Buxton International Festival

06/06/2026

05/06/2026

Win a memorable Buxton International Festival experience ✨

We're giving one lucky winner the chance to enjoy an unforgettable evening of opera and a luxurious overnight stay in Buxton.

The prize includes:
• Two tickets to Verdi's La traviata on Saturday 11 July at 7.15pm at Buxton Opera House�• An overnight stay in a Double Executive Room at the Palace Hotel

One of the world's most beloved operas, La traviata is a story of love, sacrifice and heartbreak, featuring some of Verdi's most memorable music. Make a night of it with an elegant stay at the Palace Hotel, just a short distance from the festival's venues.

Whether you're an opera lover or looking for a special night away, this prize offers the perfect opportunity to experience Buxton International Festival and everything the town has to offer.

Closing date for entries is 12pm on 25 June 2026. We will select a winner at random and the winner will be informed via email with further instruction on how to claim their prize. One entry per person.

To enter, simply complete the form in the webpage below 👇
https://buxtonfestival.co.uk/news-and-blog/win-a-memorable-buxton-international-festival-experience

04/06/2026

🎭✨ Opera, music, jazz and literature come together from 9–26 July 2026 as the Buxton International Festival returns to the heart of Derbyshire!

From Verdi's La traviata and The Merry Widow to world-class concerts, inspiring author talks and unforgettable jazz performances, there's something for every culture lover.

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now. Start planning your perfect festival experience today!
https://buxtonfestival.co.uk/

04/06/2026

Looking to take a trip in the UK this summer? We have the perfect summer holiday agenda for you…

Buxton is a popular tourist destination for a reason, with beautiful architecture, fantastic food and the Peak District right on our doorstep. There’s no better time to visit than in July, when the town is in bloom, the sun in shining and world-class culture comes to stay! 🌿🎻

Our perfect day:

Head out into the peaks for a morning stroll, with a multitude of hill walks, river walks, and picturesque villages to choose from. Once back in the town, soak up the sights and explore Buxton’s Georgian and Victorian architecture. Catch a thought-provoking midday talk from one of our great literary minds before grabbing lunch at one of the town’s great eateries. Catch a moment of peace at a mid-afternoon recital in the beautiful setting of St John’s Church. As the sun starts to drop, dine at one of the many great restaurants in the historic centre before catching an evening opera performance the iconic Opera House, designed by Frank Matcham. For the night owls amongst you, head across the square to The Old Clubhouse afterwards for some late night jazz and a cocktail (or two)!

Sound good? Head to the link in our bio to book your tickets now! 🎟

04/06/2026

02/06/2026

Are you a music student or budding performer? Ever wanted to perform at Buxton International Festival? ✨

We’re opening up three Song at Six slots this July for our Next Generation Friends Network to showcase their talents, taking place on 13, 15 and 23 July.
Song at Six is our short and snappy concert series that takes place in the beautiful Pavilion Gardens bandstand.

Performances last roughly 10 minutes and are very popular with our Festival goers as well as passersby. Applications are open and will close on Thursday 11 June.

To find out more and apply, follow the link in our bio!

31/05/2026

Your guide to La traviata is here! First-time opera goer or want to know what to expect? We’ve got you covered…

La traviata is an epic tale of romance and tragedy, with sublime music from Giuseppe Verdi. The story follows Violetta, a much desired Parisian courtesan, as she falls in love with Alfredo Germont. Forbidden to be together by Alfredo’s father, Violetta sacrifices a happy life and leaves. Alfredo, initially believing he has been betrayed and humiliated, lashes out only to find he was wrong. Unfortunately, his realisation comes too late…

Set during La Belle Époque, think lavish decadence, Art Nouveau and gaslit boulevards.

Expect a welcoming and relaxed environment with no dress code and an accessible venue (Buxton Opera House). The opera runs for 2 hours 30, including a 20 minute interval.

🌹 11, 15, 18, 22 & 25 July

Head to the link in our bio to book your tickets now!

29/05/2026

🚨Low ticket alert!

The following events are close to selling out…

✨ Brodsky Quartet
Since forming in 1972, the Brodsky Quartet have achieved international renown, performing over 3,500 concerts worldwide. They present a programme of Stravinsky, Britten, Debussy and Zebeljan.

✨ Roderick Williams
One of the most sought-after baritones of his generation, Roderick Williams presents song sets evoking landscapes from the Americas to the British countryside.

✨ Isata Kanneh-Mason
Isata Kanneh-Mason offers eclectic and stimulating recital programmes as well as major concertos. She presents a programme of Beethoven, Ravel and Tabakova.

✨ The Hallé
The Hallé returns to Buxton International Festival with Weber’s dazzling Oberon overture, Richard Strauss’s Horn Concerto No. 1 and Brahms’ Symphony No. 4.

✨ Courtney Pine
Celebrating four decades at the forefront of British jazz, Courtney Pine returns in 2026 with a powerful retrospective tour.

✨ Nicholas Crane
Geographer, broadcaster and writer Nicholas Crane explores the coast-to-coast web that is both ancient and futuristic, sharing some of his most memorable walks along the way.

✨ Martin Sixsmith
Martin Sixsmith charts the story of Vladimir Putin’s rise to power, the oligarchs he dispossessed, and the legal case against him.

🌹PLUS tickets for the La traviata matinee on Wednesday 15 July are also close to selling out

Don’t miss out - head to the link in our bio to book now!

28/05/2026

Have you heard the news? Jazz royalty joins BIF this year 🎶🎷
Almost 50 years since its launch, Buxton International Festival has become one of the UK’s leading arts festivals, bringing world-class opera, music, books and jazz to the beautiful Peak District each summer.

This year’s jazz programme, curated by new Jazz Director Wesley Stephenson, features everything from classic jazz paying homage to the greats to vibrant funk fusions, folk, swing and bebop.

Courtney Pine CBE headlines at Buxton Opera House with a special live show celebrating his career at the forefront of British jazz. Darius Brubeck Quartet brings South African jazz and beloved Dave Brubeck classics, while Fergus McCreadie Trio blends jazz with Scottish folk influences.

The line-up also includes Mario Bakuna Quartet, Arun Ghosh Quintet, Laura Jurd, Tony Kofi and Denys Baptiste Quintet, Andrew McCormack Trio, Zoe Gilby and Andy Champion, The Easy Rollers, Josephine Davies and Satori, Noa Levy, Alan Barnes and the Paul Edis Trio, Alina Bzhezhinska and the HipHarpCollective Quintet, Fraser Fifield and the Secret Path Trio, Gaz Hughes Trio, Hannah Brine with Bim Williams, Dennis Rollins Velocity Trio, Blind Monk Trio and Pete Roth Trio.

Explore the full programme and book your tickets at buxtonfestival.co.uk 🎟️