The Suffolk Festival of Performing Arts is a well-established charity that has been hosting competitions in drama, music and dance for over 95 years. Throughout that time, our mission has remained the same: to empower local talent and to provide a space for performers to show their craft and dedication. From classical piano to vocal solo, monologue to group drama, we believe every performance is special and invite you, whether you are taking part or watching, to join us in celebrating the rich artistic tradition of the Suffolk Festival.
“Inside every performer is a beginner who fell in love”
Our competitions are for amateur performers and are divided into a range of
subcategories and age groups. Explore our website to find out more information about applications and dates for the 2026 festival. If you would like to volunteer with the running of the festival, get in contact with us at enquiries@suffolk-festival.org.uk – we are always looking for new volunteers to join our team!
Welcome to the 2026 Suffolk Festival of Performing Arts!
Culford School gave us a warm welcome last year, so this year all Music, Speech and Drama classes will be held there. Speech and Drama classes will be in the theatre and Music classes will be in the recital halls.
Unfortunately, we have been unable to find a secretary to run the Dance section this year.
We have tried to keep entry fees as low as possible to encourage performers to participate in a number of classes, but have had to make a small increase to cover the costs of the excellent, professional adjudicators and other running costs. All volunteers and committee members give their time freely. There will also be a small fee for audience members.
Some of the awards have changed this year, so please read carefully the information about awards at the front of the syllabus. In addition to the trophies, medals and cash prizes we have introduced commitment awards to performers who have taken part in the Suffolk Festival of Performing Arts for a number of years.
The deadline for entries is 7th January 2026, unless classes are full. Last year some classes were over-subscribed, so make sure you book in good time.
As always if you, or someone you know, would like to be involved in helping to run the festival please get in touch; we always need volunteers to be part of our friendly team.
I look forward to seeing you in February!
Angela Chillingworth
Meet the adjudicators for our 2026 Festival
Ben Costello
Ben Costello BMus PGDip MA FRSA FISM is a freelance musical director, singing
coach, accompanist, examiner and adjudicator, working nationally and internationally. He is Artistic Director of Thames Concerts, a busy generalist
music adjudicator for the British and International Federation of Festivals, and a music examiner and consultant for London College of Music Examinations.
Ben’s work embraces many genres, with a specialism in musical theatre, and he has been musical director on numerous productions across the UK. He has taught at most of the major London colleges including Arts Ed, Mountview Academy, the
London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, Guildford School of Acting, Trinity Laban, Laine Theatre Arts, Drama Studio London, the London School of Musical Theatre, Italia Conti, and the Royal Academy of Music. He is also a busy accompanist, working with a variety of singers and instrumentalists in a range of performing environments, and has given concerts throughout Europe. Born in London, Ben read Music at Kingston University and the London College of Music, subsequently joining the College’s faculty as a conductor and vocal coach. His early career also included repetiteur work for the London Symphony
Orchestra. He is a Liveryman and Court Member of the Worshipful Company of Musicians and chairs the Company’s Jazz Committee. Ben is delighted to be returning to Suffolk Festival (this will be his fifth visit to adjudicate) and wishes all the performers every success with their musical endeavours this year.
Caroline Clemmow (Piano)
Caroline has a rich and varied musical background. As a violinist she led the Kent Youth Orchestra and was subsequently awarded a piano scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music where she won many prizes. While performing concertos and solo recitals, Caroline derives particular pleasure from the field of chamber music, covering an extremely wide repertoire. She has participated in many London concerts, given numerous broadcasts and played in major festivals.
An important part of her work was the celebrated duo with her husband, Anthony Goldstone, who died in 2017. They were critically acclaimed for their pioneering broadcasts and CDs, building an international reputation. Caroline was also an examiner for the ABRSM for many years, both at grade and diploma levels.
Caroline is also an adjudicator for The British and International Federation of Festivals.
Jenny Thornton (Speech & Drama)
Jenny trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama gaining awards for Character Acting and for Most Promising Teacher. Jenny has led the performing arts teams in large comprehensives, been an Assistant Principal for Edexcel and a LAMDA examiner. She has run her own performing arts school to include drama, dance and musical theatre. She has written plays and one-off monologues and duologues.
Her play called “Gone” gained a Commended when performed at The Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond as did her most recent play “Young Love”. She has been delighted that LAMDA chose pieces for their acting anthologies.
Jenny loves adjudicating and making it a very enjoyable and positive experience for all concerned.
“Drama is a life skill that changed me from a stuttering introvert to a confident individual. We can give our children no better opportunity.” Jenny Thornton