AUTUMN/WINTER 2026/27
ISSUE 02
THE LIST WHAT’S ON MALMESBURY
Jess Gillam Trio Westport Sound Flying Monk Art Trail Wessex Week and more inside... discovermalmesbury.life
The List What’s On Malmesbury
WELCOME TO
THE LIST WHATS ON MALMESBURY Autumn/Winter 2026/27 We are delighted to bring you the latest edition of our seasonal what’s on brochure The List. Malmesbury offers a dynamic, year-round programme of arts and music festivals and events, art exhibitions and live performances – filling the streets that have been at the heart of English life for over a thousand years – in Malmesbury, culture isn’t an add-on, it’s everyday life. As the long hot summer draws to a close, our Autumn/Winter season sees a feast of exhibitions and events during September, and Malmesbury Live Arts’ and Malmesbury Abbey Music Society’s programmes get underway, along with annual Wessex Week and Westport Sound experimental music festival. More opportunities to get involved creatively or attend exhibitions, regular talks and events can be found on the websites of those local groups listed in the Take Part section. Please go to What’s On at the Discover Malmesbury website for further event listings and booking details. discovermalmesbury.life
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Autumn/Winter 2026/27
Memory of the Future New work by Melissa Yates 4 September - 11 October Caerbladon, 24 High St, Malmesbury Monday - Saturday 10am to 4.30pm
Marking Out the Boundaries Day Bowman 10 - 21 September Malmesbury Abbey
Young People’s Art Exhibition 12 - 24 September John Bowen Gallery Malmesbury Town Hall
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The List What’s On Malmesbury
The Wild Lullaby Jackie Morris and Cathy Fisher
Marking Out the Boundaries - Day Bowman and Lizzi Kew Ross & Co
Monday 14 September
Saturday 19 September
Town Hall, Malmesbury 7pm
Malmesbury Abbey 4.30pm
Ticket Price: £10 ( £20 with book)
Ticket Price: £12
Tickets from Barn Owl Books barnowlbooks.co.uk/events-and-whats-on
Tickets from Caerbladon or online caerbladon.co.uk/tickets
Jackie Morris and Cathy Fisher are acclaimed collaborators in children's literature, with Fisher illustrating several of Morris's stories, including The Panda's Child, The Summer Puppy, and the new book A Wild Lullaby. Both artists are based in Wales, creating, in partnership with Otter-Barry Books, stories focused on the bond between animals and humans.
Exhibition of paintings by Day Bowman and performance devised with the dancers by Lizzi Kew Ross Poetry by John Clare, Gerald Manley Hopkins and Sue Hubbard Performance followed by a Q & A and reception.
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Autumn/Winter 2026/27
Flying Monk Art Trail 2026 Saturday and Sunday 26 - 27 September 10am - 4pm Malmesbury Area Full information: flyingmonk.co.uk
This weekend event celebrates the quality of artists and makers living and working in the Malmesbury area. It is an opportunity to meet the artists in their studios, homes and pop-up spaces, and maybe pick up an original piece to take home. Buying artwork direct from the artists and makers is an enjoyable experience, you’ll be supporting local creativity while acquiring something special and unique that you will cherish in years to come.
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The List What’s On Malmesbury
Way Out Westport is a monthly music night held at the Three Cups, Malmesbury. Full programme details at westportsound.co.uk
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Autumn/Winter 2026/27
Clay Bottom Jug Busters
Martha Tilson and the Mermaid Choir
Friday 11 September
Friday 9 October
Kings Arms
Malmesbury Abbey
Ticket Price: £15
Ticket Price: £22
Tickets available at malmesbury-livearts.org.uk
Tickets available at malmesbury-livearts.org.uk
Clay Bottom Jug Busters bring the spirit of 1930s Memphis jug bands roaring into the present day with a joyous mix of blues, ragtime, hokum and old-time swing. Hailing from Bristol, the band combine harmonica, guitar, mandolin, double bass and percussion to create an irresistible sound packed with energy, humour and infectious rhythm.
With her pure, silken voice and beautifully crafted songs, Martha Tilston has established herself as one of the UK’s most distinctive and acclaimed contemporary folk artists. Her music combines poetic lyrics, memorable melodies and a deep connection to the natural world, earning her a devoted following and widespread critical acclaim. For this special Abbey performance, Martha will be joined by the Mermaid Choir, whose rich harmonies and uplifting sound add a powerful new dimension to her songs.
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The List What’s On Malmesbury
The Eusebius Quartet
Tetbury Music Festival 26 September – 4 October Tetbury Goods Shed and St. Mary’s Church Tickets £10 – £40 Programme details and bookings at tetburymusicfestival.org Tetbury Music Festival returns this year with a programme of the finest live classical music set against the beauty of one of the Cotswolds' finest market towns. Ensemble Oblique Viktoria Mullova and Alasdair Beatson La Fonte Musica Sir Nicholas Kenyon The Eusebius Quartet The Gesualdo Six
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Autumn/Winter 2026/27
SCHUBERT PLUS The Berkeley Ensemble Wednesday 7 October Malmesbury Abbey 7pm Ticket Price: £25 (£30 reserved) Tickets available at: malmesburyabbeymusic.com
The Berkeley Ensemble presents a programme of Octets written 200 years apart: Schubert’s iconic work written late in the composer’s life (1824), and leading Welsh composer John Metcalf’s own piece inspired equally by Schubert and Welsh folksongs (2018)
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The List What’s On Malmesbury
Wessex Week 2026 10 - 17 October Wessex Week is organised by a group of volunteers who are passionate about celebrating the history of Malmesbury and Wessex, sharing this with as many people as possible, both local and from further afield. Saturday 10 October 7pm – Arthur: A New Life with Amy Jeffs Malmesbury Town Hall. In partnership with Barn Owl Books. Tickets from barnowlbooks.co.uk/events-and-whats-on “The Arthur I know is all story. But if his legend and its history teach us anything true, it is that the seam between myth and reality is full of moth-holes…” Sunday 11 October - Campbell Ritchie: Guided Walk ‘Turmoil, Strife and Change’ (what happened after Henry VIII sold the Abbey?) 10.30 -12pm Meet at the Town Hall £7/3.50
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Autumn/Winter 2026/27 Tuesday 13 October - Olive Malcolm ‘In the Footsteps of the Bards’ Assembly Room Town Hall 7pm £10 Bar and exhibition from 6.30 Wednesday 14 October - Tony McAleavy The Final Years of Malmesbury Abbey (1485 – 1539) The Old Bell Hotel Dinner and talk: £45 (2 course dinner) Talk only: £10 6pm: Dinner 7.30: Talk (Garden Room: Bar) Friday 16 October - Tony McAleavy ‘Who was William of Malmesbury?’ Assembly Rooms Town Hall 7pm £10 Saturday 17 October - RAJ Waddingham ‘First Kings’ Forged by Vikings in England and Norway. Assembly Rooms Town Hall 7pm £10 Full programme and booking details at wessex-week.org
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The List What’s On Malmesbury
Westport Sound is an experimental live music weekend festival. Join us for our 3rd year in Malmesbury. Full programme and booking details are at westportsound.co.uk/westportsound-26/
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Autumn/Winter 2026/27
Philip Sheppard, David Le Page and Scott Flynn
20 acts over 30 artists 3 venues Full weekend: Fri 23rd 6pm - Sun 25th £90 Weekend: Sat 24th 12 noon - Sun 25th £80 Fri: eve £15 Sat: full day £50 Sun: full day £50 Double Bill tickets: £25 and £20 Tickets: trybooking.com/uk/GGDK This year is set to continue in this high calibre vein with a line-up featuring new and more established acts such as Voka Gentle, Stick in the Wheel, Angharad Davies, Alexander Hawkins, Dali de Saint Paul, Graham Dunning and New Music pioneers and Keith Tippett collaborators Philip Sheppard, David Le Page and Paul Dunmall. 2026 will see the use of four spaces: The Hayloft, which is above The Three Cups Inn; Westport Music Studio, located nearby; The United Reformed Church, a few doors away from the main pub hub and, of course, the main bar itself, the proud home of Keith Tippett’s piano, on which many of his major works were composed. In addition this year the Friday evening has been curated by Terror Management of Bristol and will feature Thorn Wych and Zheng Hao. Facebook: westportsound Instagram: @westportsound
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The List What’s On Malmesbury
Comedy in Malmesbury
Ernst Reijseger
Andrew Bird, Matt Bragg, Fiona Allen, Jonathan Elston Friday 30 October 8pm
Thursday 12 November 7.30pm
Malmesbury Town Hall
The Three Cups
Ticket Price: £17
Ticket Price: £12
Tickets available at laughtercraftcomedy.com
Tickets available at westportsound.co.uk
Laughter Craft Comedy are very excited to be launching a comedy night in Malmesbury. We are bringing a line up full of TV and Award Winning Comedians plus a licensed bar!
Ernst Reijseger is a Dutch cellist and composer known for his avant-garde jazz, free improvisation, and crossgenre collaborations. He has recorded over 200 albums and worked extensively on film scores, notably for director Werner Herzog. Reijseger's musical collaborations have included improvised and jazz music, classical and baroque music, and traditional music.
Andrew Bird - Russell Howard Hour Matt Bragg - Ricky Gervais Arena Support Fiona Allen - Smack the Pony All held together by Laughter Craft's own Jonathan Elston
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Reijseger's solo concerts consist of his personal compositions and improvisations.
Autumn/Winter 2026/27
William Howard and the Carducci Quartet
The Long Players
Saturday 14 November 7.30pm
Saturday 21 November (matinee and evening shows)
Tetbury Goods Shed
Malmesbury Town Hall
Ticket Price: £26 (child £5)
Ticket Price: £tba
Tickets available at tetburygoodsshed.co.uk
Tickets available at malmesbury-livearts.org.uk
Described as a thoughtful, poetic player (The Sunday Times) William Howard is one of Britain’s leading pianists, enjoying a career that has taken him to many important festivals and different countries. His performing life consists of solo recitals, concerto performances, and guest appearances with chamber ensembles and instrumentalists.
The Long Players are Malmesbury’s own talented collective of local musicians united by a love of great songs and fun live performance, celebrating some of the greatest albums ever recorded. For each performance they take on a different classic album, playing it live from start to finish before rounding off the evening with a selection of the artist’s best-loved hits. Previous shows have delighted audiences with faithful and heartfelt interpretations of landmark records. The question is: which iconic album will they choose this time?
The award-winning Carducci String Quartet is internationally acclaimed as one of the most accomplished and versatile ensembles today.
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The List What’s On Malmesbury
Jess Gillam Trio Wednesday 25 November Malmesbury Abbey 7pm Ticket Price: £30 Tickets available at: malmesburyabbeymusic.com
Celebrated saxophonist and presenter Jess Gillam, along with her long-time collaborators Zeynep Özsuca (piano) and Sam Becker, (double bass) weaves a programme of fantastic lesser known repertoire with fresh takes on some firm favourites!
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Autumn/Winter 2026/27
Malmesbury’s Greatest Rogue: The Audience Decides!
Gloryhole Comedy Night
Saturday 28 November 7pm
Friday 4 December 8pm
Town Hall, Malmesbury
Town Hall, Malmesbury
Ticket Price: £10
Ticket Price: £15
Tickets available at the Town Hall or at malmesbury.gov.uk/what-s-on/magicalhistory-tour
Tickets available at malmesbury-livearts.org.uk
Malmesbury’s past is about to misbehave. Six notorious local rogues are being dragged back into the spotlight for the town’s first battle to crown its Greatest Rogue — and you get to decide who wins. Heritage heavyweights from Athelstan Museum, Malmesbury History Society and the Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury Society will fight their corners, with two wildcard presenters stirring the pot and making the case for their own chosen scoundrels.
Kick off the festive season with a night of laughter at our Christmas Comedy Special. Featuring a sparkling line-up of comedians guaranteed to raise your spirits, it’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas mood. Whether you’re celebrating with friends, work colleagues or simply escaping the December madness for a few hours, expect plenty of laughs and a wonderfully festive atmosphere.
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The List What’s On Malmesbury
Gabriel Moreno & The Quivering Poets
HIDDEN TREASURES Guy Johnston (cello) & Tom Poster (piano)
Saturday 30 January 8pm
Wednesday 3 February 7pm
The Kings Arms
Malmesbury Abbey
Ticket Price: £15
Ticket Price: £25 (£30 reserved)
Tickets available at malmesbury-live-arts.org.uk
Tickets available at: malmesburyabbeymusic.com
Gabriel Moreno & The Quivering Poets blend poetry, storytelling and song into a captivating live experience unlike any other. Gabriel is an acclaimed poet, songwriter and performer whose work draws on Mediterranean culture, folk traditions and literary influences. Accompanied by the outstanding Quivering Poets, he combines spoken word, alternative folk, Americana and cabaret into performances that are passionate, thoughtprovoking and deeply engaging.
Long-standing friends and acclaimed chamber music duo, known for their performances, recordings, and collaborations, bring their programme of musical gems from Bonis to Brahms.
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Autumn/Winter 2026/27
Take Part Places offering regular activities for all Caerbladon Exhibitions, classes and workshops More information: caerbladon.co.uk
Malmesbury Town Hall Exhibitions, cinema and events More information: malmesbury.gov.uk
Riverside Community Centre Classes and workshops More information: riversidecommunitycentre.org.uk
Athelstan Museum Exhibitions,talks and workshops
The Three Cups
Malmesbury Film Society
Exhibitions,open mic, supper clubs, workshops, live music and games
Monthly screenings of films from all eras
More information: three-cups.co.uk
The Kings Arms Live music, community events and House DJ parties
Movies @ Malmesbury
Malmesbury U3A
Communuty cinema
Workshops, talks, walks, book clubs and group activities
More information: malmesbury.gov.uk/cinema
Barn Owl Books Reading groups, story time and events More information: barnowlbooks.co.uk
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Malmesbury Late Night Shopping
More information: thekahotel.co.uk
More information athelstanmuseum.org.uk/events
More information: malmesburyu3a.org.uk
More information: Facebook malmesburyfilmsociety
Malmesbury Library Stories and Crafts, the Public Living Room and much more More information: Facebook: malmesburylibrary
Friday 4 December 6 - 9pm Malmesbury Town Centre A free festive community tradition featuring lateopening local shops, bustling street and indoor markets, live entertainment, and family activities
Diary What’s On Malmesbury
September 3
Edwards, Gennaro, Ward
The Three Cups
11
Clay Bottom Jug Busters
The Kings Arms
14
Jackie Morris and Cathy Fisher
Town Hall
19
Marking Out the Boundaries
Malmesbury Abbey
26 - 4 Oct Tetbury Music Festival
Tetbury venues
Flying Monk Art Trail
Around Malmesbury
7
The Berkeley Ensemble
Malmesbury Abbey
9
Martha Tilson and the Mermaid Choir
Malmesbury Abbey
10 - 17
Wessex Week
Around Malmesbury
23 - 25
Westport Sound
Westport venues
30
Comedy in Malmesbury
The Kings Arms
12
Ernst Reijseger
The Three Cups
14
William Howard & Carducci Quartet
Tetbury Goods Shed
21
The Long Players
Town Hall
25
Jess Gillam Trio
Malmesbury Abbey
28
Malmesbury’s Greatest Rogue
Town Hall
4
Gloryhole Comedy Night
The Kings Arms
4
Malmesbury Late Night Shopping
Around Malmesbury
26 - 27
October
November
December
January 30
Gabriel Moreno & The Quivering Poets The Kings Arms
February 3
Guy Johnston and Tom Poster
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Malmesbury Abbey