisit us on Facebook
Support our charity
Help creativity flourish.
Your donation supports opportunities for local performers, artists and young people to take part in the festival.