Dartington relocates to Norfolk after 75 years

Dartington Summer School and Festival, held in Devon for 75 years, will move to Norfolk in 2024. 

Attracting hundreds of professional and amateur musicians, the festival has taken place at Dartington Hall near Exeter since 1953, but earlier this month, the estate’s trust said the event was "under review". The trust also announced that Artistic Director Sara Mohr-Pietsch and the summer school team stepped down.

The independent Dartington International Summer School Foundation, which supports the event, has announced it will hold a summer school and festival in July 2024 at Gresham’s School in Holt, Norfolk. 

A spokesperson told the BBC it would provide "a fabulous base… with stunning performance and rehearsal facilities along with relaxing and comfortable residential accommodation for participants, all surrounded by beautiful grounds and woodlands".

Totnes councillor Georgina Allen said: "It’s such a shame to see this go – it has been a big part of the cultural offering of this part of Devon”, adding that she hoped other festivals and events would partner with the trust.