Suffolk is known to many as a beautiful county to visit across all seasons, but the region also has a packed calendar of events, featuring world-class music, literature, food and history festivals.
Whatever your interest, there is a Suffolk festival to suit you – from classical music to cookery, poetry to local art, colourful carnivals to countryside fetes – with plenty of family options too. So if you are looking for some festival filled fun over the summer, here are 15 of our favourites to get you started. And don’t forget, no tents are needed, as we have a fantastic collection of luxury retreats just moments away from many of these fantastic events.
Framlingham Gala Fest
Date: 25th-27th May
Where: in and around the centre of Framlingham
Stay at…: The Barn at Manor Farm, Stratford St Andrew or Old Trout, Ubbeston
Three days of colour, music and family fun. This traditional Framlingham Gala has been a part of Framlingham and the area for many years. Each year a new theme is chosen to make the weekend bright, full of energy, colour and music with something for all the family, young and old!
Further information on the event click here
The Suffolk Show
Date: 29th-30th May
Where: Trinity Park, near Ipswich
Stay at…: The Shepherd’s Hut at Anvil House, Newbourne or 4 Angel Lane, Woodbridge
Suffolk’s annual two-day event celebrates everything that is great about this county. With an exciting programme of events, excellent shopping and amazing food and drink offering, it’s a fabulous family day out.
Further information on the event click here
Aldeburgh Festival
Date: 7th-23rd June
Where: Snape Maltings, Snape
Stay at…: 9 Lakeside Avenue, Thorpeness or 23 The Terrace, Aldeburgh or Linnell End, Aldeburgh
Taking place in the beautiful setting of Snape Maltings Concert Hall overlooking the marshes of the River Alde, this acclaimed festival was created by Britten and Pears in 1948 and is a musical highlight for many. Every June it brings together new commissions, world-premieres and international stars on the stretch of the Suffolk Coast which was so loved by its founder, the composer Benjamin Britten.
Further information on the event click here
First Light Festival
Date: 22nd-23rd June
Where: Lowestoft
Stay at…: Walnut Tree Cottage, Dunwich
A truly unique, 24 hour long multi-arts, beach front festival that, as the sun rises, celebrates the UKs ‘First Light’ of as it touches Britain on the seafront of its most easterly town.
Further information on the event click here
Southwold Arts Festival
Date: 22nd-29th June
Where: Southwold
Stay at…: Dolphin Cottage or Owl Cottage – both located in central Southwold
This year marks the 9th anniversary of Southwold’s eight-day exciting art festival that celebrates the best of local music, poetry, theatre and visual arts. There are also several talks that take place each year too, which are inspirational and informative.
Maverick Festival
Date: 5th-7th July
Where: Easton, near Woodbridge
Stay at…: 4 Angel Lane or 12 New Street – both located in central Woodbridge, less than 10 minutes drive away
This popular event is a celebration of Americana and roots music from both sides of the Atlantic, with live music, film and workshops. Featuring over forty different artists, across five stages indoor and out.
The July Racing Festival at Newmarket Racecourse
Date: 11th-13th July
Where: Newmarket
Stay at…: The Pond Barn, Cowlinge – just a short taxi ride from the racecourse
The July Festival is the pinnacle of the Summer season at Newmarket Racecourses. The ultimate summer raceday! Experience three days packed with heart-pounding horseracing, luxurious hospitality, and a vibrant atmosphere like no other.
Further information on the event click here
Latitude Festival
Date: 25th – 28th July
Where: Henham Park, near Southwold
Stay at…: Dolphin Cottage – located in central Southwold
With Duran Duran, Keane, London Grammar and Kasabian leading as headliners, be sure to be in for a star filled weekend across multiple stages and arenas. With music, film, poetry, comedy, cabaret and more, this festival certainly draws the big acts in…
Further information on the event click here
Felixstowe Carnival
Date: 26th – 28th July
Where: Felixstowe seafront
Book…: Cooky’s & Cream – book a beach hut as your base, located in the heart of the action
With the theme this year, ‘Lights, Camera, Action!’, visitors to this much loved beachside carnival will be in for a glitzy treat! Across the weekend there will be entertainment, from Friday Night Proms to Sunday Music, with a fun fair and fireworks.
Further information on the event click here
FolkEast
Date: 16th – 18th August
Where: Glemham Hall, Gt. Glemham
Book…: The Barn at Manor Farm – a short walking distance from the Festival site
This really is a festival like no other. A unique combination of music, food and crafts that feels like a very English fete. One of the top UK folk festivals.
Further information on the event click here
Aldeburgh Carnival
Date: 17th – 19th August
Where: Aldeburgh
Book…: The Old Coach House – located in the heart of Aldeburgh, set back on a peaceful street
A grand three days out at the seaside. Suffolk’s finest Carnival, award-winning fun for all the family – this year expect an 80’s theme, one much loved by all ages!
Further information on the event click here
Classics at Glemham
Date: 1st September
Where: Glemham Hall, Gt. Glemham
Book…: The Barn at Manor Farm – a short walking distance from the Festival site
Classic cars, sports cars and much more… A show featuring classic cars, exotics, classic motorcycles, vintage trucks & buses. Plus attractions for all the family.
Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival
Date: 28th – 29th September
Where: Snape Maltings, Snape
Book…: The Barn at Manor Farm, Stratford St Andrew or The Old Coach House, Aldeburgh
Hosted at Snape Maltings, this wonderful foodie festival celebrates this county’s fantastic local food producers. With a collection of over 90 food and drink producers from Suffolk, many from just a few miles away, all gather to sell their produce.
