Midsummer’s Day returns on Sunday 21st June 2026 with the annual Retford Make Music Day celebration, featuring local musicians and performers – and everything is free to enjoy.
There are a few changes this year, as several usual venues are unavailable on a Sunday. The day will therefore begin with a joint church service at 10.00am at Grove Street Methodist Church, with a special focus on music. After the service, visitors are encouraged to explore the town and look out for buskers performing in various locations, while Beer Under the Clock will provide refreshments and a venue from midday onwards.
At 12.30pm, attention returns to the Methodist Church for a Come and Sing event, including Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. Everyone is welcome to take part, whether singing enthusiastically or simply humming along. Members of local choirs and instrumentalists will also be joining in. Music sheets are available on the Retford Make Music Day Facebook page. The music continues at 2.30pm when the ever-popular Worksop u3a Swing Band, Simply Swing, performs music from the golden age of jazz bands in the 1930s and 1940s.
As always, the event is completely free, with activities and performances suitable for all ages. From 7.30pm onwards, Beer Under the Clock will host an informal musicians’ session. People are invited to bring along an instrument – any instrument – or simply their singing voice to join in, or just enjoy the atmosphere with a drink.
Buskers are especially welcome and can simply turn up on the day and choose a spot around town. For more information, contact Tessa Rolph on 01777 472461 or email Tessa.musicday@gmail.com.
Further details can also be found on the Retford noticeboard on Spa Road near Poundland, or via the Facebook page Retford Make Music Day.