2026 Cheltenham Guitar Festival - Concert Series

Cheltenham International Guitar Festival & Summer School - 2026

Concert Series

Welcome to the Cheltenham Guitar Festival Concert Series.  It is with great pleasure we welcome you to our 2026 Concert Series at Dean Close School in the beautiful spa town of Cheltenham.  This year's line-up includes the talented Spanish guitartist Francisco Bernier and internationally recognised artist Xuefei Yang.  Joining us on the contemporary music stage is award winning Americana guitarist Holly Carter.

Lunchtime Concerts - Young Artist Platform

IGF’s Young Artist Platform (YAP) aims to help young musicians in the critical phase between the final stages of music education and the concert platform. The programme provides much needed performance opportunities and mentoring for young guitarists and ensembles starting out in their careers, as well as the opportunity to work with a composer and premiere a new work.

Francisco Bernier

7.30pm | Tues 11th Aug | Helen Porter Hall

Maryna Vosmirova  |  Rhossili Duo  (Young Artist Platform)

1.00pm | Weds 12th Aug | Helen Porter Hall

Tom Kerstens  

7.30pm | Weds 12th Aug | Helen Porter Hall

Eva Victoria Schockmel | Fika Duo  (Young Artist Platform)

1.00pm | Thurs 13th Aug | Helen Porter Hall

Francisco Correa | Samuel Moore

7.30pm | Thurs 13th Aug | Helen Porter Hall

Holly Carter

7.30pm | Thurs 13th Aug | Bacon Theatre

Xuefei Yang

7.30pm | Fri 14th Aug | Helen Porter Hall

Student Concerts

Friends & Family welcome - free entry (tickets required)

Classical & Guitar Orchestra   |  Flamenco Guitar

5.00pm - 6.30pm | Fri 14th Aug | Helen Porter Hall

Each student has the opportunity to play solo or in a duet (or trio / quartet). The guitar orchestra will also perform their pieces in the concert.

Contemporary Guitar Styles

7.30pm - 11pm | Sat 15th Aug | Bacon Theatre

Each class plays a set and shows off what they have learnt. After the main show students (and tutors) can get up and play some more in an open mic session.

Support our work

Will you support our exciting new scholarship scheme for young professional guitarists?  

We have a JustGiving campaign to invite two talented artists to our prestigious Cheltenham Guitar Summer School.

Donate and share our JustGiving campaign

If you would like to support IGF's Guitar Circus music in schools programme, La Leona women and the guitar project or the Young Artist Platform we would be very grateful for a one-off or regular donation.

Donate here