Music
Instruments, voices, solos and ensembles. Opportunities to perform and grow.
Explore 2026 classesDon 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
PhotographyLooking ahead to 2027. The new syllabus is being prepared. In the meantime, explore the 2026 syllabus to get a feel for our classes.
View 2026 syllabus ↗Find 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
Spoken word, poetry, storytelling and performance with confidence.
Explore 2026 classesArt
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 PhotographyArt and Photography link to their 2027 competition pages. Music and Speech & Drama currently link to the 2026 syllabus archive for reference.
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 syllabus and choose a class that fits your interests and the published requirements.
View the previous syllabus ↗02
Read the guidance
Check the festival regulations, requirements and deadlines. Look out for the updated 2027 documents.
Current published regulations ↗03
Enter and enjoy
When entries open, use our entry portal. Then join us to celebrate talent, effort and creativity.
Visit the entry portal ↗Put it in your diary
Make a date with creativity.
Here are the planned milestones for the 2027 festival. Join the mailing list for updates and the release of the full syllabus.
31JAN
Music, Speech & Drama
Planned closing date for entries · 2027
02MAR
Art & Photography
Planned closing date for entries · 2027
19–21MAR
Festival weekend
19–21 March 2027 · Sir Thomas Wharton Academy
Closing dates are subject to the final published 2027 syllabus and regulations.
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 listGet involved
Help make it happen.
Volunteer, support the festival or follow the latest highlights from our community.
Contact the festivalVisit us on Facebook
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Help creativity flourish.
Your donation supports opportunities for local performers, artists and young people to take part in the festival.