It is a great pleasure to open our 2026 season on 27 March with the Takács Quartet. With five decades of shared music-making behind them, this famous ensemble brings a depth of insight that makes every performance a very special occasion.
Join us in Pickering to hear these wonderful musicians perform three landmarks of the quartet repertoire, from the galloping energy of Haydn to the glowing colours of Debussy, via one of Beethoven’s most spacious and lyrical works.
Earlier in the evening, the Quartet’s first violinist Edward Dusinberre will be in conversation with Katy Hamilton, offering an engaging introduction to the music and the life of one of the world’s great ensembles.
This concert is also the moment when we will reveal the full programme for our Summer Festival, which runs between 10–26 July 2026. I hope you can join us to discover the shape of an exciting season ahead.
Each year, the Ryedale Festival brings outstanding artists from across the world to perform in some of North Yorkshire’s most beautiful and historic settings. None of this would be possible without the generosity of our supporters.
There are many ways to be involved, including volunteering, becoming a member, or making a donation directly through this website. If you’d like to get in touch with our team to explore the opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.
However you choose to take part, your support really matters to us and helps the Festival thrive.

Christopher Glynn
Artistic Director
‘the innovative and ever-expanding Ryedale festival…As a display of daring artistic imagination, it could hardly be bettered’
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‘an embarrassment of riches’
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Joining our community of Friends, Members, Patrons and Benefactors is a deeply rewarding way to champion and support the arts. Your generosity helps create unforgettable experiences while connecting you with a community that shares your passion.
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