Violinist Lizzie Ball and pianist Charles Owen join as co-artistic directors, as Stewart Collins steps down from the Summer Festival to continue as director of the Literary Festival
The Petworth Festival, an annual multi-genre summer festival held in the South Downs, UK, has announced changes of artistic leadership.
Violinist Lizzie Ball and pianist Charles Owen have been appointed as co-artistic directors of the Petworth Festival from 1 September 2026.
The pair replaces Stewart Collins, who steps down from the Summer Festival and will continue as director of the Literary Festival. He will remain as artistic director through August 2026, having joined the festival in 2010, and will programme the Petworth Proms and the 2026 Summer Festival.
Ball and Owen will programme the 2027 Petworth Proms (May) and Summer Festival (July/August), as well as the 2028 and 2029 editions, combining their expertise across classical music, jazz, blues, contemporary, folk, world music and comedy.
Lizzie Ball, new co-artistic director, Petworth Festival said: ’I am thrilled to start this new journey with Charles, who I have known and greatly respected for many years. Being co-artistic Director of Petworth - a festival I’ve held close to my heart for many years now - is special.
’Charles and I are so excited to plan for 2027 and beyond. It’s a particular honour to attempt to fill Stewart’s shoes – he’s a much admired and respected colleague.’
Owen said: ’Performing at the Petworth Festival is always a highlight of my summer music making, an event where strong connections between artists and audiences are palpable.
’In partnership with Lizzie Ball, I’m excited by the opportunity to curate and build upon the outstanding reputation of this much-loved festival by continuing to bring an exceptional range of musicians to the heart of West Sussex.’
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