Tucked away on the windswept Suffolk coast, the Aldeburgh Music Festival is one of Britain’s most cherished celebrations of classical and contemporary music.
Founded in 1948 by the world-renowned composer Benjamin Britten, tenor Peter Pears, and librettist Eric Crozier. The festival has grown from a modest local event into an internationally recognised beacon of artistic excellence.
Held annually in June, the festival was born from Britten’s desire to bring world-class music to the place he loved most—Aldeburgh.
It began with just a handful of performances staged in the Jubilee Hall. A small concert venue overlooking the sea. But as word spread, so too did the ambition. By the 1960s, the festival had expanded its programme and moved many of its key performances to the Snape Maltings Concert Hall; a magnificent repurposed Victorian malthouse that has become a cultural icon in its own right.
Over the decades, Aldeburgh has welcomed some of the finest artists, ensembles, and composers from around the globe.
From Britten’s own operas and chamber pieces to performances by legendary figures like Mstislav Rostropovich, Imogen Cooper, and Oliver Knussen, the festival has always stood at the intersection of tradition and innovation. It remains a place where emerging artists share the stage with established masters, and where boundary-pushing commissions breathe new life into classical forms.
Visitors today love the unique blend of music, landscape, and intimacy that the Aldeburgh Festival offers.
There’s a special magic in hearing a string quartet while the sun sets over the reed beds of the River Alde, or exploring contemporary installations nestled within Suffolk’s wild countryside. The festival also offers talks, art exhibitions, and masterclasses—making it a rich, immersive cultural experience.
Whether you’re a lifelong devotee of Britten’s music or simply seeking a seaside retreat with artistic soul…
…the Aldeburgh Music Festival is a truly unforgettable part of the Suffolk summer.
Discover the full event programme and book your tickets here.
Top picks of where to stay…
Stay nearby in one of our handpicked cottages located along the beautiful Suffolk Coast, and experience this world-class celebration of sound for yourself.
