Ryde is set to become a meeting place for some of the world’s finest harpists this October, as Harp on Wight International Festival returns to Ryde for its 12th festival, taking place from 22nd–26th October 2026.
This year’s festival is entitled Harpestry – a celebration of the harp as a thread that can weave together sound, colour, emotion, heritage and human connection.
Over five days, internationally acclaimed harpists and musicians from across Europe and the UK will come together in Ryde for a programme of concerts, workshops and musical experiences that celebrate both the extraordinary versatility of the harp and its ability to connect people and cultures.
A festival woven from many threads
Festival organiser Anna Sacchini describes the idea behind this year’s theme,
“I like the idea of considering a Festival a sort of tapestry, where musicians weave sounds, colours and emotions, creating harmony and connections with all who gather.”
Anna believes that music is the tool that colours the threads of our individual canvases day by day – and that this year’s festival will create a particularly beautiful tapestry on the Isle of Wight.
The 2026 line-up
The 2026 line-up includes:
- Monika Stadler (Austria) shares her connection with nature, with the rhythms of life, with inner and environmental moods, and with silence.
- Tristan Le Govic (Brittany) blends traditional Breton, Celtic and Nordic melodies with original compositions in a colourful, rhythmic harp journey that weaves together heritage and innovation.
- Shelley Fairplay (UK) performs three emotional strands: Passion, Sorrow and Joy.
- Arianna Savall and Petter Udland Johansen present Labyrinthe d’Ariane, a musical journey through the history of the harp.
- Sara Evans and Damien Papin weave music together with plants on stage and share their wisdom.
- Marianne Gubri leads an inner and outer voyage through harp, voice and subtle soundscapes, where natural and imagined landscapes merge into a dreamlike realm.
- Fran Barsby reimagines much-loved film soundtracks for harp in an intimate, atmospheric concert.
- Adriano Sangineto with Jacopo Dessì combine music and light to turn the concert into an immersive experience.
Competition winners join the programme
The festival will also welcome Bethany Caswell and Yin Wah Natalie Lo, the winner and runner-up of the UKHA Harp Competition in London.
‘A rare chance to hear and learn from them’
Mayor of Ryde Karen Lucioni said,
“It is fantastic that Ryde is home to an international harp festival.
“Harp on Wight brings world-class musicians from across Europe and beyond to our town, and gives residents and visitors a rare chance to hear and learn from them right on their doorstep.
“Events like this put Ryde on the cultural map and show what a welcoming, creative town we are.
“I’d like to thank Anna and everyone involved for their dedication over 12 years, and I encourage everyone to go along and be part of Harpestry.”
Harp on Wight 2026 promises to be one of the most colourful and memorable editions of the festival yet. With concerts ranging from intimate and atmospheric performances to immersive multimedia experiences, alongside workshops and opportunities to meet and learn from leading harpists
Tickets and details
Concert and workshop tickets are available through the Harp on Wight website.
The Harp on Wight International Festival 2026 takes place between 22nd and 26th October 2026 in Ryde, Isle of Wight.
Supported by Ryde Town Council.
News shared by Hannah on behalf of Ryde Town Council and Harp on Wight. Ed
