Under the artistic direction of Iestyn Davies, the festival focuses exclusively on Baroque music. Over one week at Smith Square Hall, the programme travels from Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos to the Goldberg Variations, and from the splendour of Versailles to intimate choral music. Flexible, immersive layouts bring audiences up close to the performers, including Arcangelo, Spiritato, Mark Rylance, Sinfonia Smith Square, Jean Rondeau, The Tallis Scholars, and Ensemble Marguerite Louise.
All performances take place at Smith Square Hall, an 18th-century Baroque church converted into a world-renowned concert hall. It is a fully indoor venue, known for its intimate atmosphere and exceptional acoustics. The venue is accessible to the public and located within easy walking distance of central London landmarks.
The Festival is held at Smith Square Hall, an 18th century historically and acoustically celebrated venue in the heart of Westminster, central London.
The address of the venue is: Smith Square, London SW1P 3HA. There are various modes of transportation available to reach this location：
- By train: The nearest major railway stations are London Victoria, Waterloo, and Charing Cross
- By underground: Closest stations are Westminster (Jubilee/District/Circle) and St James’s Park (District/Circle).
- By bike: A Santander Cycle docking station is located in Smith Square and there are also stations on Horseferry Road, Page Street and Great College Street.
- By air: From Heathrow Airport, take the Piccadilly Line to Green Park and transfer to Westminster. From Gatwick Airport, take the Gatwick Express to Victoria Station.
- By car: Parking is limited in central London; public transport is strongly recommended.
For details, visit: Transport for London
Being in central London, a wide range of accommodations are available, including hotels, serviced apartments, and short-term rentals.
There is no formal dress code. Audiences typically dress smart casual. London weather in November can be cold and damp, with average temperatures between 6°C and 12°C. We recommend wearing warm layers and bringing an umbrella. The venue is indoors and heated, but it's wise to prepare for unpredictable UK weather.
Smith Square Hall has an on-site café and bar offering drinks and pre-concert meals.
Tourists can explore London’s iconic landmarks near the festival venue, such as:
- Westminster Abbey
- Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
- Tate Britain art gallery
- The River Thames
- Buckingham Palace (a short walk away)
The area is rich in history, architecture, and culture, offering excellent opportunities for sightseeing before or after concerts.
