1784-1810 : A tradition established -- 1810-1830 : The early nineteenth century festival -- 1830-1850 : the Mendelssohn era -- 1850-1870 : consolidation, the mid-century, and beyond -- 1870-1890 : supporting English composers -- 1890-1914 : the shadow of war -- Performers, performance practice, and the press -- Ambience, logistics, and finance -- Programmes and commissioning -- The festival orchestra -- The festival chorus -- Social history.