Step into a full day of rhythm and energy for all ages at the Royal College of Music’s Festival of Percussion, with guest star Dave Weckl.
2026 Lineup
10.30am-12.30pm
RCM Sparks
An exciting selection of family-friendly hands-on activities with taster workshops, crafting activities in the RCM Museum, the chance to try instruments, explore the gamelan and attend an interactive lunchtime concert.
Please note to take part in this experience please purchase a separate RCM Sparks ticket. You are welcome to enjoy the rest of the festival afterwards.
11am
Central Band of the Royal Air Force with Mick Doran
A dynamic opening showcase of precision and power with principal percussionist of the ENO and RAF musicians.
11am-1pm
Marimba Masterclass with Calum Huggan
For percussionists Grade 6+
Sign up for a practical marimba masterclass led by performer and educator Calum Huggan. Please sign up in advance for this workshop to take part, spaces are limited.
12.15pm
Dave Weckl in conversation & drum clinic
An insight-packed session with pioneering jazz fusion drummer Dave Weckl in conversation with drumming educator and presenter Mike Dolbear exploring technique, creativity and career highlights.
12-2pm
Orchestral Percussion Taster Sessions with Cameron Sinclair
For percussionists Grade 6+
Sign up for a fun, hands-on taster session on orchestral percussion with Cameron Sinclair Head of Percussion at the RCM Junior Department, and discover the vibrant world of percussion including marimba, xylophone and glockenspiel. The session will be split into two 1-hour slots to achieve the best balance of instruments and ability. Please sign-up in advance for this workshop to take part, spaces are limited.
1pm
Family-friendly lunchtime concert with Kizzy Brooks
A vibrant, accessible concert for all ages featuring the Central Band of the Royal Air Force (The Band plays by permission of the Air Force Board of the Defence Council), musicians from the RCM Percussion Faculty and led by RCM graduate Kizzy Brooks.
2.15pm
Timpani with Grahame King and Daniel Martinez
Grahame King (Principal Timpanist with the Royal Ballet Sinfonia and the orchestra of the Birmingham Royal Ballet) and Daniel Martinez (Insoundmallets) demonstrate core orchestral repertoire using a range of specialist mallets.
2.30pm-5.30pm
Crafts in the Museum
Drop-in all afternoon to try your hands at creating wooden handbells.
3pm
Drum demo with Sophie Alloway
A high-energy demonstration of contemporary drumming techniques from one of today’s most exciting performers.
4pm
Bodhrán class with Cormac Byrne
Learn the bodhrán, a traditional Irish frame drum with Cormac Byrne, who is acclaimed for his versatility across a wide range of musical styles from traditional Irish and folk to world, classical, jazz and pop.
4.30pm
Sabian Cymbal Showcase with Bruce Parry
A specialist session exploring Sabian cymbals with Bruce Perry a member of the BBC Philharmonic and Hallé Orchestra.
5pm
Junior Ensembles Showcase
A dynamic showcase of young percussionists from across the UK, featuring an exciting mix of works for a range of instruments, and introduced by Cameron Sinclair from the Royal College of Music Junior Department.
5.45pm
Pre-concert performance
Relax with a drink and enjoy a live set from the Cormac Byrne Trio.
Interactive Zone – drop in throughout the festival!
Performance Laboratory
10.30-11.30am | 1-1.45pm | 3.15-4pm
Play drums in our one-of-a kind simulator that can transform from an intimate studio to a giant arena stage.
Drum kit lessons with Matt French
11.30am-12.50pm | 1.45-3.05pm | 4-5.20pm
Drop in for group or one-to-one sessions with RCM alumnus and Junior Department teacher Matt French. All abilities welcome – no booking required.
Motion Capture
See performances from a drummer’s perspective using immersive VR technology.
Trade Fair
From 10.30am
Don’t miss our all-day trade fair, where experts will be on hand to answer your burning questions. This year we welcome Royal Air Force, D’Addario (Promark and Evans), Southern Percussion, Bergerault Percussion, Insound Mallets, Majestic, Ludwig Musser and more!
Visit the RCM Festival of Percussion page to find out more.
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