Every summer since 1929, Richmond Performing Arts Festival has celebrated talent across the borough.
With more than 1,000 dancers expected to participate in 2026, we spoke to festival administrator Heidi Pegler about what the festival is like today.
Between musical legends The Rolling Stones and David Bowie playing Eel Pie Hotel and Feltham-born Freddie Mercury, south west London is brimming with musical history and talent. Heidi said it is this that inspires Richmond Performing Arts Festival.
The festival has acted as a ‘stepping stone’ for many, most notably including Duran Duran’s Simon Le Bon and cellist Steven Isserlis.
When the pandemic hit, Heidi and her team were determined to keep the festival alive and find more Richmond talent.
“We didn’t know what was going to happen. It was important to have some kind of opportunity for young people to do something even though they were stuck at home,” she said.
Heidi decided they would move it online that year, with people sending in their performances where they were then judged and received comments and feedback.
Adapting to modern ways of living has kept the festival alive and these changes didn’t just stop after 2020.
The application process is now all online, making it easier for young people to get involved.
Heidi said there were a few new faces which made ‘a slightly younger team, which is great’.
These changes have worked to keep the festival relevant, accessible and exciting for young people. The proof is in the statistics with 90% of 2025 applicants being under 21.
Heidi spoke about the effects the pandemic had on young people and their engagement with the arts.
As an Honorary Life Member at the AOTOS (Association of Teachers of Singing) and Director of the Music Ministry at Richmond’s Duke Street Church, Heidi understands the importance of musical enrichment for young people.
Heidi said: “There’s a hole in young people who have maybe missed out because it was difficult at the time.
“We’ve been trying to build up numbers again and get the word out that the festival is still there and it’s still functioning.”
After a few years of restructuring and changing the festival, there has been some positive change.
Heidi said: “This year we had 15 choirs taking part which was amazing, last year it was seven so it’s more than doubled!”
You can find out more about the festival and apply for 2026 here.
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