ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
About the Hertfordshire Festival of Music
The Hertfordshire Festival of Music is an annual summer celebration of music, based in the historic county town of Hertford and taking place during the long, warm days of late spring and early summer. Just over twenty miles from central London, Hertford is easily reached by rail and road, and sits within the gentle countryside of the Lea Valley.
Festival events take place in churches, civic buildings and other welcoming venues in and around the town, inviting audiences to enjoy music in relaxed and convivial surroundings.
The Festival
The Festival, founded in 2016, brings together outstanding professional musicians, emerging artists and local participants. The Festival presents concerts, talks and participatory events developed through close collaboration with artists and partners, with an emphasis on musical quality, care and thoughtful programming.
While many events take place within a short walk of Hertford’s town centre — which offers excellent restaurants, independent shops and accommodation — the Festival’s activity also extends more widely across the county. Over the years, performances and projects have taken place in locations including Hitchin, St Albans, Stevenage, Hertingfordbury and Watford.
Our Work
HFoM exists to celebrate and nurture exceptional music‑making. Alongside performances by leading artists, the Festival supports professional and emerging musicians with Hertfordshire connections, presents engaging music by living composers, and develops artist‑led talks, educational activity and participatory projects.
Collaboration sits at the heart of the Festival’s work, with programmes often shaped in close dialogue with artists, venues and local partners.
Our History
Since its founding, Hertfordshire Festival of Music has presented concerts featuring artists such as Tasmin Little OBE, Dame Emma Kirkby, Stephen Hough CBE, Steven Isserlis CBE, the Carducci Quartet, the Galliard Ensemble and the Orchestra of the Swan.
Through its commitment to living composers, the Festival has also enabled audiences to discover the music of Matthew Taylor, Alan Mills, Peter Fribbins and Stephen Hough, among others.
James Francis Brown, Artistic Director
Tom Hammond 1974-2021, Co-Founder
In memory of Tom Hammond
The Hertfordshire Festival of Music continues to honour the loss of its much‑loved co‑founder and Co‑Artistic Director, Tom Hammond (1974–2021).
Tom’s vision, musicianship and generosity of spirit were central to the creation of HFoM. His influence continues to inform the Festival’s values, its commitment to artistic care, and its belief in music as a shared and sustaining experience.
“Without Tom, this wonderful Festival simply wouldn’t exist. That HFoM is going from strength to strength is a remarkable testament to a man of great vision and humanity who will be sorely missed by all who had the good fortune to encounter him".
James Francis Brown – Artistic Director
The HFoM Team
Artistic Director
James Francis Brown
Publicity & Social Media
Frances Wilson
Design Support
Trison
HFoM Board of Trustees
Andrew Lawson – Chair
Robert Beahan
Dom Childs
Gill Dodge
David Lee
Chris Pease
Pro-bono support of the Board
Christine Drury – Administration & Research
Dora Hatch – Treasurer
HFoM Volunteers
HFoM is supported by a committed team of volunteers, with each event assisted by Front of House volunteers.