Welcome to our Festival blog

We are a small congregation commemorating the 400th anniversary of the death of the village's Elizabethan composer, William Byrd (c.1540 - 1623).

We are planning to erect a permanent memorial to Byrd to mark the quatercentenary since his death, and have begun a fundraising appeal. Our events this year have included a talk on The Life and Times of William Byrd (30 June), including book release; a Commemorative Service of BCP Evensong (2 July); and, welcomed The Stondon Singers who gave a sell-out William Byrd Anniversary Concert on the actual day (4 July). Stondon Massey has also featured on BBC Radio 3's 'Composer of the Week' programme (3-7 July).

This website contains everything you need to know about William Byrd's life and music as well as his links with Stondon Massey. /

Wednesday 19 January 2011

Stondon Congregation look forward to William Byrd Festival


The Brentwood Gazette today has published an item on the forthcoming William Byrd Festival. Drawing on information contained in this site, Piers Meyler has created a really creditable article. A photographer came to St Peter & St Paul Church after the service last Sunday and took some pictures. The 'Genius of music' will be celebrated in May.