As the dust settles and Edington returns to its usual quiet, the memory is vivid of a truly wonderful Festival. It was so good to see many friends old and new, and outside the liturgy, we could enjoy the Musical Supper and Friends Lunch, and the general busy-ness and friendship of Festival week. Many people have said they left feeling culturally, intellectually and spiritually uplifted.
The music was stunning, with so many highlights it would be impossible to list them. This year is a real milestone in Festival history, with the first girl choristers in the Nave Choir. And the preaching and Friends’ Talk taught us much about Hildegard von Bingen, who many had never heard of beforehand. Indeed, if you venture to the Festival’s own website (https://edingtonfestival.org/2024-2/), you will be able to access two Podcasts that will inform you further. They are recordings of Robert Quinney, Festival Director, and Jeremy Summerly, Consort Director, discussing the importance of Hildegard von Bingen in the 12th century and how it endures to the present day and beyond.
The Wednesday Evensong was recorded by the BBC and will be broadcast on Radio 3 at 1500 on Wednesday 4 September with availability on BBC Sounds thereafter.
Next year’s Festival dates are 17 to 24 August 2025. Come and experience it for yourself!
