WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT XMTR FESTIVAL

XMTR 2026 Preview by Jude Montague: Hastings Independent, August 2026

Hannah Kemp-Welch on Natural Radio — interview with Jude Montague for Hastings Online Times, August 2026“This year I am running an Atmospheric Antennas workshop, introducing more people to the joy of natural radio listening and giving them the tools to continue exploring it themselves.”

Cath Colour Carver and Jude Montague on Meet Me At The Rose Garden pt II — for Hastings Online Times, August 2026 “The velvety and scented roses of Warrior Square inspired a special immersive experience... Poetry, and deep listening were assisted by sensory tools.”

Tony Birch on his tidal recording project The Pier Sings — interview with Jude Montague for Hastings Online Times, August 2026 “Ever curious to find resonances in things, I started listening to the pier with geophones… (I) made a little sample based plugin synth called PierDrone which I’ll share during the festival.”

“Each act of the festival was fiercely individual (they) strive to provide a space to celebrate often isolated creative audio minds. The only disappointment here was too much to see and not enough time. Book early next year.” Jo Hutton The Wire, December 2025

"A gathering of beautiful nerds, doing weird things with sound.”
Lecker Podcast Substack, October 2025.
Read the full review

Tom Roe’s XMTR adventures: Thee Radio Art Hour Substack

Festival attendees feedback:

“This was one of the most creative and welcoming festivals I've been to for audiophiles! It's so rare to find a space to geek out on oral storytelling and sound in all its varied mediums, but I certainly found my people. I'll definitely be coming back next year!”

“This festival brings the heart and creative connections back into the sonic space. Bringing together artists from a wide range of genres and disciplines, the common thread is the joy of using sound to tell stories; to gather; to connect. Honestly made me want to drop everything and return full time to working on sound art.”

“XMTR Festival was a highlight of my audio year! The programme was packed full of engaging events and installations, and I met so many new, lovely people who are working to make the industry a better place to be. I can't wait till next year!”