Buxton International Festival – Buxton, England 2026

Overview

Buxton International Festival is a premier summer celebration of opera, classical music, jazz, and literature, captivating audiences in the stunning Peak District spa town of Buxton with world-class performances in intimate, historic venues. Founded in 1979 to support the restoration of the Buxton Opera House, this 18-day not-for-profit event has earned acclaim as one of the UK’s leading arts festivals, blending rare operatic gems with orchestral masterpieces, soulful jazz sets, and thought-provoking book talks. It draws international artists and rising stars through its Young Artists Programme, fostering cultural exchange amid the town’s Georgian elegance and natural beauty. Visit buxtonfestival.co.uk for full details.

The 2026 edition promises an electrifying lineup, including Verdi’s timeless La Traviata, Caccini’s La Liberazione di Ruggiero, and Viardot’s The Last Sorcerer, alongside classical concerts, eclectic jazz from Latin to big band, and literary discussions. Set against Buxton’s bubbling springs and dramatic limestone dales, it offers over 100 events, many family-friendly, with a focus on accessibility and innovation. Whether savoring arias in the restored Opera House or debating books in cozy halls, it’s a harmonious escape that reignites passion for the performing arts.

Event Highlights

• Main activities or performances: Opera productions like La Traviata and The Last Sorcerer; classical music by ensembles such as the Academy of Ancient Music; jazz specials blending Brazilian, soul, and world rhythms; literary talks with acclaimed authors.
• Special traditions or features: Annual Young Artists Programme showcasing emerging talents; themed opera explorations of rare works; integrated jazz and book series for diverse evenings; community events like walks and family specials.
• Unique attractions for visitors: Immersive opera in the Frank Matcham-designed Opera House; pop-up jazz in Pavilion Gardens; free or low-cost literary sessions; guided heritage walks tying music to Buxton’s Roman and Georgian past.

Why Attend

Buxton International Festival enchants with its perfect alchemy of high artistry and alpine serenity, where you can catch a Verdian soprano’s trill in a crescent-moon-lit auditorium, then unwind with jazz under the stars—far from urban frenzy, it’s a refined retreat for opera buffs or casual listeners. The Peak District’s trails and thermal springs add a spa-like allure, ideal for multi-day indulgences with family or friends. Visit buxtonfestival.co.uk for more.

This festival’s legacy of restoration and innovation ensures every performance funds future talents and local culture, turning attendees into advocates. You’ll depart humming arias, enriched by dialogues between classics and contemporaries, and the thrill of discovering hidden gems. In summer’s glow, it’s a symphony of sophistication and soul, proving Buxton’s waters truly inspire.

Date and Duration

• Dates: July 9 – July 26, 2026
• Duration: 18 days

Venue and Location

• Main venue: Buxton Opera House, Water Street, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 6JN, United Kingdom; a restored Frank Matcham gem hosting flagship operas and concerts with opulent interiors.
• Additional venues: Pavilion Gardens (The Crescent, Buxton SK17 6DU) for jazz and outdoor events; St John’s Ambon Church and Octagon Hall for chamber music; Green’s Restaurant (3 The Square, Buxton SK17 6AZ) for literary talks; all clustered in the compact town center.
• Google Maps address: Buxton Opera House, Water Street, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 6JN, United Kingdom

Ticket Information

• How tickets are sold: Online via buxtonfestival.co.uk/box-office with card payment; in-person at Opera House box office (cash/card); email for groups (10+ get 10% off); postal available; early bird via Friends priority from March 2026.
• Admission type: Paid for most events; some free literary or community specials; under-18s discounted.
• Ticket pricing in USD: Single opera tickets from $30 to $120; music/jazz $20 to $60; books $15 to $40; festival passes $200 to $400; under-35s $10-25 via Next Gen.
• Special seating or VIP options: Premium stalls or balcony $20 extra; Friends/VIP packages with receptions and priority $250+.
• Minimum and maximum pricing: Minimum ticket price: $0 (free events); maximum: $400 (full festival pass).
• Additional ticket info: Group discounts 10% for 10+; no booking fees; bundles for opera/music series; Friends from $45/year for early access.

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Contact Information

• Email: marketing@buxtonfestival.co.uk (general inquiries); boxoffice@buxtonoperahouse.co.uk (tickets).
• Phone: +44 1298 72190 (box office); +44 1298 70395 (festival office).
• Website: https://buxtonfestival.co.uk (lineup, tickets, and updates).
• Social Media: @buxtonfestival (Facebook for announcements and highlights).
• Key Staff: Michael Williams (CEO, via email); Jen Francis (groups coordinator).
• Press/Volunteers: Press via marketing@buxtonfestival.co.uk; volunteer sign-up for ushering or specials through website form.
• Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; English support; accessibility requests via email.

Getting There

• Nearest airports: Manchester (MAN, 40 miles, 1-hour drive) or East Midlands (EMA, 35 miles, 50-minute drive) with car hire or taxis.
• Public transport: Trains from London St Pancras to Buxton via Stockport (3 hours); local buses from Derby or Manchester.
• Parking: Paid at Crescent car park (SK17 6EH, $10/day) or Opera House lots; disabled bays available.
• Other access: A6 from Bakewell (10 miles); cycling along High Peak Trail; walkable spa town core.

Accommodation Options

• On-site camping: None; town-based with no camping.
• Hotels: Palace Hotel (The Crescent, $150-250/night) or Old Hall Hotel (The Square, $120-200/night), central with festival packages.
• Caravan parks: Buxton Holiday Park (2 miles, $50-70/night) near Fairfield; hookups and shuttle.
• Other stays: B&Bs like Ashford Arms (Market Place, $100-160/night); Airbnbs in Buxton from $90/night; glamping at Chatsworth $130-190/night.

Reviews

• Spellbinding La Traviata in the Opera House—acoustics divine, Peak views from the Crescent a dream interlude.
• Eclectic jazz nights at Pavilion Gardens stole the show; intimate talks and tunes made it a cultural feast.
• Rare operas like The Last Sorcerer were revelations; Buxton’s vibe turned it into a summer highlight.