This summer, the gardens of Keats House in Hampstead, London, will come alive with the lyrical beauty of Bengali music and poetry as the Saudha Bangla Music Festival returns on Friday 6 June 2025.
Organised by Saudha – Society of Poetry and Indian Music – the evening is a rare opportunity to experience the rich emotional tapestry of Bangla art forms in one of the capital’s most iconic literary settings.
Blending classical ragas with the spoken word, the festival offers an evocative journey into the heart of Bengali cultural heritage, interpreted by leading musicians, poets, and performers from across the UK and beyond. Set against the backdrop of the former home of Romantic poet John Keats, the event pays homage to both Bengali and British literary traditions.
Music, poetry and cultural harmony
The festival’s programme features an exquisite fusion of traditional Indian classical music and powerful recitations of Bengali poetry. Performers will bring to life the words of iconic poets such as Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, and Jibanananda Das, weaving verse with melody in a way that resonates deeply with diverse audiences.
Leading vocalists, instrumentalists and dramatists will collaborate in performances that transcend language and geography. The emphasis is on emotion, beauty, and the universal themes of love, identity, nature and resistance. For those less familiar with Bengali culture, the festival provides a graceful, accessible introduction to its artistic soul.
A setting of inspiration
Keats House offers an enchanting and historically resonant venue for the event. Visitors can explore the museum and gardens where the young English poet once found his muse, before settling in for an evening of outdoor performances under the summer sky. With limited seating and an intimate feel, the event is perfect for those who appreciate the quiet power of live performance in a literary setting.
Community and cultural dialogue
Saudha is renowned for creating immersive artistic experiences that foster cross-cultural understanding. This event is part of its wider mission to build bridges between Eastern and Western traditions, giving space to South Asian voices within Britain’s creative landscape.
The audience is invited not just to listen, but to connect—with the performers, with each other, and with the deeper themes that run through South Asian art and history. Expect a moving and memorable evening that speaks to the mind and heart alike.
Tickets and accessibility
Tickets for the event are available now on Eventbrite, with prices starting from £12. Early booking is advised due to limited capacity. The venue is wheelchair accessible, and staff will be on hand to assist those with additional needs.
For full details and to reserve your place, visit: 👉 Saudha Bangla Music Festival – Keats House, London