The Festival of 1863 commenced on Monday evening, September 14th, with a performance of Handel’s grand Oratorio, “Judas Maccabæus,” which was eminently successful. The large audience seemed to be carried away by the martial music. On the Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings, miscellaneous concerts were given. On Wednesday morning Mr. Silas conducted a performance of his own sacred drama, “Joash,” with success. This was followed by a “Scene at the Gates of Nain,” from the Oratorio “Immanuel,” by Henry Leslie; also selections from the Stabat Maters of Haydn, Pergolesi, and Rossini, and a selection of sacred music. “Elijah” was performed on Thursday morning, and the “Messiah” on Friday morning. Another novelty at this festival was a Cantata, entitled “Richard Cœur De Leon,” composed expressly for the occasion, and performed on Thursday evening with immense applause. This Cantata embodied the romantic story of the warrior king in captivity, being discovered by the minstrel Blondel, who at last caused the liberation of the monarch. The principal vocalists were Madlle. Tietjens, Madame Lemmens Sherrington, Madame Weiss, Miss Wilkinson, Miss Palmer, Madlle. Trebelli, (her first appearance in Norwich,) Mr. Sims Reeves, Mr. Montem Smith, Mr. Santley, Mr. Weiss, Signor Bettini, (his first appearance here,) Signor Bossi, (his first appearance here). Mr. Benedict was conductor. Instrumental soloists, M. Paque, violoncello; Mr. H. Blagrove and Mr. Sainton, violins. Mr. J. F. Hill, chorus master. The Festival of 1866 was deferred till November, very unwisely, in anticipation of a visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales on the occasion. This caused a larger attendance on the day their Royal Highnesses were expected, and a smaller on all the other days. The arrangements for the visit were also injudicious, to say the least. Their Royal Highnesses should at once have proceeded to the Wednesday morning’s performance, but they were detained at the Guildhall to hear an address from the corporation, and then they were allowed to go to St. Andrew’s Hall in the middle of a performance, which was greatly interrupted. Their Royal Highnesses, therefore, could not possibly have appreciated Costa’s Oratorio from hearing only half of it. The festivals have been always patronized by royalty, and by the nobility, gentry, and clergy, and have never failed to attract the county families; but this year (1866) was the first in which members of the royal family were actually present.