There are still three weeks until Christmas but the Alton Arts Festival is already looking forward to next summer.

It has announced the first three acts which will star in its ten-day, multi-arts, multi-venue festival from July 3 to 12.

A spokesperson said: “This early line-up sets the tone for a welcoming, joyful and ambitious mix of events and styles - all celebrating arts and community.”

It will welcome award-winning English folk singer and songwriter Katherine Priddy, musical comedy and theatre crossover show Is Opera Boring? and a town-wide ceilidh with Alton Morris.

Katherine Priddy’s first two albums reached number one on the Official UK Folk Chart, and she has performed on Later… with Jools Holland, at the BBC Proms, at Glastonbury, and supported Elbow and Suzanne Vega on tour.

She said: "In a world that's increasingly driven by algorithms, social media and endless screen time, one of my favourite things about being a musician is playing intimate shows and truly connecting with live audiences through my songs.

“Alton Arts Festival gives a platform for that sense of closeness and community, and I can't wait to be there next summer."

Soprano Lucy Mellors and pianist Mark Hoare will present Is Opera Boring? , which dismantles the stereotypes of opera with humour, charm and astonishing vocal talent.

Its unique blend of magical opera, insane piano solos and hilarious anecdotes about life in the arts is playful, surprising and designed for anyone from seasoned opera lovers to complete newcomers. This is opera as never seen before.

To celebrate its 35th anniversary, Alton Morris is joining forces with the Alton Arts Festival for a community ceilidh featuring The Diatonics - one of the UK’s top ceilidh bands, known for its vibrant fusion of folk, Morris and dance music - plus guest dancers from across the region, performances from Alton Morris, and food from local vendors.

Lizzie Wilson of Alton Morris said: “We loved every minute of the 2024 festival, so joining forces for 2026, and in our 35th anniversary year as a border side no less, feels incredibly special. Alton Arts Festival is a real celebration of community, music and dance, and we can’t wait to be part of it.”

Festival committee chair Annie Lancaster said: “We’re so excited to share these first acts because they show exactly where we’re heading: high-quality artists, a real mix of styles, and events that feel welcoming, joyful and celebratory. This is just the beginning of the programme; we have so much more to come.

“The festival belongs to the whole community but our ambition is anything but small. These first acts show what we’re about: ambitious programming, brilliant artists and an experience that feels both exciting and inclusive.

“We want to put Alton firmly on the cultural map at a moment when the arts needs champions more than ever. Alton Arts Festival is moving from strength to strength thanks to the incredible passion and support of our town.”

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