Bringing world-class chamber music to churches and historic spaces across coastal Essex.
February 2025 Programme announcement
March On sale to Patrons
April On sale to Friends
May General Sale
"Incredible, eclectic, and relaxed. Just perfect. And you can even drink your drink in the pew!"
"Fantastic music, fabulous performers, a range of styles, wonderful friendly atmosphere, excellent education programme. It is getting better year on year and I have been coming since the days of the Whalebone Barn."
"An excellent festival with first class performers. There really is something for everyone!"
Jennifer Tolhurst, Lord Lieutenant of Essex
Anthony Forster, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Essex
Sir Bernard Jenkin, Member of Parliament for Harwich and North Essex
Anthony Marwood MBE, Violinist
John Jowers, Mayor of Colchester
Sir Andrew Motion, Poet
Mark Padmore, Tenor
Layer Marney Tower, near Colchester
The wonderful Bach to Baby return to Layer Marney Tower with a concert aimed towards the little ones. Tickets include admission to this stunning Tudor gatehouse (and its sheep, goats and café!).
St Mary's Church, Wivenhoe
The Monteverdi String Band explore the 16th and 17th century madrigal, and reimagine it for the modern day. Includes a special appearance by Ben Vonberg-Clark and the Wivenhoe Youth Choir in one of the madrigals.
All Saints Church, Fordham
Schubert, Bartók, and Reger, played by rising star Ariel Lanyi.
St Andrew's Church, Fingringhoe
The incredible Solem Quartet make their debut at the Roman River Festival, playing Debussy and Lili and Nadia Boulanger.
St. James the Great, East Hill, Colchester
Piano trios by Ravel, Bonis, and pianist-composer Huw Watkins himself.
Firstsite, Colchester
The Hermes Experiment lead us on an immersive journey through genres, eras, and styles from Cécile Chaminade to Errollyn Wallen and Caroline Shaw.
St Peter ad Vincula Church, Coggeshall
A Classic FM Rising Star 2023, sensational young violinist Hana Chang debuts at the Roman River Festival. Orlando Jopling conducts the Wild Arts Ensemble.
Jumbo Water Tower, Balkerne Gate, Colchester
Sunday 29 September, 10.45am | 12.15pm | 1.45pm
Director of Colchester Arts Centre, Ant Roberts, revisits some of his most popular lockdown poetry, with music from Roman River’s own Orlando Jopling. Performed inside Colchester's iconic Grade II* listed water tower.
The Old Library, Colchester
Violinist Sijie Chen returns to The Old Library in Colchester to deliver our first free Masterclass workshop of 2024.
St Peter ad Vincula Church, Coggeshall
The finale of the Roman River Festival 2024 - glorious five voice ensemble Catching Voices perform music by Britten, Vaughan Williams, Judith Weir and more.
Ben Hancox (back left) and Robin Ashwell of the Sacconi Quartet with artistic director Orlando Jopling (all photos by Lucy J Toms)
Tuesday 26 September, 6pm
St Mary's Church, Wivenhoe
Tuesday 26 September, 7.30pm
St Mary's Church, Wivenhoe
Wednesday 27 September, 7.30pm
Colchester Arts Centre
Wednesday 27 September, 9.30pm
Colchester Arts Centre
Thursday 28 September, 7.30pm
All Saints Church, Fordham
Friday 29 September, 12.30pm
Tymperleys, Colchester
Friday 29 September, 7.30pm
St Mary the Virgin, Wissington
Saturday 30 September, 11am
The Old Library, Colchester
Saturday 30 September, 7.30pm
St Andrew's Church, Fingringhoe
Sunday 1 October, 11am - 12pm
The Barn, Layer Marney Tower
Sunday 1 October, 7.30pm
St Peter ad Vincula Church, Coggeshall
"Being so close to the performers is always the best thing about Roman River concerts – they're brilliant, professional, classy, and quite possibly unique."
"Amazing, inspired programming. Beautiful venues. World class music. (And great value for money!)"
"Brilliant. I've recently moved from London, and if this festival was there, I wouldn't have a hope in hell of getting tickets, let alone be able to afford them."
"An extremely high quality and unusually non-commercial-feeling festival. A real treat to be savoured at the end of summer."
"Very good performances in more unusual venues at a reasonable price - and with very reasonably priced wines/beers!"
Wild Arts, charity no. 1158366
South Green Farmhouse, Fingringhoe, Colchester, CO5 7DP, United Kingdom
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