When the very first Worthing Music Festival opened its doors in 1950, few could have imagined the legacy it would create. What began as a civic‑minded cultural gathering has grown into one of Sussex’s most enduring celebrations of creativity — a festival that has shaped careers, inspired generations, and adapted through every technological and cultural shift thrown its way.
In its earliest years, the Festival was part of the fabric of Worthing’s civic identity. The Mayor of Worthing served as President, and for decades the role passed through a long line of local dignitaries who lent their support and influence. The committee itself was enormous — more than fifty names appeared in the early programmes — bringing together Borough Councillors, teachers, musicians, drama practitioners, and dance specialists. It was a formidable team, united by a shared belief in the power of the arts.
Worthing Town Hall became the Festival’s home base, housing the office, hosting meetings, and even lending its Coat of Arms to the certificates and programmes. This partnership between civic leadership and artistic passion gave the Festival deep roots and a strong sense of identity. It wasn’t just an event; it was a community endeavour.
As the decades passed, the Festival expanded steadily. It became a registered charity and broadened its scope to include an impressive range of disciplines. For many years, Photography was a popular category, drawing loyal participants and audiences.
One of the most fascinating evolutions has been in the dance sections. In the early days, every single performance was accompanied by a live pianist — a tradition that meant you quickly learned which pianist belonged to which school. Over time, technology reshaped the experience: vinyl records gave way to reel‑to‑reel tapes, then cassette tapes, minidiscs, CDs, memory sticks, and now digital uploads. Each shift brought new challenges, new systems, and new ways of working.
Alongside these changes came increasing legislation, stricter safeguarding requirements, and the transition from mountains of paperwork to computerised systems. Yet through it all, the Festival’s core purpose never changed: to provide performance opportunities, encouragement, and a space to share a love of the arts.
The Festival has long been affiliated with BIFF — the British and International Federation of Festivals — and today it is also a qualifying festival for All England Dance, further cementing its place in the national performing arts landscape.
Over its 75‑year history, the Festival has been known by several titles. Depending on which programme you pull from the archives, you might find Worthing Music Festival or Worthing Competitive Music Festival. Even the bank accounts didn’t always match the programme covers. But for more than twenty years, the name Worthing Music and Arts Festival has proudly represented the breadth of disciplines and the spirit of inclusivity that define the event today.
Regardless of the name, the Festival has always been carried forward by dedicated volunteers, embraced by new generations of performers, and sustained by an unbroken commitment to creativity and community.
Here are some images from our 1961 programme!
Perhaps the most remarkable part of the Festival’s story is the impact it has had on the lives of its performers. Over the decades, countless participants have gone on to extraordinary careers — from West End musicals and international ballet companies to touring theatre, world‑class concert halls, cruise ship productions, television dramas, and feature films.
One particularly striking example is a performer whose first appearance was in a Worthing Festival piano class as a child — a moment that eventually led to a career fronting one of the world’s greatest rock bands. It’s a testament to how a single performance opportunity can spark a lifelong journey.
The Festival’s influence is just as strong closer to home. Many of today’s heads of music, drama, and dance departments across Sussex first stepped onto the Worthing Festival stage themselves. Others have become respected teachers, composers, singers, actors, choreographers, directors, and community leaders. Together, they represent thousands of careers shaped and inspired by this remarkable event.
Worthing Music and Arts Festival’s legacy is clear: a vibrant, resilient, community‑driven celebration of creativity that has touched countless lives. From its civic beginnings to its modern digital era, the Festival has remained true to its heart — offering encouragement, opportunity, and a stage where performers of all ages can shine.
And as new generations continue to step into the spotlight, the story is far from over. The Festival’s next chapter promises to be just as inspiring as the last.
We held a gala evening to celebrate 75 Years WMAAF, here are some images from the event!
