A festival for everyone

Inspired by a lost Victorian craze in the heart of Marylebone, we invite you to experience a true gem of the London musical calendar – Marylebone Music Festival.

Each year, we transform Manchester Square Gardens into a haven for artistic brilliance, where the world’s finest musicians captivate thousands of curious music lovers, families, and community friends under the open sky.

Created by the team at Orion Orchestra

Orion Orchestra gives the best young classical musicians the experience, inspiration and mentorship they need to bridge the gap between music college and a professional career, all the while promoting access to music for those with the least opportunity, and inspiring the next generation.

A festival 280 years in the making

In 1737, Daniel Gough, landlord of the Rose Tavern, opened the inaugural Marylebone Pleasure Gardens. It was said that, “Mr Gough’s Tavern and his Gardens, (where no persons of ill repute would be admitted), there would be a Choice Band of performers playing the most celebrated Pieces of Music.”

The Marylebone Pleasure Gardens was situated at the north end of what is now Marylebone High Street. Gough invited the finest musicians of the time, including composers such as James Hook, Thomas Arne and George Frideric Handel. The importance of high-quality music was established from the very beginning of the Marylebone Pleasure Gardens.

Rediscovered: Songs from the Gardens

Manuscripts of songs sung at the Marylebone Pleasure Gardens have recently been discovered and recorded at Air-Edel, featuring our festival director, Meghan Cassidy. Since the Marylebone Gardens fell silent in 1777, it’s a wonderful historical moment to have recorded these songs. Listen and enjoy.