Shaftesbury Festival of Baroque brings classical music to life with imagination, wit and historical flair, and its ?Battle of the Playwrights? theme adds a playful competitive edge to the 2026 programme. Set within the atmospheric surroundings of Shaftesbury, the festival combines historically informed performance with engaging storytelling, making baroque music accessible without diluting its richness.

Concerts typically explore the relationships between composers, writers and dramatic forms, drawing connections between music, theatre and ideas that shaped the baroque era. ?Battle of the Playwrights? promises a programme built around contrast and conversation, pitting styles, influences and creative voices against one another in a way that invites the audience to listen closely and compare.

The tone is thoughtful rather than academic, with performances designed to entertain as much as educate. For audiences curious about classical music but keen to experience it in a lively, human context, this festival offers depth without dryness.Details: shaftesburybaroque.com