Wiltshire Creative has revealed the full programme for the 2026 Salisbury International Arts Festival, promising an ambitious season that will animate the city with performances, installations and community events.
Executive Director Rosa Corbishley said, “The Salisbury International Arts Festival 2026 is not just a programme of events. It is a collective endeavour. It is artists and audiences. It is donors and volunteers. It is young people discovering their voice and seasoned performers returning to the stage. It is businesses, charities and public bodies working together because culture matters. We are so delighted and proud to be announcing another year of joy and life enhancing experiences.”
The centrepiece of the festival is an immersive promenade production of Romeo and Juliet, marking the 50th anniversary of Salisbury Playhouse. Directed by Artistic Director Gareth Machin and designed by Zoe Squire, the production transforms the theatre and surrounding areas into Verona’s streets, featuring a professional cast and over 100 community performers. Romeo and Juliet runs from 24 May to 7 June.
Gareth Machin said, “Salisbury International Arts Festival is a pivotal, joyful moment of the year. The spirit of the programme will be captured in our opening production, Romeo and Juliet. This bold new retelling of Shakespeare’s classic tale will be an opportunity to inspire our audiences with a thrilling, immersive experience performed by a large professional and community cast.”
Following the opening production, the festival continues city‑wide from 16 to 27 June with a diverse lineup spanning classical music, comedy, talks, theatre, dance and family events.
Programme highlights include the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra performing at Salisbury Cathedral, Continuum’s Shakespeare in Song at St Thomas’s Church and T’Pau’s Carol Decker presenting new album Be Wonderful at Salisbury Playhouse. Saxophonist YolanDa Brown will pay tribute to Bob Marley, while Australia’s The Spooky Men’s Chorale bring their satirical harmonies to Salisbury Arts Centre.
The festival will also feature discussions led by broadcaster Matthew Stadlen with high‑profile guests including Jonathan Freedland, Fergal Keane, Yasmin Alibhai‑Brown and cricket legend Graham Gooch.
Comedy offerings include Alfie Moore’s Acopalypse Now and the musical comedy cabaret Rosé Tinted from Flat and the Curves.
Hambletts Productions return with BY A LADY: The Life & Wit of Jane Austen, featuring narration by Rachel Parris. Dance audiences can enjoy Lost Dog’s Juliet & Romeo, interactive dance event Listen Dance from Little Bulb and a performance by London City Ballet.
Theatre fans can look forward to Sh!t Theatre and Soho Theatre’s Or What’s Left of Us, The Lord Chamberlain’s Men’s outdoor staging of Othello and P Burton‑Morgan’s solo show Running Commentary.
Family programming includes a free Family Fiesta and Rubbish Shakespeare Company’s The Story Forge, offering creative adventures for children.
The full festival and summer season are now on sale.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
