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= Blackheath Music Festival = The primary purpose of the Blackheath Music Festival is to give performance experience to everyone who plays or sings. It is part of a learning process that can be continued for as long as you enjoy the study of music

The first Blackheath Music Festival was held in May 1988 and has been held every year since. It was founded when Lewisham Festival – one of the largest local authority and multi-disciplinary festivals in the country – was ended in 1986. Blackheath Music Festival has always been a music-only festival, and is affiliated to the British and International Federation of Festivals.

Entries can be from individuals, or duet and ensemble entries, and many of those entering the Festival are encouraged to do so by locally based music teachers. There are classes in Piano, Strings and Singing although the format may vary from year to year. Experienced Adjudicators assess the various classes and provide invaluable comments and feedback to each entrant.

In 2021 the Festival was held as a virtual Festival, using online entry and performance submissions, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The originator of the Festival is Graeme Humphrey, who has been a teacher of piano all his professional life, both at the Royal Academy of Music and privately.