Performers: 

• Gareth Brynmor John, Noye
• Felicity Buckland, Mrs Noye
• James Day, conductor
• Oscar Simms, director
• Lucy Ruff, designer

Benjamin Britten’s much-loved Noye’s Fludde opens this year’s Barnes Music Festival in joyful, technicolour style. Written in 1957 and premiered in 1958, the piece was conceived for professional musicians performing alongside children, schools and community performers — a perfect embodiment of the Festival’s spirit.

In this half-centenary year, we celebrate fifty years since the work became widely established as one of Britten’s most enduring community masterpieces, retelling the story of Noah’s Ark with irresistible energy, humour and heart. Featuring a massed cast of local young people, instrumentalists and soloists, this immersive production promises an unforgettable opening to the 2026 Festival.