It gives me great pleasure to introduce the programme of events for the third annual Ashford School Arts Festival. Known now more simply as ‘Arts Fest’, this two week long creative and performing arts celebration is a highlight of the school year and a wonderful way to conclude the summer term.
Offering so many different creative events over a short period of time is a considerable undertaking and I am grateful for the contributions of the pupils and staff who will be entertaining us throughout the festival. Whether as a performer or as a member of the audience, there are plenty of opportunities to be involved and we are delighted to present this year's programme.
Michael Hall Headmaster of Ashford School
Raku Pottery Firing
16 June & 24 June
Spend two evenings learning the traditional firing technique of Raku.
Raku is a traditional Japanese style of pottery first made during the 1580s. This is a two part event. The first will see you design and sculpt your own creations ready for a second session later in the festival where you will glaze and raku fire during the evening. They will be yours to take home once they have cooled.
Art Lecture
20 June
The Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers (RMS) present a practical lecture on the world of miniature art.
Take One PicturePrep Art Exhibition
19 June - 24 June
Ashford Prep School welcomes you to their 2025 exhibition featuring work from several year groups from across the academic year.
Liz Wilson - Heat Printing Workshop
23 June
Artist Liz Wilson will be visiting the Prep School to give an innovative and inspiring masterclass to pupils in Year 4 on the exciting artistic technique of heat printing.
Stephen Foy-Philp
Prep School Visit
24 June
Senior School Artist in Residence and Professional Artist Stephen FoyPhilp visits the Prep School to run a workshop for pupils.
Senior Art Exhibition
27 June
We are delighted to welcome visitors to an inspiring exhibition of the finest creative artwork by our GCSE and A level Art and Photography students. Pieces on display cover many disciplines including painting and drawing, photography, 3D design, textiles, film, sculpture, printmaking and graphic communication. Including an exhibition by Artist in Residence Stephen Foy-Philp.
Year 7 & 8 Photography Exhibition
27 June
students
Bugsy Malone
19 June & 20 June
Ashford Prep School’s Year 6 students mark the end of their time at the Prep School by performing Bugsy Malone, a show which has been professionally performed by Catherine Zeta-Jones, Sheridan Smith and Jamie Bell since it first opened on stage in 1983. The cast have been working hard to bring this show to life and it concludes the first week of this year's festival.
Y10 Devised Theatre
19 June & 20 June
Examined work from the Year 10 GCSE Drama examination. Pupils will showcasing their devising skills through scriptwriting and performance in a range of theatrical styles.
The Impro Show
23 June
Our Year 7s put their freshly learned improvisation skills to the test by inviting you to The Impro Show, an event not to be missed. If you know of the television show ‘Whose Line is it Anyway?’ you will know this form of theatre is as tremendous to participate in as it is to watch. The audience will be invited to contribute ideas and prompts to our team of young performers who will creatively adapt on the spot to produce an evening full of entertainment.
Talking Heads
25 June
A selection of drama pieces performed by Senior School pupils.
Heroes, Villains and Icons - One School
Variety Evening
27 June
The epic finale to the 2025 festival. Co-directed by Mrs Heath and Mr Hornsey, this Prep and Senior collaboration will showcase the very best of Ashford School creative arts. Included within the entry to this event is an opportunity to see the Senior School Art Exhibition in Coronation Hall.
Come and
14 June
Join us for an inspiring making as we explore Fauré’s Requiem, one choral works of all time. seasoned singer or simply is a wonderful opportunity together with others beauty of Fauré’s masterpiece. will take place throughout culminating in a evening featuring a live organist.
Senior School
Summer Concert
17 June
The annual summer concert which includes a finale performance from the Year 7 Instrumental Scheme.
AshBash!
18 June
AshBash returns in 2025. Student bands pit themselves against each other in a bid to be crowned champions!
Steinway Piano Festival & Grand Final
21 June
Access to the very best instruments helps push students to new levels of success. In 2013 we became an all-Steinway School, and in 2023 we took delivery of our new set of Steinway pianos. We are delighted to present a new format to this annual event: a festival of masterclasses for each ability level in the morning, followed by a Grand Final Concert in the afternoon where the overall winners will be chosen.
Songs from the Movies
23 June
Barring any inclement weather, enjoy an outside performance of songs from the big screen showcasing our finest pupil vocalists.
The Magic Flute
24 June
The Royal Festival Hall, London
The Gala event of United Learning's Magic Flute project. Year 5 & 7 students will be singing and performing in a unique version of Mozart’s The Magic Flute at the Royal Festival Hall. Some of Ashford School’s best artists have also contributed costume design for this prestigious event.
Musical In a Day
25 June
Ashford School welcomes local schools for a day of creative and performing arts, led by scholars and our fantastic Music department.
Pre-Prep ConcertUnder the Sea
26 June & 27 June
Our youngest performers put on a musical treat to conclude the festival.
ASA Summer Lunch
28 June
Come and celebrate the beginning of Summer in style at Ashford School at the ASA Annual Summer Lunch for all former pupils and staff of Ashford School and Friars Prep School. Musical accompaniment will be provided by the Ashford School String Ensemble.
Although some events fall outside of the two-week schedule, they still showcase the breadth of artistic talent at Ashford School — and can be found listed below.
59th Newfoundland Regiment Exhibition
30 June (16:00-18:00)
Edwards Room, Ashford School
Celebrating the unique story of the 59th Regiment at Ashford School during WW2. This collection commemorate the regiments time at the school.
AYJO at Boughton Aluph Church
2 July (19:30)
Boughton Aluph Church
The Ashford Youth Jazz Orchestra perform an early summer set at All Saints Church, Boughton Aluph, the home of the prestigious Stour Music Festival. Book your tickets here.
AYJO at the Hythe Festival Concert
7 July (19:00)
Hythe Festival Concert, St Leonard's Church
Please book tickets via Concerts – Friends of St Leonard's Church, Hythe or on the door.
