Chila Burman: Love Memoirs is coming to the Nevill Holt Festival this summer from 30 May – 22 June 2025, transforming the classic grounds and chapel of Nevill Holt Estate into a spectacle of vibrant colour, cultural storytelling, and powerful visual art. Don’t miss this extraordinary showcase hosted in the Leicestershire countryside — a brilliant addition to the 2025 Nevill Holt Festival’s lineup!
This immersive art exhibition explores heritage, gender, identity, and joy through daring, expressive installations — with Burman’s unmistakable neon work and bold use of colour captivating audiences of all backgrounds. Alongside this, the festival will present additional visual art exhibitions curated by Saatchi Yates, site-specific sculptural displays, exclusive artist talks, and a series of art-focused podcast recordings with internationally renowned names in contemporary art.
What to Expect from Chila Burman: Love Memoirs
Visual storyteller Chila Kumari Singh Burman is renowned for her iconoclastic layers of South Asian identity, pop culture, and feminist themes. At Nevill Holt, her exhibition “Love Memoirs” takes residence across the chapel, galleries, and outdoor spaces, showcasing her signature installations – including standout works like her famous Ice Cream Van, previously featured at the 2022 World Cup in Doha and across major cities worldwide. Audiences can expect an explosion of rich visual storytelling, neon sculptures, and multimedia work that is as joyful as it is thought-provoking.
2024 has already been a banner year for Chila Burman; she was appointed an MBE for services to visual art, and she created the official BRIT Awards 2024 invitations for Universal Music. Now, she is ready to headline Nevill Holt Festival with a vivid, full-scale display of some of her most important works. Whether it’s her now-iconic Tate Britain façade neon lights or her signature symbols of femininity, resistance, and joy, her work will resonate powerfully with attendees.
Adding to the chosen highlights is a live conversation with Chila herself in the festival programme. Set for 14 June at 3:00 PM, this in-depth talk with Jonathan Badyal of Trafalgar Strategy is a rare chance to hear directly from the artist about her creative process, vision, and future plans— including her upcoming solo retrospective at Tate Liverpool in 2026.
Saatchi Yates Curates an Exclusive Gallery Experience
Also new for 2025 is a stunning contemporary showcase by Saatchi Yates, one of London’s premier art galleries, founded by Phoebe Saatchi and Arthur Yates. As part of the Nevill Holt visual arts programming, Saatchi Yates will curate an exclusive room within Nevill Holt Hall, presenting works by cutting-edge names such as Benjamin Spiers, Danny Fox, Rachel Zhang, and Will St. John.
This is a unique opportunity to explore art in the stately surroundings of Nevill Holt Hall during specially designated times. Expect emergent talent and eye-catching work that pushes contemporary boundaries, curated with impeccable taste by one of the UK’s most talked-about galleries.
Sculpted in Stone: Celebrating Local Artists
The visual arts programme further highlights regional talent with Sculpted in Stone — an intimate exhibition from Northants & Rutland Open Studios featuring local artists Régis Chaperon and Ana Ruiz Agüí. Their bold, innovative explorations in stone sculpture take centre stage, showcasing skill, creativity, and an evolving dialogue with traditional materials.
With the English countryside as its backdrop, this exhibition invites viewers to experience art that embodies heritage and invention. Chaperon and Ruiz Agüí’s works present a contemporary reinterpretation of stone, rich with textures and formality but brimming with modern aesthetics.
Open-Air Art in Nevill Holt’s Gardens
Surrounded by expertly designed gardens, visitors to Nevill Holt can also enjoy the festival’s permanent collection of modern British sculpture. Landscaped by Chelsea Gold Medal-winning designer Rupert Golby and Head Gardener Andy Bretherick, the meticulously curated gardens immerse audiences into an intersection of art and nature.
This outdoor gallery showcases sculptural works from established artists including Antony Gormley, Rachel Whiteread, Eduardo Paolozzi, Allen Jones, and Nic Fiddian-Green. These works are available to all visitors with a festival ticket—providing endless opportunities to reflect, explore, and be inspired while engaging with sculpture in a serene environment.
Talk Art Live and Engaging Conversations With Visionary Artists
A major draw of this festival is the return of Talk Art Live – a special live edition of the critically acclaimed podcast hosted by Russell Tovey and Robert Diament. On 12 June at 2:30 PM, the hosts will be sitting down with celebrated artist Harland Miller for an exclusive chat at Nevill Holt, sure to deliver insights, laughs, and artistic inspiration.
Other must-see conversations include:
- Yinka Shonibare in conversation with Frieze Director Eva Langret on 31 May at 4:30 PM
- Glenn Brown with curator Marco Livingstone on 7 June at 2:30 PM
- Michael Craig-Martin, also with Marco Livingstone, on 12 June at 1:15 PM
These talks bring together some of the biggest names in international contemporary art and commentary – making the 2025 visual arts programme the most dynamic in Nevill Holt Festival’s history.
How to Get Tickets for Chila Burman: Love Memoirs at Nevill Holt Festival
Tickets are on sale now for the Nevill Holt Festival, running from 30 May to 22 June 2025. Whether you’re attending to view Chila Burman’s spectacular installations, join in on inspiring live talks, or soak in the atmosphere of one of the UK’s most beautiful festivals, booking in advance is a must.
Access to the visual art exhibitions — including all installations, sculpture gardens, and curated galleries — is included with your festival ticket. Special events like live talks and podcast recordings may require additional booking.
Buy Tickets Now to ensure your spot at this unmissable summer arts event.
Press & Reviews
If you’re attending the Nevill Holt Festival this summer, stay tuned! I’ll be attending the visual art showcase and Chila Burman’s artist talk on 14 June, and will be sharing a full review, photos, and behind-the-scenes commentary about this landmark celebration of modern visual creativity.
Want to hear more thoughts on Russell Tovey and Robert Diament’s Talk Art Live recording with Harland Miller? Follow along and join the conversation after the event — I’ll be covering my highlights and impressions from every exhibition and encounter on-site.
Will you be seeing Chila Burman: Love Memoirs at Nevill Holt Festival? Let me know in the comments below or tag me on social media with your favourite moments and installations!
