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The London International Festival of Early Music is back in Blackheath for another year!

Join a dynamic gathering of instrument makers, retailers, publishers, record companies, societies, and forums from across the world at LIFEM26. 

This early music exhibition attracts instrument makers from around the globe. Visit shops, music publishers, recording companies, societies and forums all gathered under one roof!

A vibrant marketplace where tradition meets innovation, offering exhibitors a unique opportunity to showcase their offerings to passionate enthusiasts and professionals alike. Don’t miss out on this celebration of all things early music!

Instruments on display and for sale will include: recorders, flutes, crumhorns, shawms, rackets lutes, viols, fiddles, sackbuts, trumpets, rebecs, harps, hurdy-gurdies, drums, harpsichords, plus a superb collection of sheet music, CDs and books.

New for 2026, the ‘Exhibition Plus’ pass gives you access to our exhibition in Blackheath Halls, PLUS all the Makers’ Demonstrations and Performers’ Platforms, as well as a full range of talks, presentations and fringe events. On Friday, you also have access to the final of the Early Music Young Ensemble Competition.  

The full programme of events, many of which are held in the Hearn Recital Room at Blackheath Halls, offers a valuable insight into the world of early music with appearances from celebrated performers, chances to see makers from our exhibition showcase their instruments up close and personal, and performances from the early music stars of tomorrow. 

Tickets to the exhibition include a festival programme and entry to performance platforms, the young ensemble competition, workshops, talks and much more.