Festival season really gets underway this month and there’s no shortage of places to go and things to see in Suffolk. From county shows to family fun days out, our round-up of the best could fill your calendar
ALDEBURGH FESTIVAL
Snape Maltings, Snape
The 75th Aldeburgh Festival brings together new commissions, world-premieres and international stars on the Suffolk coast that was home to the festival's founder, composer Benjamin Britten. There will be concerts, walks, talks, films and exhibitions. Featured musicians include Korean composer Unsuk Chin, cellist Alban Gerhardt, violinist Daniel Pioro, and composer Judith Weir, one of 12 composers asked to write for the King's coronation.
June 7-23
brittenpearsarts.org/news/the-aldeburgh-festival
TASTE OF EAST ANGLIA
Kentwell Hall, Long Melford
Taste of Sudbury has been renamed, reflecting the festival's growth after a successful first year at its new home. Expect over 80 stalls selling regional, artisanal food and drink, delicious street food, local craft ales, lager and fizz. Kitchen theatre featuring some of Suffolk’s best chefs and bakers, including James Carn, Will and Simon Wooster, Alan Paton and Freddie Fallon.
June 15
tasteofeastanglia.co.uk
FIRST LIGHT FESTIVAL
Lowestoft beach
Celebrate midsummer at the UK's most easterly town, with a packed programme of inspiring performances. Enjoy a Balearic breakfast on the beach with DJ Colleen Cosmo Murphy, late-night comedy with Shaparak Khorsandi, and performance poet and writer Hollie McNish. Beach camping, food and drink, dance workshops, sports and fitness activities, family activities, sculpture and art, grand opening parade and more.
June 22-23
firstlightlowestoft.com
SOUTHWOLD ARTS FESTIVAL
Various venues in Southwold
Eight days of music, drama, poetry, visual art, photography, dance, talks and literature. Courtney Pine and Zoe Rahman open the festival and Rick Wakeman closes it. In between there will be Sir Bill Beaumont, Clive Anderson, Blake Morrison & The Hosepipe Band, Andrew Harrison in The Last Cuckoo by Nigel Forde, and a Young Musicians’ Showcase with Tristan McCardel & Alice Platten, and Aldeburgh Young Musicians.
June 22-29
southwoldartsfestival.co.uk
FELIXSTOWE BOOK FESTIVAL
Harvest House, Felixstowe
Author events, book signings, with a mix of genres, fiction, non-fiction and poetry, and events for children. You can meet very well known, award winning authors – maybe a favourite – and also get the chance to discover debut writers. The seaside location means you can enjoy walks along the prom, a wander in the seafront gardens and even a bracing swim.
June 26-30
felixstowebookfestival.co.uk
BURY FOLK FESTIVAL
Nowton Park, Bury St Edmunds
Enjoy high-quality, live music in the beautiful setting of the walled garden at Nowton Park from artists local to Bury St Edmunds and the surrounding area: The Doghouse Ceilidh Band, Vic Lennard, John & Lynne Ward, Petra Garrard, Robin Torbitt, Reg Meuross, and Isle ave a Shanty. A wonderful day for the whole family with craft stalls, children’s activities, music workshops, hot food and a bar with local real ales.
June 29
buryfolkfestival.co.uk
MAVERICK FESTIVAL
Easton Farm Park, Easton
The UK's first and finest Americana and roots music event, set amongst the restored Victorian barns and out-buildings of Easton Farm Park, with performances, talks and workshops from over 50 different artists from both sides of the Atlantic. Six stages, indoors and out, lots of food and drink, camping on site (bring your own tent or hire a bell tent).
July 5-7
hmaverickfestival.co.uk
IPSWICH SUMMER MELA (IPSWICH ENTERTAINS/ISIA)
Christchurch Park, Ipswich
A rich and colourful celebration of Indian culture with live entertainment, vibrant Bollywood music, mesmerising dance performances, a vibrant market and Indian food village. Explore and enjoy the exciting expression of Indian culture at this family-friendly festival with Bollywood, belly dancing, turban, saree and rangoli workshops. Free event in association with Ipswich & Suffolk Indian Association (ISIA).
July 6
ipswichentertains.co.uk
PAX FESTIVAL
Thorington Theatre, Saxmundham
Listen to JERUB, who performed at the King's coronation alongside Pete Tong, the stunning vocals of Henry Grace, amusing wordsmith Josh Flowers, captivating songstress Alex Kate and local up-and-coming artists Leon O'Leary and Sophie The Great plus more. Wine tasting workshops led by Luke Flunder; circus-themed classes in the woods hosted by Soho House resident life drawing teacher Bella Franks.
July 6
thoringtontheatre.co.uk
IPSWICH MUSIC DAY
Christchurch Park, Ipswich
In its 34th year, Ipswich Music Day is the UK’s biggest free one-day music festival. Six stages celebrate all types of music, alongside fairground rides, activities, a market and food stalls. A great chance to see up-and-coming artists, plus Ipswich Arts Association is hosting four classical stages in Margarets Church, Bethesda Baptist Church,Wolsey Gallery (Christchurch Mansion) and The Masonic Hall.
July 7
ipswichentertains.co.uk/ipswichmusicday
BURES MUSIC FESTIVAL
St Mary’s Church and the Recreation Ground, Bures
One of the most diverse and exciting events in the region, nestled by the River Stour and hosting a multitude of musical genres from jazz to blues, rock to pop, plus a popular choral night. Internationally known bands and musicians, as well as emerging acts and local talent. Camping available, food and drink, great famiy event.
July 10-14
buresmusicfestival.com
GLOBAL RHYTHM
Christchurch Park, Ipswich
Live music and art from across the global in a colourful and exciting celebration of worldwide culture. This free event has a full programme of workshops throughout the day, where you can experience music, dance and culture with some of the fantastic artists performing at the festival. A great day out with a funfair, food and drink, and craft stalls.
July 13
ipswichentertains.co.uk/global-rhythm
IPSWICH BEER AND CIDER FESTIVAL
St Clement’s Church, Ipswich
The 34th Ipswich Beer and Cider Festival returns to the newly restored St Clement's Church. Organised by The Briarbank Brewing Company in association with CAMRA,with over 100 real ales, craft beers, and ciders from local and national brewers. Local food vendors on site. Ticket includes a pint glass, to be used during the event, which can be taken home as a souvenir.
July 24-28
ipswichbeerandciderfestival.co.uk
LATITUDE
Henham Park, Beccles
This year's line-up includes Duran Duran, Kasabian, Keane, London Grammar and Sara Pascoe, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Rick Astley, Rag’n’Bone Man, Mary Wallopers, Dr John Cooper Clarke, Robin Ince, Natalie Haynes and many, many more. On the Waterfront stage, spectacular dance performances from The Place, DanceEast, the National Youth Dance Company and the London City Ballet. Latitude Family with Kids' Area, Enchanted Garden and Camp Greenpeace.
July 25-28
latitudefestival.com
PRIMADONNA FESTIVAL
Museum of Food, Stowmarket
A book festival for people who don't think book festivals are 'for them'; conversations, round tables and interviews, live music, comedy, food, drink, DJs and therapies. The line-up gives prominence to women, Black and Asian artists, the LGBTQIA+ community, working class and disabled people. Also, Firsts writing competition for students in years 7–13, set up by University of Suffolk and Primadonna. Closing date May 10.
July 26-28
primadonnafestival.com
BLACK SHUCK FESTIVAL
Bungay
A unique festival that celebrates the East Anglian legend of Black Shuck, a wild black dog that terrorised people at Bungay's St Mary's Church and Blythburgh Church during a violent storm on August 4, 1577. Folklore and storytelling with theatre, music and performance, art, literature and history. Exciting and thrilling activities for all ages and abilities, set in Bungay and the Waveney valley.
August 2-4
blackshuckfestival.com
FOLKEAST
Glemham Hall
This year's line-up includes Kris Drever Band, Fay Hield Trio, Honey and the Bear, Blowzabella, Gigspanner Big Band, Angeline Morrison and the Sorrow Songs, Martin Carthy and Jon Wilks. Lots of things going on – Youth Moot, workshops, dance, Art Marquee with printmakers, jewellery makers, bookbinders, instrument makers and more. Also, Librarium, talks, food and drink. Camping available on site.
August 16-18
folkeast.co.uk
FRAMLINGHAM COUNTRY SHOW
Framlingham College
Falconry, wrestling, chainsaw competition, rural crafts, magic shows, barrel rolling, living history, Jonathan Marshall falconry on horseback, heavy horse displays, motorbike stunt teams, and fabulous cookery demonstrations.The show includes We Love Dogs with a full programme of grand ring dog events and competitions including Dogs Have Got Talent, and gundog displays. Alpacas, horses, Kids' Festival with lots of activities. Live music, food and drink.
August 17-18
framlinghamcountryshow.co.uk
WOOD BRIDGE FESTIVAL OF ART AND MUSIC
Now 12 years old, this community-run event showcases ambitious, diverse and quality international line-ups, as well as encouraging local talent and emerging artists. The festival raises money for cultural education and has supported equipment for six schools, music in health, music for the elderly and a choir for Alzheimer patients. Various venues including Elmhurst Park, August 31 - September 1
August 24-September 2
woodbridgefestival.com
