As long ago as 1809 there was a Music Festival in Tamworth, Staffordshire (UK) to which there came some of the most celebrated musicians of the day. These included musician and organist Samuel Wesley, son of Charles Wesley. The patrons who supported the Festival in 1809 included Sir Robert Peel and the Marquis Townshend. It was not a competitive Festival but aimed to present the finest music by the best performers available and raise funds for the repair of the church.

In 1945 the first competitive Tamworth Music Festival took place and progress was such that by 1950 it had gained recognition as one of the important Music Festivals in the Midlands area, bringing the town into wide prominence. It's aim was to encourage and foster young talent and provide music making opportunities for all age groups. It succeeded in bringing together talented musicians from all over the Midlands region along with many eminent professionals to adjudicate.

After nine years absence a new Committee was formed to revive the Festival in 2000. The original aims still hold true and the Festival Committee hope that the Festival will provide enjoyment for many years to come.