The NOVA Festival was founded in 2021 by Joseph Barker and a handful of colleagues from Cornwall and elsewhere, to bring high quality chamber music performance to St Austell and the surrounding Mid-Cornwall area, in a friendly, welcoming, easy-to-access environment.

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Over the years the festival has expanded, adding more diverse concerts and programmes with more musicians, and more venues. In 2024 the festival presented its most ambitious programme yet, showcasing many different musicians and ensemble formats, to a diverse audience. ​

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The NOVA Festival is now entering its fifth year in St Austell, and has been offering high level concerts in the area every year with the help of FEAST and generous supporters and volunteers. This year we are celebrating our 'Wood' anniversary, and are adding an open rehearsal, pre-concert lecture, and an outreach programme. To find out more about how you can help, click the links on this page.​

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The concerts are designed for everyone, whether you are a seasoned concert-goer, completely new to classical music, or something in between! Join us in 2025 to experience wonderful performances in beautiful surroundings, in the biggest NOVA yet.