The Three Choirs Festival holds the distinction of being the leading and longest-running classical music festival in the world. Its roots can be traced back to the early eighteenth century, when informal gatherings of local music societies paved the way for annual Music Meetings of the three cathedral choirs of Gloucester, Worcester, and Hereford. These are considered to have been formally established by 1715. This year marks the foundation from which we count our history. It was in Gloucester in 1838 that the event was first officially named the ‘Three Choirs Festival’.

The Festival's long history has not been without its challenges. Two World Wars caused significant interruptions (1914-1920 and 1939-1945). More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to the cancellation of the physical Festival, resulting in an innovative online ‘virtual Festival’ that aimed to maintain the community spirit until the triumphant return to in-person performances in 2021.

A cornerstone of the Three Choirs Festival has always been its commitment to new music. Over its 300-year history, it has hosted the premieres of significant works by composers such as Edward Elgar, Arthur Sullivan, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Hubert Parry, Ethel Smyth, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Frederick Delius, and Camille Saint-Saëns. This tradition continues with contemporary composers like Judith Weir, Judith Bingham, James MacMillan, and Cheryl Frances Hoad, many of whom have conducted their own premieres at the Festival. In 2025, a new Associate Composer Scheme was introduced, with Gavin Higgins as the inaugural Associate Composer.

The Three Choirs Festival has welcomed numerous celebrated composers, conductors, and soloists throughout its history, solidifying its place on the international musical stage. Royal connections have also been a part of the Festival's story, with regular visits and patronage since King George III attended a performance of Messiah in 1788. We are proud that His Majesty King Charles III is the Festival’s Royal Patron and His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester is Festival President.

Today the Three Choirs Festival provides an incredible week of music each summer, alongside a growing year-round engagement initiative. Its fundamental mission – for the power of choral music to enrich lives through shared, inspirational experiences – has driven the Festival for three centuries and will continue to inspire audiences for generations to come.