An evening of Parisian-flavoured music at Presteigne Assembly Rooms, with quartet Swing from Paris.

2026 Festival composer-in-residence Michael Zev Gordon discusses his life, career and music with conductor, singer and composer George Parris.

Carwyn Graves’ book, Tir, has been called a ‘love letter to the Welsh countryside’ and is a unique exploration of the deep connections between Welsh culture, language and landscape.

Bright Star (2009) is a biographical romantic drama, based on the last three years of the life of poet John Keats (Ben Whishaw) and his romantic relationship with Fanny Brawne (Abbie Cornish). Jane Campion’s screenplay was inspired by the 1997 biography of Keats by Andrew Motion, who served as a script consultant on the film.

Classified PG (suitable for any age, but parental guidance is advised).

The Piano (1993) is a historical romance starring Holly Hunter, Harvey Keitel and Sam Neill with Anna Paquin in her first major role. The film tells the story of a mute Scottish woman who travels with her young daughter to a remote part of New Zealand after an arranged marriage to a settler. While the story echoes Jane Mander’s 1920 novel The Story of a New Zealand River, Jane Campion has also cited Wuthering Heights and The African Queen among the film’s inspirations.

It features a memorable soundtrack by composer Michael Nyman.

Classified 15 (suitable for those aged 15 and over)

Composer, educator and Festival Vice-President Thomas Hyde leads an engaging panel discussion with composers Cheryl Frances-Hoad, Electra Perivolaris, Lynne Plowman, Claire Victoria Roberts and Mathilde Wantenaar. They talk about their new violin and piano works – musical responses to Prokofiev’s charming Five Melodies, originally imagined as soprano vocalises and later reworked for violin and piano by the composer himself.

In the Cut (2003) is a taut psychological thriller starring Meg Ryan, Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Kevin Bacon. Adapted by Campion from Susanna Moore’s novel, the film focuses on an introvert New York English professor who becomes personally entangled with a detective investigating a series of gruesome murders in her Manhattan neighbourhood.

Classified 18 (suitable only for those aged 18 and over)

Dr Sioned Davies introduces us to Lady Charlotte Guest, one of the most formidable women of the 19th century.

Three leading poets – Samantha Wynne Rhydderch, Michèle Roberts and Mari Ellis Dunning – will read from their most recent work in what promises to be a lively and enjoyable event.

Music Lessons is a book about the cathartic power of music. For award-winning author and composer Stephen Johnson, there have been moments when music has confronted him with life-changing insights.

Acclaimed Scottish singer-songwriter Adam Beattie ‘Uplifting Reveries Of Love’ (Mojo Magazine) and multi-platinum singer-songwriter Fiona Bevan ‘Startling odysseys’ (The Guardian) embark on a double headline tour of the UK this spring/summer in celebration of their new music releases. 

To mark the 70th birthday of Composer and pianist Adrian Williams and the 75th birthday of Mezzo Soprano Marion Rowlatt. The programme will include the world premiere of Williams’ Clarinet Sonata and works by Finzi, Elgar, Vaughan Williams and Betty Roe interspersed with readings from Adrian’s memoir. With Peter Cornish, clarinet, Leila Basletic, piano and Ruth Watson, oboe.

The Great Divinator: Touched by Spirits

Fake Moustache! Real Mindreading!

Expect impressive mind reading and outrageous audience participation in this unique evening of comedy Victorian seance and spooky paranormal happenings from multi award-winner and member of the Magic Circle Katie Tranter (The Magician's Table, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Doctor Who).

One of the UK’s most exciting guitarists, Remi Harris is joined by double bassist Tom Moore and rhythm guitarist Chris Nesbitt to present an enthralling evening of Gypsy Jazz and Blues. Combining musical virtuosity with passion and flair, the trio features Remi on a variety of acoustic and electric guitars playing an eclectic mix of original compositions, jazz standards and new arrangements of his favourite tunes.

A relaxed, cabaret-style evening with special musical guests, a good dose of humour and an obscure musical quiz to keep you on your toes. While the content varies, The Velvet Violin delivers quality musicianship and a night to remember.

Ursula Martin never thought she would walk 3,700 miles around Wales, but following a cancer diagnosis it seemed like the only reasonable thing to do. Her best-selling book One Woman Walks Wales, documented this journey, but it was only the start of Ursula’s ambition. In an epic test of stamina, Ursula has since embarked on a 5,550 mile walk from Wales to Ukraine and back again, stopping off in countries such as Romania, Bulgaria, Bosnia, Italy, France and Spain. In her new book, One Woman Walks Europe, she brings to life challenging landscapes and the people she met along the way

Germa Adan is a Haitian-born composer, vocalist, and string musician whose music traverses Haitian, American, and British folk traditions, the rich sonic languages of the Afro-diaspora, and the improvisational spirit of jazz. Her acclaimed album Borderlines & Bloodlines was named one of Folk Alley’s Best Trad Albums of 2023. With performances at Manchester Folk, Sidmouth Folk, and Birmingham Symphony Hall, Germa creates immersive, soul-stirring music that resonates across cultures and generations.

A family favourite beloved by children and adults. Coco follows the story of Miguel, a boy who dreams of becoming an accomplished musician despite his family’s generations-old ban on music. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel travels to the land of his ancestors - the stunning and colourful Land of the Dead. (2017  105 mins  PG)

The film follows Charles, an eccentric lottery winner who lives alone on a remote island and dreams of getting his favourite musicians, estranged folk band duo Herb McGwyer and Nell Mortimer, back together. His fantasy turns into reality when the bandmates and former lovers accept his invitation to play a private show at his home on Wallis Island. Old tensions resurface as Charles tries desperately to salvage his dream gig. A charming British comedy with folk songs!

Bluegrass band The Often Herd transcend the traditional boundaries of the genre. Although they might resemble an American string band, complete with driving energy, tight vocal harmonies and dazzling instrumental interplay, their vibrant, transatlantic sound is deeply coloured by their surroundings; the striking natural and industrial landscapes of Northern England. 

Just Visiting is a heartening and humorous piece of theatre, intricately woven from real memories and explored through storytelling and puppetry, that examines loss and grief from different angles. About Face Theatre Company, are a professional learning disability theatre company.

Later Life Letter tells the story of Luke Wright’s adoption – the life he leads, and the one he might have done. Wright navigates his audience through a warm and honest hour of poems and stand-up with the wit, pathos, and silliness that has made him one of the most popular live poets in England. 

Expect raucous laughter, tear-stained cheeks, and a little smattering of drum n bass.

Toby Hay is a guitar player and composer. Fascinated by the connection between landscape and music, he is inspired by the landscapes of the Cambrian Mountains where he lives, and is interested in the connection between improvisation and composition. Toby has toured all over the UK & Ireland performing solo, or collaborating with other musicians. He is the founder of Cambrian Records.

“One of the finest guitarists of his generation.” — KLOF

Gaby Rivers, Curator of the Judge’s Lodgings in Presteigne for nearly thirty years, will share some of the town’s treasures as well as the stories these treasures reveal about daily life in Presteigne, the town’s past and its place in the world. This will be an intimate meeting with the objects themselves; you will be able to examine them in detail – gloves provided!

Cardiff-based indie folk singer-songwriter Ivan Moult returns with his most personal work to date, Stood Out In The Storm. The album follows the acclaimed Songs From Severn Grove (2023), which drew praise for its warmth, intricacy and timeless songwriting, cementing Ivan’s reputation as one of Wales’ most compelling contemporary voices.

One day Darkness covers the face of the Land. Lion appeals for someone to bring back the Light and save the World. Who will succeed?The Powerful Eagle?  The Clever Monkey? Or Anansi the Spider and his mates?

A live-action animated re-make of Disney’s 2002 film in which a young, parentless girl adopts what she thinks is a dog from the local pound, unaware that the creature is supposedly a dangerous scientific experiment. (2025   108mins U)

We’ll be getting out the dance floor to make February 14^th a night to remember. Come however you are – dressed to the nines or dead casual; alone or together; happy or sad. We hope to have some of your favourite dance tunes; to make sure this happens, why not send playlist suggestions to info@midborderarts.com