Marlborough is preparing to strike up the band, pour a local pint, and roll out the welcome mat as the town gears up for the return of the Marlborough Festival, running from Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd June 2025.
Centred around Priory Gardens, the Castle & Ball Hotel, and Marlborough Town Hall, the three-day event promises a well-balanced mix of live music, comedy, film, and family-friendly entertainment. Supporting venues such as The Parade Cinema and local pubs and restaurants are also joining in, ensuring the entire town feels part of the action.
Now in its second year, Marlborough Festival is the brainchild of local residents Luke Jackson and Sandra Bhatia, who formed a community interest company to revive the spirit of musical celebration the town once enjoyed during its jazz festival heyday. Their focus remains firmly on showcasing talent from Marlborough, Wiltshire, and the South West, while making sure there’s something for everyone – from young families to older residents.
Speaking ahead of the festival, Sandra said:
“We wanted to continue the theme from last year, of showcasing the best of Marlborough, Wiltshire and the South West, while offering something that will accommodate everyone in the community. We really want people to come along and join in, because then we can make next year’s even better.”
The weekend kicks off in comic fashion with a Hungerford Comedy Club takeover at the Castle & Ball Hotel on Friday night – following a crowd-pleasing debut at last year’s event.
Saturday brings the big marquee energy to Priory Gardens, with Jay Rayner’s Sextet headlining a musical celebration that fuses jazz with a nostalgic twist of the 1980s. Warming up the stage will be Gavin Osborn and the Comment Section, the lively Red Stripe Band, and a performance by the Sing Space Musical Theatre Choir.
At the same time, the Castle & Ball Stage, supported by BBC Introducing in the West, will shine a light on emerging local performers.
In tribute to the 80th anniversary of VE Day, spectators should keep their eyes on the skies: a RAF Spitfire will soar along Marlborough High Street on both Saturday and Sunday – a symbolic nod to the town’s veterans and wartime history.
Sunday slows the pace a touch with a family screening of Kenzuke’s Kingdom at Marlborough Town Hall, followed by a Big Day Out for older and vulnerable residents. With backing from the British Film Institute and Wiltshire Council, this free event includes a showing of Singin’ in the Rain, engaging activities by Wiltshire & Swindon Sport, and a traditional high tea provided by the Polly Tea Rooms.
“We particularly hope to reach adults who would not normally consider attending festivals through lack of mobility, or through social isolation,” Sandra said.
Adding a relaxed finale to the weekend, The Parade Cinema will host ‘Chill in the Courtyard’, while dog lovers can lace up their walking boots for a second run of the ever-popular Big Dog Walk, setting off from Marlborough Golf Club at 10am for a two-hour loop through the countryside.
It’s clear that Marlborough Festival isn’t simply another date in the calendar—it’s fast becoming a proud fixture of local life.
Full festival details, including ticketing and the weekend programme, can be found at www.marlboroughfestival.com/
