Buxton International Festival Brochure 09 - 26 July 2026

9 - 26 JULY 2026

OPERA MUSIC BOOKS JAZZ

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 BUXTONFESTIVAL.CO.UK

EVENTS DIARY

2026

THURSDAY 9 JULY 6.30pm

Laura Jurd

30

9pm

Tony Kofi and Denys Baptiste Quintet 30

FRIDAY 10 JULY 11.30am

Introduction to Buxton’s History and Heritage

15

12pm

Andrew McCormack Trio

31

2.30pm

Zoë Gilby with Andy Champion plus 32 Johnny Hunter Trio with Nat Birchall

3pm

Sacconi Quartet

32

3.30pm

Walk in the Footsteps of our Ancestors: 5,000 Years of Buxton History

15

6pm

Opera Talk: The Merry Widow

19

7.15pm

The Merry Widow

19

8pm

Mario Bakuna Quartet

33

10.15pm

Josephine Davies with Satori and 33 Alcyona Mick

SATURDAY 11 JULY 10am

Arthur Snell

34

11.30am Voices of the Peaks

34

Vera Brittain, Buxton and a 11.30am Testament to Lost Youth

15

12.30pm Liam Byrne MP

35

1pm

Noa Levy, Alan Barnes and the Paul Edis Trio - Portrait in Evans

35

6pm

Opera Talk: La traviata

21

7pm

Alina Bzhezhinska HipHarpCollective Quintet

36

7.15pm

La traviata

21

10pm

Darius Brubeck Quartet

36

SUNDAY 12 JULY 11am

Festival Mass

1pm

Fraser Fifield - Secret Path Trio 37 plus Olivia Moore & Adam Fairhall

12.45pm Opera Talk: Amadigi di Gaula

17

23

2pm

Amadigi di Gaula

23

4pm

Arun Ghosh Quintet

38

5.30pm

Mahan Esfahani - Harpsichord

38

9pm

Courtney Pine

39

MONDAY 13 JULY 10am

Luke Barley

40

11.15am Louise Alder and Joseph Middleton 40

2

11.30am

An Audience with Mary Queen of Scots

15

12.30pm Sir Nick Clegg

41

3pm

41

Sitkovetsky Trio

3.30pm

An Exploration of Fairfield’s History 15

4pm

Victoria Bateman

42

6pm

Pump Room Talk: Rebecca Williams and Kathryn Ecclestone

14

6pm

Song at Six

17

7.15pm

Le dernier sorcier

27

TUESDAY 14 JULY 10am

Klaus Dodds

43

Nicky Spence and Joseph 11.15am Middleton

43

12.30pm Lady Hale

44

3pm

Steven Isserlis and Connie Shih

44

3.30pm

Through the Heritage Lens: A Road Reveals its Secrets

15

4pm

James Fox

45

4.30pm

Opera in the Cavern

45

5.30pm

Musicals in the Cavern

45

6pm

Opera Talk: The Merry Widow

19

7.15pm

The Merry Widow

19

WEDNESDAY 15 JULY 9.30am

Ryan Corbett - Accordion

46

10am

Robert Verkaik

46

11am

Friends’ Day

85

Dame Sarah Connolly and Joseph 11.15am 47 Middleton Walk in the Footsteps of our 11.30am Ancestors: 5,000 Years of Buxton History

15

12.30pm Hannah French

47

12.45pm Opera Talk: La traviata

21

2pm

La traviata

21

3pm

Junyan Chen - Piano

48

3pm

Alison Weir

49

6pm

Pump Room Talk: Phil Mulligan

14

6pm

Song at Six

17

7.15pm

La liberazione di Ruggiero

27

THURSDAY 16 JULY 10am

Jay Griffiths

50

2026 9 – 26 July

OPERA

11.15am

Roderick Williams and Joseph Middleton

MUSIC

50

12.30pm Jimmy Wales

51

3pm

51

Paddington Trio

3.30pm

An Exploration of Fairfield’s History 15

4pm

Naz Shah MP

6pm

Pump Room Talk: Dr Hillary Burlock 14

6pm

Opera Talk: Amadigi di Gaula

23

7.15pm

Amadigi di Gaula

23

7.15pm

Le dernier sorcier

52

25

FRIDAY 17 JULY 10am

Claudia Hammond

11.15am Escocia Duo

53 53

Introduction to Buxton’s History 11.30am and Heritage

15

12.30pm Andrew Graham-Dixon

54

3pm

The Gould Piano Trio

54

3pm

Anthony Delany

55

3.30pm

An Audience with Mary Queen of Scots

15

6pm

Opera Talk: The Merry Widow

19

6pm

Opera Talk: La liberazione di Ruggiero

27

6.15pm

Next Generation Friends Social

84

7.15pm

The Merry Widow

19

BOOKS

JAZZ

WALKS

TALKS

FRIENDS

1.45pm

Opera Talk: La clemenza di Tito

29

3pm

La clemenza di Tito

29

7pm

Lizzie Ball and James Pearson

60

8pm

Twentieth-Century Din

61

MONDAY 20 JULY 11.15am The Vache Baroque Band

62

Through the Heritage Lens: A 11.30am Road Reveals its Secrets

15

12.30pm Edward Abel Smith

62

3pm

Brodsky Quartet

63

4pm

Andrea Wulf

64

6pm

Pump Room Talk: Dr Peter Collinge 14

6pm

Opera Talk: Amadigi di Gaula

23

7.15pm

Amadigi di Gaula

23

7.15pm

Le dernier sorcier

25

TUESDAY 21 JULY Ruth Larsen

65

11.15am Newe Vialles

10am

65

12.45pm Opera Talk: The Merry Widow

19

2pm

19

The Merry Widow

3pm

Peter Donohoe - Piano

66

3pm

Martin Sixsmith

67

3.30pm

An Exploration of Fairfield’s History 15

6pm

Song at Six

17

7.15pm

La liberazione di Ruggiero

27

7.15pm

La liberazione di Ruggiero

27

10pm

Gaz Hughes Trio

56

WEDNESDAY 22 JULY 9:30am

Ben Tarlton - Cello

68

57

10am

Sir Chris Bryant

68

11am

Friends’ Day

SATURDAY 18 JULY 10am

Nicholas Crane

11.15am

Will Duerden, Daniil Margulis and 57 Svitlana Kosenko

11.30am

Vera Brittain, Buxton and a Testament to Lost Youth

15

11.15am Música d’Outrora

85 69

Raising the Curtain: A Peek at the 11.30am History of Theatrical Performance 15 in Buxton

12.30pm Kate Williams

58

3pm

The Vache Baroque Band

58

12.30pm Sir Antony Beevor

69

3pm

The Easy Rollers

59

1.45pm

Colour my Song

70

3pm

Alexander Armstrong, Claire Booth 70 and Andrew Matthews-Owen

3.30pm

Through the Heritage Lens: A Road Reveals its Secrets

15

4pm

Gavin Francis

71

6pm

Pump Room Talk: Matt ScottCampbell

14

6pm

Opera Talk: La traviata

21

6pm

Opera Talk: La traviata

21

7.15pm

La traviata

21

8pm

Fergus McCreadie Trio

59

SUNDAY 19 JULY 11am

Festival Mass

17

12.45pm Opera Talk: La liberazione di Ruggiero 27 2pm

La liberazione di Ruggiero

27

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

3

EVENTS DIARY

CONTENTS

7.15pm

La traviata

21

10pm

Hannah Brine and Bim Williams

71

THURSDAY 23 JULY 10am

Julia Boyd

11.15am Ewan Millar and Tomos Boyles

72 72

3pm

The Hallé

73

4pm

Lachlan Goudie

74

4.30pm

Opera in the Cavern

74

5.30pm

Musicals in the Cavern

74

6pm

Song at Six

17

7.15pm

La clemenza di Tito

29

8pm

Dennis Rollins Velocity Trio with Cameron Pierre

75

FRIDAY 24 JULY 10am Emma Chapman

76

11.15am Delphine Trio

76

Raising the Curtain: A Peek at the 11.30am History of Theatrical Performance 15 in Buxton 12.30pm John Crace

77

3pm

Isata Kanneh-Mason - Piano

77

3.30pm

An Audience with Mary Queen of Scots

15

4pm

Iain Dale and Steve Richards

78

6pm

Song at Six

17

6pm

Opera Talk: The Merry Widow

19

7.15pm

The Merry Widow

19

10pm

Blind Monk Trio

79

SATURDAY 25 JULY 10am

Caroline Moorehead

80

11.15am Jack Hancher - Guitar

80

11.30am

Vera Brittain, Buxton and a Testament to Lost Youth

15

12.30pm

Iain Dale, Deborah Haynes and the Generals

81

1.30pm

Le dernier sorcier

25

3pm

Alastair Miles and Marie-Noëlle Kendall

82

4pm

Peter Apps

82

6pm

Opera Talk: La traviata

21

7.15pm

La traviata

21

8pm

Pete Roth Trio with Bill Bruford

83

SUNDAY 26 JULY 11am

4

Festival Mass

Scan the QR CODE to view our ‘Whats On’ listings online.

02 DIARY PAGES FESTIVAL 05 THE EXPERIENCE PAGES 06 WELCOME 06 CEO’s Welcome

07 Opera at a Glance & Opera Talks 08 Artistic Director’s Welcome 09 Music at a Glance 10 Jazz Director’s Welcome 11 Jazz at a Glance 12 Book Director’s Welcome 13 Books at a Glance 14 Pump Room Talks 15 Walks 16 Peak District National Park 75th 17 Red Carpet Launch, Festival Masses & Song at Six

18 THE OPERAS 30 EVENTS CALENDAR 84 THE FRIENDS OF BIF 86 WHERE TO STAY 89 WHERE TO VISIT 94 WHERE TO EAT AND 95 LEARNING PARTICIPATION PROJECTS 98 VENUE INFORMATION 101 BOOKING INFORMATION 102 MAP AND GETTING HERE

17

2026 9 – 26 July

THE FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE Buxton is a beautiful spa town in the High Peak, home to breathtaking architecture and surrounded by the lush countryside of the Peak District National Park. The Festival campus is centred around the Buxton Opera House, and the five main venues are all within easy walking distance of each other.

The adjacent Pavilion Gardens, the Slopes and the Serpentine offer tranquil green spaces in which to relax, while there are an abundance of cafes, restaurants, delis and bars close by.

A TYPICAL DAY

Delve into a single event or make a day of it – or a weekend, a week, or even the whole Festival! Here is what a typical day may look like: 10am

Start your day with an opinion-forming book talk by some of the UK’s most read non-fiction writers

11.15am Relax at a classical music concert in the glory of St John’s Church

12.30pm Join the conversation of the day at a pre-lunch book event by some of the foremost thinkers in the UK today 2pm 3pm 4pm 6pm 7.15pm

On selected days, there will be a matinee performance of five of the six operas

Indulge in more world-class classical music at St John’s Church, or explore the town on one of Explore Buxton’s informative guided walking tours at 3.30pm Hear from leading academics, philosophers, politicians, scientists or economists at the afternoon book talks

Attend a pre-performance Opera Talk by members of the creative teams of the operas Spectacular opera, featuring world-class singers, at Buxton Opera House and the Pavilion Arts Centre

8pm-late Late-night jazz the Palace Hotel or at the Pavilion Arts Centre

Buxton International Festival has been thrilling audiences since 1979. We have a reputation for offering often once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to hear sublime but rarely performed operas, and more recently also newly commissioned works.

Initially founded to help restore Buxton Opera House, the Festival has run every year bar 2020, when our Digital Series was launched during the pandemic. Internationally acclaimed singers, musicians and speakers are attracted to our Festival in this beautiful spa town. Our Young Artists and Young Instrumentalists Programmes continue to introduce audiences to the rising stars of the future. Since 2025, BIF is privileged to have their own orchestra comprising a mix of highly experienced and newly professional young players.

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

2026

OUR HISTORY

5

2026

The success of a festival lies not just in its own programming, but in the partnerships we are able to develop. Working together with other acclaimed companies is not only sensible but brings a vital new aesthetic and energy to our festival. Alex Reedijk and I have been plotting for years to bring Scottish Opera to Buxton, and I am delighted that we are finally in a position to present their hugely successful production of Lehár’s The Merry Widow. Our partnership with Opera North continues this year with their wardrobe team, providing us with access to their vast collection of costumes for La traviata, and La liberazione di Ruggiero.

A huge thank you to Laura Canning, General Director of Opera North and Stephen Rodwell, Head of Costume and Wigs, for their contribution to this year’s festival.

We are also pleased to continue our partnership with Vache Baroque as they bring a new production

OPERA * FF O When you *

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Choose from: Amadigi di Gaula, Le dernier sorcier, La liberazione di Ruggiero, La clemenza di Tito

USE

book 3 out of 4 selected operas

A

We’re continuing our collaboration with the Norwich Theatre on a joint production of Verdi’s La traviata, building on the festival’s long history of staging Verdi operas. Mozart enthusiasts will enjoy our staged concert version of La clemenza di Tito and Viardot fans will be charmed by Le dernier sorcier, which will take place in the Pavilion Arts Centre. At the other end of the operatic spectrum, the return of The English Concert to the orchestra pit to play Handel’s Amadigi di Gaula for us is a rare treat and should not be missed. We are grateful to George and Daphne Burnett who have provided generous support for this new production.

of Caccini’s La liberazione di Ruggiero to the Pavilion Arts Centre. Adrian has programmed two concerts with the Vache Baroque in the Assembly Rooms and St John’s, giving our festival a distinctly baroque flavour.

ER

T

his quote from Opera magazine sums up the ambition behind this year’s programme, as we welcome you to the 47th Buxton International Festival.

10%

CEO’s WELCOME

'While almost every opera outfit in the country is drawing in its horns, Buxton International Festival is blithely expanding its horizons.'

– Martin Dreyer, Opera

BUXTO

N

P O

Last year, we successfully launched the Festival’s first resident orchestra. Our aim was to create an orchestra that would best serve our artistic goals, work with established professional musicians, and support emerging new talent. The Buxton International Festival Orchestra’s first season received positive reviews and enthusiastic feedback from our audience. This year BIFO will be playing for two operas and the operetta in the Opera House.

Thank you once again to our Artistic Director, Adrian Kelly, for curating and casting this year’s ambitious opera and music programme. This year marks the final book festival curated by our long-standing Book Director, the inimitable Victoria Dawson. Since 2019, Vicky has produced a constellation of celebrated authors every year, building the reputation of our ‘Opinion Forming’ event into one of the UK’s top book festivals. Vicky, thank you for your hard work, long conversations, and tireless troubleshooting. We also say goodbye and thank you to Neil Hughes, who ran the four Jazz series from 2022–2025, and welcome Wesley Stephenson, who joins us this season as our new Jazz Director.

Our festival wouldn’t be possible without the support from our Chair, Felicity Goodey, and the members of our board, the various Trusts and Foundations, corporate donors, High Peak Borough Council, syndicate members, and individual donors who help us deliver the highquality festival Buxton deserves. And a special mention, too, of the contribution from our two kindred organisations: the Friends of BIF, for their annual grant, and the BIF Foundation.

Now that you have our brochure in your hand, all that’s left is to buy your tickets and join us for another fabulous festival – we can’t wait to welcome you!

Michael Williams Chief Executive Officer

6

2026 9 – 26 July

OPERA THE MERRY WIDOW

LA LIBERAZIONE DI RUGGIERO

SATURDAY 11 JULY

SATURDAY 18 JULY

Opera Talk 6pm Performance 7.15pm p21

Opera Talk 6pm Performance 7.15pm p21

Opera Talk 12.45pm Performance 2pm p23 MONDAY 13 JULY

LE DERNIER SORCIER

LA LIBERAZIONE DI RUGGIERO

TUESDAY 14 JULY

MONDAY 20 JULY

WEDNESDAY 15 JULY

LA TRAVIATA

Opera Talk 12.45pm Performance 2pm p21

LA LIBERAZIONE DI RUGGIERO 7.15pm p27

THURSDAY 16 JULY

AMADIGI DI GAULA

AMADIGI DI GAULA

Opera Talk 6pm Performance 7.15pm p23

LE DERNIER SORCIER

THE MERRY WIDOW Opera Talk 12.45pm Performance 2pm p19

LA LIBERAZIONE DI RUGGIERO 7.15pm p27

7.15pm p25

Opera Talk 6pm Performance 7.15pm p21

FRIDAY 17 JULY

THURSDAY 23 JULY

Opera Talk 6pm Performance 7.15pm p19

Reserve your souvenir programme now and save! £12 if reserved before 1 June (£15 regular price)

i rv rse e m o cust

TUESDAY 21 JULY

WEDNESDAY 22 JULY

THE MERRY WIDOW

Opera Talk 6pm Performance 7.15pm p21

7.15pm p25

Opera Talk 6pm Performance 7.15pm p23

LE DERNIER SORCIER

LA TRAVIATA

LA CLEMENZA DI TITO Opera Talk 1.45pm Performance 3pm p29

Opera Talk 6pm Performance 7.15pm p19

1.30pm p25

Opera Talk 12.45pm Performance 2pm p27

7.15pm p27

THE MERRY WIDOW

SATURDAY 25 JULY

LE DERNIER SORCIER

LA TRAVIATA

Join the Friends of BIF for early booking Annual membership starts from just

£36

F SEE P85

OR

2026

AMADIGI DI GAULA

SUNDAY 19 JULY

Opera Talk 6pm Performance 7.15pm p19

ce @b oh. org.uk

SUNDAY 12 JULY

LA TRAVIATA

THE MERRY WIDOW

ETAILS

LA TRAVIATA

Opera Talk 6pm Performance 7.15pm p27

OR ED

Opera Talk 6pm Performance 7.15pm p19

FRIDAY 24 JULY

M

FRIDAY 10 JULY

AT A GLANCE: OPERA

AT A GLANCE:

LA CLEMENZA DI TITO 7.15pm p29

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

7

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S WELCOME

Buxton International Festival offers a breathtaking setting for an unforgettable celebration of opera, music, books, and jazz. With this year’s concert series, we have done our best to outdo last year’s offering, with an outstanding line-up of world-class artists.

T

his year marks something of a new departure for the opera programme. While the Festival has always been committed to presenting lesser known works, it has become clear that as the cultural landscape changes, the Festival needs to adapt. And so it is that, as well as offering two neglected operas by female composers, we also present two of the best-loved works in the canon, namely Giuseppe Verdi’s iconic opera La traviata and Franz Lehár’s everpopular operetta, The Merry Widow.

than Clara Schumann, Franz Liszt and Johannes Brahms. Lysanne van Overbeek (La canterina 2024) returns to the Festival to direct.

Director John Savournin hails from Buxton, and his witty take on The Merry Widow marks a welcome first collaboration for the Festival with one of the most dynamic national companies, Scottish Opera. Our new production of La traviata represents a third collaboration with the Norwich Theatre. James Hurley directs an international cast in Verdi’s timeless tale of love and sacrifice. Both productions will feature the Buxton International Festival Orchestra, whose performances last summer contributed so much to the success of the season.

Vache Baroque will also present two intriguing concert programmes. This year we are also working with the Continuo Foundation to bring more outstanding emerging baroque ensembles to the Festival, namely Newe Vialles and Música d’Outrora. There will also be an opportunity to hear the world-renowned harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani in recital at the Festival for the first time.

Our third mainstage opera sees a welcome return of the The English Concert to the pit of the Buxton Opera House. Handel’s masterpiece Amadigi di Gaula is one of his so-called 'magic' operas, and its music is full of the lightness and elegance that characterises Handel’s earlier works. Olivia Fuchs directs and conductor Erin Helyard makes his UK debut.

2026

Once again we will present two smaller operas in the Pavilion Arts Centre, both of them continuing the magical theme. Pauline Viardot was a star singer in the mid-nineteenth century. Early performances of Le dernier sorcier were attended by none other

Francesca Caccini was a consummate singer, musician and composer, and a contemporary of Claudio Monteverdi. La liberazione di Ruggiero was the first opera written by a woman. Vache Baroque has demonstrated its commitment to delivering baroque opera with freshness and flair, and I am thrilled that we will continue our collaboration with them.

There will also be an extraordinary wealth of classical and romantic chamber music repertoire to be heard, ranging from Mozart and Haydn to Schumann, Mendelssohn, Beethoven and Smetana performed by outstanding ensembles such as the Sacconi Quartet, the Sitkovetsky Trio, the Gould Piano Trio and the Brodsky Quartet.

There will also be a rare opportunity to hear Mozart’s sublime late opera, La clemenza di Tito in a concert staging at Buxton Opera House.

2026 also brings a welcome return to Buxton for The Hallé orchestra after an absence of over 60 years. Their programme in the Octagon concludes with Brahms’ masterful Fourth Symphony . It should be an event to remember. Elsewhere, pianist Joseph Middleton returns to curate another series of vocal recitals, featuring a truly stellar group of singers. Other high-profile soloists include renowned cellist Steven Isserlis and pianists Peter Donohoe and Isata Kanneh-Mason.

Allison Cook, whose charisma captivated audiences last summer in La voix humaine, performs Schoenberg’s early melodrama Pierrot Lunaire in a concert which also features Schoenberg’s arrangement of Mahler’s Symphony No. 4.

Also watch out for the extraordinary young pianist, Junyan Chen, whose programme features Rachmaninov and Gershwin.

As always, we have endeavoured to pack as much inspirational music into two and a half weeks. I hope you enjoy it!

Adrian Kelly Artistic Director

8

2026 9 – 26 July

MUSIC SATURDAY 11 JULY VOICES OF THE PEAKS 11.30am p34 SUNDAY 12 JULY FESTIVAL MASS 11am p17

MAHAN ESFAHANI 5.30pm p38 MONDAY 13 JULY LOUISE ALDER WITH JOSEPH MIDDLETON 11.15am p40 SITKOVETSKY TRIO 3pm p41 SONG AT SIX 6pm p17

TUESDAY 14 JULY NICKY SPENCE AND JOSEPH MIDDLETON 11.15am p43

STEVEN ISSERLIS AND CONNIE SHIH 3pm p44

OPERA IN THE CAVERN 4.30pm p45

MUSICALS IN THE CAVERN 5.30pm p45 WEDNESDAY 15 JULY RYAN CORBETT 9.30am p46

DAME SARAH CONNOLLY AND JOSEPH MIDDLETON 11.15am p47 JUNYAN CHEN 3pm p48 SONG AT SIX 6pm p17

THURSDAY 16 JULY RODERICK WILLIAMS AND JOSEPH MIDDLETON 11.15am p50 PADDINGTON TRIO 3pm p51 FRIDAY 17 JULY ESCOCIA DUO 11.15am p53

THE GOULD PIANO TRIO 3pm p54 SATURDAY 18 JULY WILL DUERDEN 11.15am p57

THE VACHE BAROQUE BAND 3pm p58 SUNDAY 19 JULY FESTIVAL MASS 11am p17

MÚSICA D’OUTRORA 11.15am p69 COLOUR MY SONG 1.45pm p70 ALEXANDER ARMSTRONG, CLAIRE BOOTH AND ANDREW MATTHEWS-OWEN 3pm p70 THURSDAY 23 JULY EWAN MILLAR AND TOMOS BOYLES 11.15am p72 THE HALLÉ 3pm p73 OPERA IN THE CAVERN 4.30pm p74 MUSICALS IN THE CAVERN 5.30pm p74

LIZZIE BALL WITH JAMES PEARSON 7pm p60

SONG AT SIX 6pm p17

MONDAY 20 JULY THE VACHE BAROQUE BAND 11.15am p62

ISATA KANNEH-MASON 3pm p77

TWENTIETH-CENTURY DIN 8pm p61

BRODSKY QUARTET 3pm p63 TUESDAY 21 JULY NEWE VIALLES 11.15am p65

PETER DONOHOE 3pm p66 SONG AT SIX 6pm p17

WEDNESDAY 22 JULY BEN TARLTON 9.30am p68

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

FRIDAY 24 JULY DELPHINE TRIO 11.15am p76

SONG AT SIX 6pm p17 SATURDAY 25 JULY JACK HANCHER 11.15am p80 ALASTAIR MILES AND MARIE-NOËLLE KENDALL 3pm p82 SUNDAY 26 JULY FESTIVAL MASS 11am p17

2026

FRIDAY 10 JULY SACCONI QUARTET 3pm p32

AT A GLANCE: MUSIC

AT A GLANCE:

9

JAZZ DIRECTOR’S WELCOME

We’re living in an incredible period of history for modern jazz with the art form fully embracing diversity in so many ways, fusing with wider world music.

A

s newly appointed Jazz Director for BIF, I’m delighted to present our series of events for 2026, it’s a great pleasure to be welcomed by the Buxton team.

I’m thoroughly looking forward to presenting a wide range of high quality contemporary jazz in some of the excellent venues the town has to offer. Jazz remains a consistently evolving, compelling and life-affirming source of education and entertainment. As a wide-reaching art form our series will deliver jazz for longtime enthusiasts and new listeners of all ages.

We’re living in an incredible period of history for modern jazz with the art form fully embracing diversity in so many ways, fusing with wider world music, our jazz events series features a veritable plethora of award winning artists.

Not so much a throwback as a throw forward we have some exceptional talent delivering their own particular homages to modern jazz. Denys Baptiste and Tony Kofi play Legacy: Coltrane and Cannonball, a superb double bill of Zoë Gilby with Andy Champion and their unique take on the music of Duke Ellington, alongside one of the North's greatest drummers Johnny Hunter tackling the music of Elvin Jones. A brand new project from Noa Levy, Alan Barnes and the Paul Edis Trio ‘Portrait in Evans’ is also set to feature.

Folk weaves its way through the programme, from the Nordic-rooted Josephine Davies Satori featuring the inspirational piano magic of Alcyona Mick, to highly acclaimed trumpeter Laura Jurd presenting ‘Rights and Revelations’ quintet, recently appearing across multiple albums of the year in Jazzwise critics poll.

2026

Ukrainian harpist Alina Bzhezhinska brings her captivating Alice Coltrane-esque spiritual jazz, from Scotland the absolutely brilliant Fraser Fifield lures us down ‘The Secret Path’ with his mesmeric and virtuosic

10

low whistle playing that has found comparison with none other than the great Charlie Parker.

Music of South Asian origin is heard in our musical tapestry including Indian classical, American folk and Appalachian tunes from folk-jazz accordion and violin duo Olivia Moore and Adam Fairhall; as well as the British-Asian musician and composer Arun Ghosh, a leading light on the UK jazz scene and pioneer of the modern IndoJazz sound.

More light can be found with Andrew McCormack Trio on his ‘Luminosity’ album tour, and Mario Bakuna Quartet take us off in a compellingly awesome journey of ‘Brazilian Landscapes’.

On Saturday and Sunday nights, we are graced with jazz royalty. Our superstar headliners include US pianist Darius Brubeck at The Palace and UK saxophonist Courtney Pine presenting his Modern Day Jazz Story 1986-2026 at Buxton Opera House.

Following the big Jazz Weekender, The Old Clubhouse opens for three relaxed late night jazz sessions - a lovely new, low-key venue to visit after the opera. Two Friday night sessions with Gaz Hughes’ piano trio and the Blind Monk saxophone trio and, dotted right in the middle, the Wednesday night session will embrace the mellow voice and guitar duo of Buxton locals Hannah Brine with Bim Williams.

Also appearing as we decamp down the Palace steps to the Pavilion Arts Centre, will be the uber cool Easy Rollers, who’ll treat us to the musical roots of 1920s and ‘30s Harlem, Kansas City and New Orleans; the Gaelic undertones of lauded Scottish pianist Fergus McCredie (recently head hunted by legendary US filmmaker Spike Lee); and the contemporary hip jazz styling of Dennis Rollins with special guest guitarist Cameron Pierre bringing his very own modern jazz and Caribbean roots.

To finish our series for the year we’re joined by legendary former drummer and founding member of Yes and King Crimson, Bill Bruford performing alongside the electric Pete Roth Trio.

It’s an absolutely exceptional series of events with every concert a standout headliner in its own right, catch as much of it as you possibly can! We look forward to welcoming you to our 2026 jazz series for Buxton International Festival.

Wesley Stephenson Jazz Director

2026 9 – 26 July

JAZZ THURSDAY 9 JULY

LAURA JURD 6.30pm p30

TONY KOFI AND DENYS BAPTISTE QUINTET 9pm p30

FRIDAY 10 JULY

ANDREW MCCORMACK TRIO 12pm p31

ZOË GILBY WITH ANDY CHAMPION PLUS JOHNNY HUNTER TRIO WITH NAT BIRCHALL 2.30pm p32

MARIO BAKUNA QUARTET 8pm p33

JOSEPHINE DAVIES WITH SATORI AND ALCYONA MICK 10.15pm p33

SATURDAY 11 JULY

NOA LEVY, ALAN BARNES AND THE PAUL EDIS TRIO – PORTRAIT IN EVANS 1pm p35

ALINA BZHEZHINSKA – HIPHARPCOLLECTIVE QUINTET 7pm p36

SATURDAY 18 JULY

THE EASY ROLLERS 3pm p59

FERGUS MCCREADIE TRIO 8pm p59

WEDNESDAY 22 JULY

HANNAH BRINE WITH BIM WILLIAMS 10pm p71

DARIUS BRUBECK QUARTET

THURSDAY 23 JULY

SUNDAY 12 JULY

8pm p75

10pm p36

FRASER FIFIELD – SECRET PATH TRIO PLUS OLIVIA MOORE AND ADAM FAIRHALL 1pm p37

ARUN GHOSH QUINTET 4pm p38

COURTNEY PINE

AT A GLANCE: JAZZ

AT A GLANCE:

DENNIS ROLLINS VELOCITY TRIO WITH CAMERON PIERRE FRIDAY 24 JULY

BLIND MONK TRIO 10pm p79

SATURDAY 25 JULY

PETE ROTH TRIO WITH BILL BRUFORD 8pm p83

9pm p39

FRIDAY 17 JULY

GAZ HUGHES TRIO

2026

10pm p56

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

11

BOOK DIRECTOR’S WELCOME

The word humanity features in many of the books from this year’s authors, humanity being the ability to love, to have compassion, to be creative, to be alive, not be a robot…

Can attending your favourite arts festival cure a troubled mind? Your personal creativity and curiosity cure starts here.

I

am often asked if there is a theme to each year’s BIF books programme. My immediate answer is, not at all, that would be too limiting. But I have observed that the word ‘humanity’ inadvertently features in many of our authors’ books this year.

They define it as the ability to love, create and show compassion; in essence, the quality of being truly alive rather than acting like a robot. Yes, our book festival covers conflict, inequality and the dangers of power, but we also look at hope, heroism, diplomacy, trust, lives lived in nature and through art, kindness, curiosity and exception.

We know from her rapturous reception in 2022 that Lady Hale is an inspiration to many. In her new book, she seeks to demystify the UK court system and to examine why justice matters.

Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia, has arguably done more to change the accessibility of knowledge than any other internet entrepreneur.

Jimmy posits that without trust, we have no knowledge – and without knowledge, we cannot fight back. As always, there are serendipitous segues across our books programme; for instance, authors Arthur Snell and Klaus Dodds will both consider what climate change will actually look like. Will the diplomat and the academic agree?

Naz Shah, Liam Byrne, and Sir Chris Bryant are all sitting MPs. Liam will consider the rise of populism, while Naz and Chris discuss how they challenged heartbreaking inequality and turmoil in their own upbringing – bringing a

deep commitment to societal change.

Our glorious golden and blingy triptych of art historians includes James Fox, Andrew GrahamDixon and Lachlan Goudie. Acknowledged as superb communicators on all art matters, they will tackle questions such as ‘How do you paint a masterpiece?’ and ‘Does craft matter and do we need to save it?’

Gavin Francis and Claudia Hammond are both experts in the field of mental health. Gavin has three decades experience as a GP and broadcaster, while Claudia is the popular presenter of Radio 4’s All in the Mind. Gavin believes that the mind is dynamic and adaptive, and Claudia will offer us a toolkit for mindful self-help. Can attending your favourite arts festival cure a troubled mind?

Jay Griffiths argues that animals can heal us, but can they also guide us to be healthier, fairer and kinder? As we celebrate 75 years of the Peak District National Park, perhaps it is our beautiful Derbyshire landscape that brings you joy. If so, we have talks on walking with Nicholas Crane and the beauty of ancient woodlands with Luke Barley. If concert halls are your sanctuary, consider an hour in the company of Julia Boyd celebrating Wigmore Hall in all its ‘sweet music’ or combine music and nature in a flora and fauna appreciation of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with Radio 3 presenter Hannah French.

We have a treasure trove of historians at Buxton this July. Sir Antony Beevor, Kate Williams, Edward Abel Smith, Alison Weir, Victoria Bateman, Anthony Delaney, Ruth Larsen, Andrea Wulf and Caroline Moorehead will cover royalty, fanaticism, opinion formers and disrupters to the downright bad of history. Victoria Bateman challenges, 'How many female entrepreneurs, merchants and industrialists can you name'?

Each audience member will interrogate our programme in their own way. Some will know immediately if they want to see a literary favourite; others will visit the books to be discussed and be prepared to be challenged. Others will look up our authors’ lives and their wider bodies of work. If you want to consider the definition of courage, then do look up our final speaker, Reuters journalist Peter Apps. We have had some very courageous speakers come to Buxton, and he is surely one of them.

Victoria Dawson Book Festival Director

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2026 9 – 26 July

BOOKS SATURDAY 11 JULY

FRIDAY 17 JULY

THURSDAY 23 JULY

10am p34

10am p53

10am p72

ARTHUR SNELL

LIAM BYRNE MP 12.30pm p35

MONDAY 13 JULY

LUKE BARLEY

CLAUDIA HAMMOND ANDREW GRAHAMDIXON 12.30pm p54

ANTHONY DELANY

JULIA BOYD

LACHLAN GOUDIE 4pm p74

FRIDAY 24 JULY

3pm p55

EMMA CHAPMAN

SIR NICK CLEGG

SATURDAY 18 JULY

JOHN CRACE

VICTORIA BATEMAN

10am p57

IAIN DALE AND STEVE RICHARDS

10am p40

12.30pm p41 4pm p42

TUESDAY 14 JULY

KLAUS DODDS 10am p43

LADY HALE 12.30pm p44

JAMES FOX 4pm p45

NICHOLAS CRANE KATE WILLIAMS 12.30pm p58

4pm p64

IAIN DALE, DEBORAH HAYNES AND THE GENERALS

ANDREA WULF TUESDAY 21 JULY

10am p46

MARTIN SIXSMITH

12.30pm p47

ALISON WEIR 3pm p49

10am p65 3pm p67

10am p80

12.30pm p81

PETER APPS 4pm p82

SIR CHRIS BRYANT 10am p68

SIR ANTONY BEEVOR

10am p50

GAVIN FRANCIS

JIMMY WALES

CAROLINE MOOREHEAD

WEDNESDAY 22 JULY

THURSDAY 16 JULY

JAY GRIFFITHS

4pm p78

SATURDAY 25 JULY

RUTH LARSEN

HANNAH FRENCH

12.30pm p77

MONDAY 20 JULY EDWARD ABEL SMITH 12.30pm p62

WEDNESDAY 15 JULY

ROBERT VERKAIK

10am p76

AT A GLANCE: BOOKS

AT A GLANCE:

12.30pm p69 4pm p71

NAZ SHAH MP 4pm p52

2026

12.30pm p51

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

13

PUMP ROOM TALKS

BIF 2026:

Sponsored by

PUMP ROOM TALKS REBECCA WILLIAMS AND KATHRYN ECCLESTONE Monday 13 July

6pm – 7pm

Pump Room

£14

Vera Brittain and Buxton: Shaping a Social Reformer According to Vera Brittain’s acclaimed First World War memoir, Testament of Youth, ‘provincial young ladyhood’ in fashionable Edwardian Buxton was an oppressive hindrance to her feminist ambitions. Were Vera’s remorseless criticisms justified? Drawing on her extensive unpublished diary, a new biography tells a different story. Author Kathryn Ecclestone and Rebecca Williams, Vera’s granddaughter and daughter of politician Shirley Williams, discuss how Vera’s enjoyable, privileged upbringing in Buxton helped shape her views on marriage, motherhood and public service, and her evolution as a woman Shirley described as a ‘moral icon’.

PHIL MULLIGAN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, PEAK DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY Wednesday 15 July

6pm – 7pm

Pump Room

£14

Celebrating the UK’s first national park – achievements, realities and future opportunities In this talk, the CEO explores the remarkable legacy and ongoing significance of the UK’s first national park, reflecting on what national parks have done for society, from conserving landscapes and wildlife to enriching communities and inspiring wellbeing. Celebrating past achievements, the talk also confronts current challenges such as environmental pressures and resource constraints, and sets out an ambitious vision for future opportunities, emphasising what we now need to do to ensure national parks continue to thrive for generations to come.

DR HILLARY BURLOCK Thursday 16 July

6pm – 7pm

Pump Room

£14

‘Narrow examinations’ and ‘thoro inspections’: Dancing at the Georgian Assembly Rooms What would it be like to attend a ball at the assembly rooms in Georgian Britain? From the opening minuets to the closing country dances, Hillary’s talk will explore the colourful characters, the stunning spaces, the triumphs and faux pas within the assembly rooms in Buxton and beyond. Join Hillary as she navigates the spoken and unspoken rules of the Georgian ballroom. Hillary is a British Academy Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Liverpool, working on the histories of British assembly rooms in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

DR PETER COLLINGE Monday 20 July

6pm – 7pm

Pump Room

£14

Domestic Service in England, 1750–1850

2026

Finding and keeping domestic servants was a perennial quest. Aside from seeking new positions, servants absconded, were dismissed, became too old or ill, or were poached by rival establishments. From the dubious origins of servants’ register offices to country houses, Dr Collinge brings the lived experiences of domestic servants vividly to life. In an illustrated presentation, Peter will explore both benevolent and cruel employers of hard-working, dedicated and, occasionally, rogue staff. Without them, great estates, town houses and suburban villas and their occupants could not function.

14

MATT SCOTT-CAMPBELL, PARTNERSHIP MANAGER, MOORS FOR THE FUTURE PARTNERSHIP Wednesday 22 July

6pm – 7pm

Pump Room

£14

A deep dive into peatland restoration – working in partnership to create resilient moorlands at landscape scale Over the past twenty years, the peatlands of the Peak District have been transforming. Formerly vast expanses of bare peat on our uplands are becoming diverse, vegetated landscapes that hold water on the hills, providing natural flood management, as well as homes for moorland birds and animals. Find out the story of how a partnership of organisations and communities has been working together to make this change come about.

2026 9 – 26 July

INTRODUCTION TO BUXTON’S HISTORY AND HERITAGE Friday 10 July 11.30am – 1pm Friday 17 July 11.30am – 1pm Meet at Buxton Opera House

£20 Never visited Buxton before? Discover how this elegant spa town developed, shaped by its thermal waters and changing fortunes. Explore iconic buildings, stroll along Spring Gardens, and uncover a few hidden secrets on a gentle walk around Lower Buxton with a Discover Buxton guide.

Wheelchair accessible route but includes uneven pavements, inclines and a small hill.

WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF OUR ANCESTORS: 5,000 YEARS OF BUXTON HISTORY

Friday 10 July 3.30pm – 5.30pm Wednesday 15 July 11.30am – 1.30pm Meet at Buxton Opera House £20 Follow a Discover Buxton guide through Pavilion Gardens and the Serpentine Walks, alongside the river and into Lismore Fields. Learn about ancient landscapes and the site of a remarkable Neolithic settlement with deep roots in Buxton’s past.

Route not accessible and includes uneven paths, inclines and a small hill.

VERA BRITTAIN, BUXTON AND A TESTAMENT TO LOST YOUTH Saturday 11 July 11.30am – 1pm Saturday 18 July 11.30am – 1pm Saturday 25 July 11.30am – 1pm

Meet at Devonshire Dome reception £20 Meet Vera Brittain where she worked as a Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse in 1915. Hear the story of a bright Edwardian woman caught between personal ambition and the demands of war and empire, told through a moving guided walk and performance.

Includes walking around and outside the Dome.

Wheelchair accessible with ramp access.

Meet at Old Hall Hotel £20 Mary Queen of Scots invites you to hear her story in the shadow of Talbot’s Tower, where she was held under house arrest. Through a seated performance and short walk, she reflects on power, confinement and life in Buxton during her captivity.

Wheelchair accessible with a short walk to the baths and River Wye. AN EXPLORATION OF FAIRFIELD’S HISTORY

Monday 13 July 3.30pm – 5.30pm Thursday 16 July 3.30pm – 5.30pm Tuesday 21 July 3.30pm – 5.30pm

FESTIVAL WALKS

FESTIVAL WALKS

Monday 13 July 11.30am – 1pm Friday 17 July 3.30pm – 5pm Friday 24 July 3.30pm – 5pm

Meet at Fairfield War Memorial, The Green £20 Once a village in its own right, Fairfield has a rich and distinctive past. Join a Discover Buxton guide to explore historic farmsteads, influential families and the folklore passed down through generations on this atmospheric walk.

Route not wheelchair accessible and includes uneven, muddy paths and inclines.

THROUGH THE HERITAGE LENS: A ROAD REVEALS ITS SECRETS

Tuesday 14 July 3.30pm – 5pm Monday 20 July 11.30am – 1pm Wednesday 22 July 3.30pm – 5pm Meet at the Bath House at the corner of Macclesfield Rd and Burlington Rd £20 History whispers along Burlington Road.

Join a Discover Buxton guide for a gentle walk uncovering stories of cold springs, industry and everyday life hidden along this unassuming street.

Wheelchair accessible route with one steep driveway. Walk starts at the Bath House and ends on St John’s Road.

RAISING THE CURTAIN - A PEEK AT THE HISTORY OF THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE IN BUXTON Weds 22 July 11.30am – 1pm Friday 24 July 11.30am – 1pm Meet at Buxton Opera House £20 Step into Buxton’s theatrical past on this entertaining walk led by a Discover Buxton guide. From early venues to the present day, explore where audiences have gathered to be amused, inspired and amazed for centuries.

Wheelchair accessible route, mainly flat with one small incline.

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

2026

BIF 2026:

AN AUDIENCE WITH MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS

15

SOMETHING SPECIAL

THIS YEAR THE PEAK DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK IS CELEBRATING ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY! The Peak District became the UK’s first national park, designated on 17 April, 1951.

With the foundations set by a group of pioneering ramblers some 20 years earlier and the work of campaigners, the Peak District eventually paved the way for what would become a UK network of 15 national parks enjoyed today.

LANDSCAPES UNLOCKED: AN HISTORIC IMAGE ARCHIVE OF THE PEAK DISTRICT

Located at the heart of the UK, featuring rolling green hills and dark moorlands, this amazing national park is a living landscape of ecological, historic and cultural significance.

FREE exhibition

Neolithic burial grounds and reminders of Roman invasion coexist amongst woodlands, wetlands, and wildflower meadows which provide vital habitats for nature; medieval farmsteads stand with the 3,000 farms that help feed the nation!

Pump Room This expansive and previously unseen collection of unique images reveals the people, places, and landscapes of the Peak District throughout the 20th century to the present day.

Once the exhibition closes in Buxton it will move to our National Park Centre in Bakewell where it will remain for 12 months.

See p14 for more information on their Pump Room talks

2026

If you love the Peak District as a place to live, work or visit, support the Foundation today and help protect our National Park for the future; find out more: peakdistrictfoundation.org.uk

10-25 July

16

2026 9 – 26 July

WE’RE ROLLING OUT THE RED CARPET AND YOU’RE INVITED Come and celebrate the Launch of Buxton International Festival 2026 and the opening night of the Opera Holland Park, Scottish Opera and D’Oyly Carte Opera production of Franz Lehár’s THE MERRY WIDOW. There will be live music on the Opera House forecourt and a chance to mingle with the creative forces behind the Festival.

SOMETHING SPECIAL

ere!

See you th

Friday 10 July 2026 from 6pm

FESTIVAL

MASSES Sunday 12 July

11am – 12.30pm

SONG

AT SIX

St Johns’ Church

Mass in C K220, the Sparrow Mass Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791) Buxton Madrigal Singers with the Buxton Music Society Orchestra Conductor: Michael Williams MBE Preacher: Bishop Rowan Williams 11am – 12.30pm

St John’s Church

Harmoniemesse Joseph Haydn (1732–1809) Buxton Musical Society Conductor: Michael Williams MBE Preacher: The Rt Rev Leah Saunders-Vasey Sunday 26 July 11am – 12.30pm

St John’s Church

Hereford Mass (1991) Richard Lloyd (1933–2021) Conductor: Michael Williams MBE Preacher: The Rt Rev Jack Nicolls

Monday 13 July Wednesday 15 July Tuesday 21 July Thursday 23 July Friday 24 July

6pm 6pm 6pm 6pm 6pm

Bandstand at Pavilion Gardens FREE

Don’t miss these free short concerts at the Pavilion Gardens Bandstand.

Have your spirits lifted with live music from talented singers in the beautiful surroundings of Buxton’s Pavilion Gardens.

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

2026

Sunday 19 July

17

Franz Lehár

THE MERRY WIDOW conducted by Iwan Davies

★★★★

'This bold adaptation makes for a delightful evening’s opera' - The Telegraph

★★★★

'A dizzying theatrical tsunami' - The Scotsman

★★★★ - The Times ★★★★ - The Herald

Franz Lehár (1870–1948)

Libretto by Viktor Léon and Leo Stein, based on L’attaché d’ambassade (The Embassy Attaché) by Henri Meilhac Script by John Savournin & Lyrics by David Eaton Sung in English with English side-titles An Opera Holland Park, Scottish Opera and D’Oyly Carte Opera co-production, featuring the Buxton International Festival Orchestra.

Lehár’s delicious comedy of bankruptcy, infidelity, social climbing and the rekindling of romance between two old flames gets a twist of lemon in this production.

Feisty, fabulous and filthy rich, Hanna Glawari is the merriest widow in New York, with a fortune in the bank, a lucrative lemon grove in Sicily, and a stampede of suitors vying for her attention. But money is power, and Mafioso Don Zeta recruits the many talents of wise guy Danilo, the happiest bachelor in New York, to ensure Hanna’s millions don’t end up married to the wrong man, with license to use any means necessary. Little does Zeta know, however, that Hanna and Danilo have quite the history...

John Savournin updates Lehár’s captivating will-they, won’t-they romance, with lavish designs by takis that evoke all the glamour of 1950s Manhattan. A new English translation

by Savournin and David Eaton makes the opera’s wit sparkle. Iwan Davies conducts The Merry Widow with the Buxton International Festival Orchestra bringing this waltz-filled charmer to life in Buxton this summer. The cast is led by Paula Sides as Hanna Glawari and Dominic Sedgwick as Danilo, with Richard Burkhard as the powerful Don Zeta.

DATES AND TIMES Fri 10 July Tues 14 July Fri 17 July Tues 21 July Fri 24 July

7.15pm 7.15pm 7.15pm 2pm 7.15pm

VENUE

Buxton Opera House

TICKETS

£27 - £98 Concessions: £10 tickets for under 35s who are part of the Friends of Buxton International Festival’s Next Gen scheme.

Join for free at buxtonfestival.co.uk.

CREATIVE TEAM

Iwan Davies Conductor John Savournin Director Bence Kalo Revival Director takis Set & Costume Designer Ben Pickersgill Lighting Designer Merry Holden Revival Choreographer Rebecca Warren Repetiteur

OPERA: THE MERRY WIDOW

THE MERRY WIDOW

CAST

Paula Sides Hanna Glawari Dominic Sedgwick Danilo Richard Burkhard Don Zeta Elizabeth Karani Valentina Luke Sinclair Camille Matthew Kellett Nicky Negus Phil Wilcox Mr Kromow John Ieuan Jones Mr Bogdanovitch Eleri Gwilym Sylvia Harry Thatcher Sam Briochi Christopher Nairne Carmelo Cascada Amy J Payne Olga George Robarts Mr Pritschitisch Paulina Catrine Kirkman Duration: 2 hours and 40 minutes, including a 20-minute interval Opera Talks

For evening performances at 6pm in the Opera House - £3 For the matinee performance at 12.45pm in the Opera House - £3

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

19

Giuseppe Verdi (1813–1901)

Libretto by Francesco Piave, based on Dumas’ play, La Dame aux Camélias Sung in Italian with English side-titles A Buxton International Festival and Norwich Theatre production, featuring the Buxton International Festival Orchestra Building on a proud tradition of mounting Verdi operas at the festival—including our triumphant Macbeth in 2017, the rarelystaged Alzira in 2018, and the powerful Ernani in 2024—the Buxton International Festival is delighted to present a new production of La traviata, continuing our celebration of Italy’s most celebrated composer.

Violetta is a coveted courtesan, the toast of Paris, desired by many. When she meets the ardent Alfredo, her life changes forever and she longs to break free of her past. But in a world where reputation is everything, their forbidden love faces an insurmountable obstacle in the form of Alfredo’s disapproving father. We invite you to be captivated by this timeless tale of love, sacrifice, and social prejudice.

Our cast, including the breathtaking soprano Alexandra Nowakowski, brings Verdi’s unforgettable score to life, from the vivacious chorus of the famous ‘Brindisi’ to Violetta’s soaring ‘Sempre libera’ and the breathless notes at the opera’s tragic end.

Join us for an evening of passionate arias and dramatic duets that will stay with you long after the final curtain. Whether you are a seasoned opera-goer or new to the art form, this is an unmissable opportunity to experience one of the greatest operas ever written.

DATES AND TIMES Sat 11 July Wed 15 July Sat 18 July Wed 22 July Sat 25 July

7.15pm 2pm 7.15pm 7.15pm 7.15pm

VENUE Buxton Opera House

TICKETS £27 - £98 Concessions: £10 tickets for under 35s who are part of the Friends of Buxton International Festival’s Next Gen scheme.

Join for free at buxtonfestival.co.uk.

OPERA: LA TRAVIATA

LA TRAVIATA

CREATIVE TEAM Adrian Kelly Conductor James Hurley Director Corina Wuersch Assistant Director Corina Wuersch Movement Director Elliott Squire Set Designer Zahra Mansouri Costume Designer Ben Pickersgill Lighting Designer Erika Gundesen Repetiteur

CAST

Alexandra Nowakowski Violetta Valéry Alina Adamski Violetta Valéry (22 July) Omer Kobiljak Alfredo Germont André Heyboer Giorgio Germont Frances Gregory Flora Bervoix Amy J Payne Annina Harry Thatcher Gastone de Letorières Christopher Nairne Barone Douphol George Robarts Marchese d’Obigny John Ieuan Jones Dottore Grenvil James Liu Giuseppe Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 20-minute interval Opera Talks

For evening performances at 6pm in the Opera House - £3 For the matinee performance at 12.45pm in the Opera House - £3

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

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George Frideric Handel (1685–1759) Based on Amadis de Grèce, a French tragédie-lyrique by André Cardinal Destouches and Antoine Houdar de la Motte Sung in Italian with English side-titles

DATES AND TIMES Sun 12 July 2pm Thurs 16 July 7.15pm Mon 20 July 7.15pm

A Buxton International Festival production, featuring The English Concert

VENUE

Handel’s fifth opera, Amadigi di Gaula was first performed in London in 1715, in the first season under the reign of George I, at the King’s Theatre on the Haymarket.

TICKETS

Amadigi di Gaula, is an exuberantly inventive work with brilliant musical ideas full of youth, love and magic. The sorceress Melissa loves the knight Amadigi. But he loves Oriana, who in turn is coveted by Amadigi’s friend and rival Dardano. The four figures stumble around in a labyrinth of deceptive images and feelings and run the risk of losing not only their way, but above all themselves. Hurt and filled with hate, Melissa uses all her magical powers to destroy the love Amadigi and Oriana have for one another. She plots, lies, begs, flatters and threatens death and torture. But love is victorious in the end.

The opera is a work of extraordinary beauty, where Handel’s music captures a whirlwind of youthful emotion. His inventive score, rich with brilliant orchestral colours and dramatic arias, perfectly portrays the characters’ passion, jealousy, and despair. From lyrical laments to dazzling vocal fireworks, every note serves to amplify the raw human drama at the heart of this magical opera.

Buxton Opera House

£27 - £98 Concessions: £10 tickets for under 35s who are part of the Friends of Buxton International Festival’s Next Gen scheme.

Join for free at buxtonfestival.co.uk.

CREATIVE TEAM Erin Helyard Conductor Olivia Fuchs Director Eleanor Bull Designer Ben Pickersgill Lighting Designer

OPERA: AMADIGI DI GAULA

AMADIGI DI GAULA

CAST Jake Ingbar Amadigi Rowan Pierce Oriana Hilary Cronin Melissa James Hall Dardano Duration: 2 hour and 45 minutes, including a 20-minute interval The production of Amadigi di Gaula has been made possible by the generous support of George and Daphne Burnett.

Opera Talks

For evening performances at 6pm in the Opera House - £3 For the matinee performance at 12.45pm in the Opera House - £3

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

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Pauline Viardot (1821–1910) Libretto by Ivan Turgenev Sung in French, with English side-titles

A Buxton International Festival production, featuring musicians from the Buxton International Festival Orchestra One hundred and fifty-nine years ago, the great mezzo-soprano, composer, and pedagogue Pauline García Viardot created the salon opera Le dernier sorcier (The Last Sorcerer) in collaboration with the acclaimed Russian novelist Ivan Turgenev. The piece centred on themes of power and progress, gender and equality, and the restoration of natural order in an ever-changing world.

A chamber opera in two acts, Le dernier sorcier revolves around Krakamiche, a once-powerful sorcerer whose presence in the great woods has upset the fairies, the forest’s rightful inhabitants, and disturbed the harmony of the land. Through the combined efforts of the fairy folk and their queen, the sorcerer’s daughter and her prince, and a hapless valet, Krakamiche ultimately learns key truths about humility, love, and living in harmony with the natural world.

'A recently rediscovered treasure by one of the most compelling musicians of the 19th century, with words by one of the era’s greatest literary figures, resonates with themes that speak to us in our own era.' - Opera Now

DATES AND TIMES Mon 13 July 7.15pm Thurs 16 July 7.15pm Mon 20 July 7.15pm Sat 25 July 1.30pm

VENUE Pavilion Arts Centre

TICKETS £56 Concessions: £10 tickets for under 35s who are part of the Friends of Buxton International Festival’s Next Gen scheme.

Join for free at buxtonfestival.co.uk.

CREATIVE TEAM Erika Gundesen Conductor Lysanne van Overbeek Director Alisa Kalyanova Designer Alex Musgrave Lighting Designer

OPERA: LE DERNIER SORCIER

LE DERNIER SORCIER

CAST Phil Wilcox Krakamiche Eleri Gwilym Stella David Karapetian Perlimpinpin Rebecca Anderson Prince Lelio Sophie Clarke Queen of the elves Jessica Lawley Verveine Duration: 1 hour and 35 minutes.

Featuring The Aestus Quartet, an awardwinning Manchester based ensemble.

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

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book 3 out of 4 selected operas

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Francesca Caccini (1587– c.1641) Libretto by Ferdinando Saracinelli, based on Ludovico Ariosto’s Orlando Furioso Sung in Italian, with English side-titles

A Vache Baroque production in association with Buxton International Festival Premiered in 1625 La liberazione di Ruggiero is the first known opera by a female composer – a humorous and witty work with choruses of enchanted plants, monsters, exotic ladies and sea gods, a good and an evil sorceress and a rather easily seduced ‘hero’.

Based on the famous Italian epic poem Orlando Furioso, the heroic Saracen champion Ruggiero is freed from the enchantments of the wicked sorceress Alcina through the power of Melissa, another enchantress, working on behalf of his beloved, the Christian warrior maiden Bradamante, a member of Charlemagne’s army.

With Caccini's father Giulio famously championing a 'spoken' style of sung poetry, it's no surprise that her 'recitativo' word setting has both great craft and dramatic immediacy. These passages flow seamlessly between sparkling choral madrigals and plaintive arias, peppered with virtuosic ornaments for the singers to tackle. Lively dances punctuate the score, played by combinations of the wind, brass, stringed, and continuo instruments of the VB Band. Led by early-17th-century specialist Mayah Kadish, this Vache Baroque production promises to transport audiences back to a Medici entertainment to remember, replete with our take on a concluding horse ballet.

DATES AND TIMES Wed 15 July Fri 17 July Sun 19 July Tues 21 July

7.15pm 7.15pm 2pm 7.15pm

VENUE Pavilion Arts Centre

TICKETS £56 Concessions: £10 tickets for under 35s who are part of the Friends of Buxton International Festival’s Next Gen scheme.

Join for free at buxtonfestival.co.uk.

CREATIVE TEAM Jonathan Darbourne Conductor Eloise Lally Director Zahra Mansouri Costume Designer Alex Musgrave Lighting Designer Katie Kelly Movement Director

CAST

OPERA: LA LIBERAZIONE DI RUGGIERO

LA LIBERAZIONE DI RUGGIERO

Camilla Seale Alcina Jon Stainsby Ruggiero Phoebe Rayner Melissa Filippo Turkheimer Nettuno Harriet Burns Sirena Betty Makharinsky Nunzia Aina Miyagi Magnell Una Damigella Tom Kelly Pastore/Astolfo Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes, including a 20-minute interval

Opera Talks

For evening performances at 6pm in the Opera House - £3 For the matinee performance at 12.45pm in the Opera House - £3

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Choose from: Amadigi di Gaula, Le dernier sorcier, La liberazione di Ruggiero, La clemenza di Tito

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book 3 out of 4 selected operas

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10%

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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791) Libretto by Caterino Mazzolà, after Pietro Metastasio Sung in Italian with English side-titles A Buxton International Festival Concert Performance, featuring the Buxton International Festival Orchestra

DATES AND TIMES Sun 19 July 3pm Thurs 23 July 7.15pm

VENUE Buxton Opera House

What is it that drives Sextus to make an attempt on the life of his dearest friend, the emperor Titus? And what brings Titus to forgive him? Mozart’s La clemenza di Tito, premiered in Prague where Austria’s Emperor Leopold II was crowned King of Bohemia, glorifies absolutism and the benevolent ruler.

TICKETS

The opera seria unfolds against the backdrop of ancient Rome. Emperor Tito, renowned for his benevolence and clemency, grapples with political intrigue and personal conflicts.

The narrative takes a thrilling turn as Tito faces betrayal from those closest to him, including his closest friend Sesto and the enigmatic Vitellia. The opera reaches its climax with Tito’s struggle to balance mercy and justice, culminating in a powerful display of forgiveness and redemption.

CREATIVE TEAM

Today, this work fascinates us for the way in which Mozart broke free from the formal constraints of opera seria and wrote music of a poignancy which is indistinguishable from the rest of the glorious output at the end of his short life.

£22 - £64 Concessions: £10 tickets for under 35s who are part of the Friends of Buxton International Festival’s Next Gen scheme.

Join for free at buxtonfestival.co.uk.

Adrian Kelly Conductor Corina Wuersch Director

CAST Xavier Más Tito Maria Stella Maurizi Vitellia Indyana Schneider Sesto Frances Gregory Annio Jessica Lawley Servillia Samson Setu Publio

OPERA: LA CLEMENZA DI TITO

LA CLEMENZA DI TITO

Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 20-minute interval

Adrian Kelly has assembled an exceptional cast. Together with the energetic forces of the chorus from the Royal Northern College of Music they will provide all the atmosphere one could ask for in the great conflagration of the Capitol.

Opera Talks

For evening performances at 6pm in the Opera House - £3 For the matinee performance at 1.45pm in the Opera House - £3

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29

THURSDAY 9 JULY

LAURA JURD

RITES & REVELATIONS Thursday 9 July

Doors 6pm / Music 6.30pm – 8.15pm

Jazz at The Palace

£20

Laura Jurd - Trumpet Cori Smith - Viola Tara Cunningham - Guitar Ruth Goller - Bass Corrie Dick - Drums Mercury-nominated Laura Jurd's unique approach to the trumpet is celebrated in the work that she creates. A past BBC New Generation Artist, Laura's love of folk traditions can often be heard in her music, alongside her background in classical composition. The result is a melodic world full of compelling twists and turns, whilst retaining a grounded sense of familiarity.

'The kind of musician I’d like to be in my next life' - Jamie Cullum, BBC Radio 2

TONY KOFI AND DENYS BAPTISTE QUINTET

LEGACY: COLTRANE AND CANNONBALL Thursday 9 July

Doors 8.30pm / Music 9pm – 10.45pm

Jazz at The Palace

£27

Denys Baptiste - Tenor Saxophone Tony Kofi - Alto Saxophone Rick Simpson - Piano Mikele Montolli - Bass Winston Clifford - Drums Two of the UK’s most acclaimed saxophonists, Denys Baptiste and Tony Kofi, reunite for a dynamic project celebrating one of the most iconic front-line partnerships in jazz history: Julian 'Cannonball' Adderley and John Coltrane.

First collaborating in the early ‘90s as members of Gary Crosby’s influential Nu Troop, Baptiste and Kofi now bring their outstanding musicianship, deep rapport, and commanding stage presence, to a fresh tribute honouring the classic Cannonball Adderley Quintet in Chicago recording.

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2026 9 – 26 July

Friday 10 July

11.30am – 1pm

Meet at Buxton Opera House

£20

ANDREW MCCORMACK TRIO Friday 10 July

Doors 11.30am / Music 12pm – 1.45pm

Jazz at The Palace

£20

See p15

FRIDAY 10 JULY

INTRODUCTION TO BUXTON’S HISTORY AND HERITAGE

Andrew McCormack - Piano Joe Downard - Bass Rod Youngs - Drums British jazz pianist Andrew McCormack comes to Buxton as part of his European tour to showcase their new album, Luminosity. Luminosity explores McCormack’s theme of illumination and clarity, combining lyrical melodies with a renewed focus on tonal harmony. The album features dynamic original compositions, including a tribute to Wayne Shorter (Newark Flash) and a Monkinspired take on Sweet and Lovely.

'Melodically generous… from ethereal Jarrett-like introspection to rhythmically dynamic dances… impressive' - Downbeat

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FRIDAY 10 JULY

ZOË GILBY WITH ANDY CHAMPION THE MUSIC OF DUKE ELLINGTON

JOHNNY HUNTER TRIO FEATURING NAT BIRCHALL THE MUSIC OF ELVIN JONES Friday 10 July

Doors 2pm / Music 2.30pm – 4.45pm

Jazz at The Palace

£20

Zoë Gilby - Voice Andy Champion - Double Bass Winner of Parliamentary Jazz Awards Vocalist Of The Year 2019, Zoë has teamed up with her husband, innovative and powerful double bassist Andy Champion, for a voice and double bass duo. This exceptional pairing creates an electrifying soundscape in this beautifully integrated music.

Johnny Hunter - Drums Nat Birchall - Saxophones Seth Bennett - Double Bass Influenced by John Coltrane and, of course, Elvin Jones, Jazzwise-named 'artist to watch' Johnny Hunter has teamed up with superlative saxophonist, Nat Birchall, hailed by Gilles Peterson as 'one of the best musicians in the UK'.

SACCONI QUARTET 25TH ANNIVERSARY Friday 10 July

3pm – 5pm

St John's Church

General £35, Balcony £30

“A meticulous performance” - Andrew Clements, The Guardian For over two decades, the Sacconi Quartet have been captivating audiences with their unanimous and compelling ensemble playing, consistently communicating with a fresh and imaginative approach. The four founder members share an unwavering passion for the string quartet repertoire, infectiously reaching out to audiences with their energy and enthusiasm. The Sacconis enjoy a busy international career, and are Quartet in Association at the Royal College of Music, and Quartet in Residence for the town of Folkestone.

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WA Mozart String Quartet in C, K.465, ' Dissonance' F Waley-Cohen Dances, Hymns and Songs for Friendship, written for the Sacconi Quartet on their 25th anniversary B Smetana String Quartet No 1 in E minor, 'From My Life’

2026 9 – 26 July

Friday 10 July Meet at Buxton Opera House

3.30pm – 5.30pm

See p15

THE MERRY WIDOW Friday 10 July Talk: 6pm – 6.25pm

Performance: 7.15pm – 10pm

See p19

Buxton Opera House

£20

MARIO BAKUNA QUARTET BRAZILIAN LANDSCAPES Friday 10 July

Doors 7.30pm / Music 8pm – 9.15pm

Jazz at The Palace

£20

FRIDAY 10 JULY

WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF OUR ANCESTORS: 5,000 YEARS OF BUXTON HISTORY

Mario Bakuna is a Brazilian composer, arranger, vocalist, and guitarist, bringing over 25 years of musical artistry to audiences worldwide. After a highly successful season performing at international festivals and prestigious venues, he brings his latest project to Buxton International Festival.

This concert is the synthesis of years of inspiration drawn from his travels across Brazil, where he immersed himself in the country’s rhythmic and harmonic diversity. Mario and his musicians celebrate one of the richest musical territories on Earth.

Mario Bakuna - Vocals and Acoustic Guitar Davide Mantovani - Electric Bass Felipe Oliveira - Electric Guitar Uccio Gaeta - Drums

JOSEPHINE DAVIES AND SATORI FEATURING ALCYONA MICK Friday 10 July

Doors 9.45pm / Music 10.15pm – Late

Jazz at The Palace

£20

Josephine Davies - Tenor & Soprano Saxophones James Maddren - Drums Dave Whitford - Bass Alcyona Mick - Piano Winner of the 2019 Parliamentary Award ‘Jazz Instrumentalist of the year’, saxophonist and composer Josephine Davies brings her dynamic ensemble Satori to Buxton to perform the music from Weatherwards, their fourth album on Whirlwind Recordings. Inspired by Josephine’s Nordic roots in the Shetland Islands, it beautifully weaves together the band’s contemporary jazz background with a hauntingly evocative folk influence.

'Satori is among the most engaging young bands on the British scene... Cerebral, nuanced and reflective.'

- All About Jazz

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SATURDAY 11 JULY

i

VISITOR INFORMATION

{

Saturday 11 July is Buxton Carnival day, please allow extra time for travel.

ARTHUR SNELL Saturday 11 July

10am – 11am

Pavilion Arts Centre

£14

Elemental: How We Will Live on a Warming Planet With over 30 years' experience in conflict zones and fragile states, historian and former British diplomat Arthur Snell travels from the heat of the Sahel to the Arctic Circle to show how climate change is coinciding with a breakdown in geopolitical order, increasing conflict and economic crises. Within our lifetimes, rising temperatures, sea levels and scarcity will inevitably drive both conflict and mass migration globally. Natural disasters and the battle for rare minerals that are essential to clean energy will shake the established world order to its core within this century. Arthur asks, what will living on a warmer planet look like?

VOICES OF THE PEAKS Saturday 11 July

11.30am – 12.30pm

St John's Church

General £12, concessions £6

Join us for the premiere of Voices of the Peaks, a new choral suite celebrating landscape, community and shared heritage through music.

Created as a joint composition by choral conductor, composer and singer-songwriter Hannah Brine, and composer and performer Jenni Watts, the work brings together Hannah’s three northern choirs, High Peak Singers, Bollington Singers and Didsbury Singers. Together, these ensembles form a powerful collective of around 150 voices.

Marking the 75th anniversary of the Peak District becoming the UK’s first National Park, Voices of the Peaks echoes the voices of those who have walked, worked and sung in this region across generations.

This premiere performance offers a unique musical tribute to the Peak District, honouring its past while looking forward to its future.

VERA BRITTAIN BUXTON AND A TESTAMENT TO LOST YOUTH 34

Saturday 11 July 11.30pm – 1pm £15

Meet outside the Pump Room

See p15

2026 9 – 26 July

{

Saturday 11 July is Buxton Carnival day, please allow extra time for travel.

LIAM BYRNE MP Saturday 11 July

12.30pm – 1.30pm

Pavilion Arts Centre

£14

Why the Populists are Winning: and How to Beat Them In 2024, two billion people went to vote, and populism won big. Donald Trump returned to the White House. Marine Le Pen surged in France.

Reform UK became Britain's most successful farright party in modern history. Across the West, authoritarian populists now govern one-quarter of the world's democracies. But is this peak populism, or the populists' tipping point? From the counting halls of inner-city Birmingham to the trading floors of Wall Street, from the Heritage Foundation war room to the algorithmic outrage machines of social media, Liam exposes the forces propelling the populist surge, and suggests how we may to stop it. Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP is a member of His Majesty’s Privy Council and Chair of the House of Commons Business & Trade Committee.

SATURDAY 11 JULY

i

VISITOR INFORMATION

NOA LEVY, ALAN BARNES AND THE PAUL EDIS TRIO PORTRAIT IN EVANS Saturday 11 July

Doors 12.30pm / Music 1pm – 2.45pm

Jazz at The Palace

£27

San Francisco’s JITN rising star vocalist Noa Levy joins Parliamentary Award-winner, pianist Paul Edis and his Trio, in their new album Portrait In Evans. Due for release in March 2026, the album features music by Bill Evans with new lyrics, vocal interpretations and original arrangements. Appearing alongside Noa and Paul is UK jazz legend, Alan Barnes, and one of the finest rhythm sections around.

'A magnificent concert, super tribute to Bill Evans' - Vincent Charbonnier (founder 38Riv Jazz Club, Paris)

Noa Levy - Vocals Paul Edis - Piano Alan Barnes - Alto Sax, Clarinet / Bass Clarinet Simon Read - Double Bass Billy Pod - Drums

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35

SATURDAY 11 JULY

i

VISITOR INFORMATION

{

Saturday 11 July is Buxton Carnival day, please allow extra time for travel.

ALINA BZHEZHINSKA AND THE HIPHARPCOLLECTIVE QUINTET Saturday 11 July

Doors 6.30pm / Music 7pm – 8.45pm

Jazz at The Palace

£27

Alina Bzhezhinska - Harp Menelik Clafey - Double Bass Matt Holmes - Drums Joel Prime - Percussion Tony Kofi - Saxophones Undoubtedly one of today's leading harpists in the world, Alina Bzhezhinska is a one-woman powerhouse, on a mission to bring the harp to the forefront of contemporary sound. She is the creator of HipHarpCollective, which won the Parliamentary Jazz Award's Best Ensemble of the Year 2024. The group’s double LP Reflections won best album of the year 2023 by Preston Music.

'Bzhezhinska’s command of her complex, delicateseeming instrument is astounding.' - Irish Examiner (Cork Jazz Festival)

LA TRAVIATA

Saturday 11 July Talk: 6pm – 6.25pm

Buxton Opera House

Performance: 7.15pm – 10pm

See p21

DARIUS BRUBECK QUARTET Saturday 11 July

Doors 9.30pm / Music 10pm – Late

Jazz at The Palace

£27

Born in San Francisco, jazz pianist and composer Darius Brubeck grew up in the artistic milieu of his famous father Dave, and has enjoyed a lifetime of varied international experience as band leader, composer, teacher and broadcaster.

He now leads the London-based Darius Brubeck Quartet, which has become a successful and popular group in the UK and beyond. '... the combination of Brubeck and O’Higgins is certainly among the best piano/sax partnerships in the UK.' - Tim Dickeson, Jazzwise

36

Darius Brubeck - Piano Dave O’Higgins - Saxes

Matt Ridley - Bass Wesley Gibbens - Drums

2026 9 – 26 July

Sunday 12 July

11am – 12.30pm

St John's Church

Free, Donations Welcome

See p17

FRASER FIFIELD AND THE SECRET PATH TRIO OLIVIA MOORE AND ADAM FAIRHALL Sunday 12 July

Doors 12.30pm / Music 1pm – 3.00pm

Jazz at The Palace

£20

SUNDAY 12 JULY

FESTIVAL MASS

Fraser Fifield - Low Whistle Paul Harrison - Wurlitzer Piano Tom Bancroft - Drums Olivia Moore - Violins Adam Fairhall - Accordion Low whistle, saxophone, and bagpipes and original compositions with a unique blend of influences - Scottish folk is present but also Jazz, Indian, Balkan and more. Over a 30 year career Fraser Fifield has performed with many influential bands from the Scottish folk scene and released a series of acclaimed solo recordings.

Olivia Moore and Adam Fairhall’s duo bring Indian classical music, American folk music and contemporary jazz together in a highly individual manner.

AMADIGI DI GAULA

Sunday 12 July Talk: 12.45pm – 1.10pm

Buxton Opera House

See p23

Performance: 2pm – 4.45pm

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37

SUNDAY 12 JULY

ARUN GHOSH QUINTET Sunday 12 July

Doors 3.30pm / Music 4pm – 5.45pm

Jazz at The Palace

£27

Arun Ghosh - Clarinet and Harmonium Chris Williams - Alto and Baritone Saxophone John Ellis - Piano Gavin Barras - Double Bass Dave Walsh - Drums Award-winning clarinettist, and renowned innovator of modern IndoJazz, Arun Ghosh brings his Quintet to Buxton International Festival. Performing a feel-good set of music from across his five acclaimed albums, he will also be showcasing and premiering new material from this year’s Singles Series.

His Quintet delivers a passionate sound, driven by soaring melodies, hypnotic rhythms and transcendental textures sometimes evocative and introspective, other times searing and effervescent.

'Life-affirming music that transcends cultural barriers.' Manchester Evening News

MAHAN ESFAHANI HARPSICHORD Sunday 12 July

5.30 pm – 7.30 pm

St John's Church

General £35, Balcony £30

Mahan Esfahani is the first harpsichordist in a generation whose work spans virtually all areas of classical music-making including acclaimed performances of standard repertoire, collaborations with composers, and international symphony appearances with major orchestras. He was a BBC New Generation Artist, BorlettiBuitoni prize winner, three-time Gramophone nominee, and Wigmore Medal recipient in 2022.

'Such virtuosity and disarming presentation suggests that Esfahani could inspire a whole new appreciation of the instrument.' - The Guardian 'Exhaustingly brilliant.' - The New York Times G.F. Handel Sonata in G minor, HWV 580; Chaconne in G major, HWV 435 D Scarlatti Sonata in G minor, K 8; Sonata in E major, K 20; Sonata in A minor, K 54; Sonata in Minor, K 213; Sonata in D major, K 214 G.F. Handel Suite No 1 in B flat major, HWV 434 Interval D Scarlatti Sonata in E minor, K 263; Sonata in E major, K 264 Handel Suite No 7 in G minor, HWV 432

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2026 9 – 26 July

SUNDAY 12 JULY COURTNEY PINE

A MODERN DAY JAZZ STORY 1986 - 2026 Sunday 12 July

Doors 8.30pm / Music 9pm – Late

Buxton Opera House

£35 / £30 / £25

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

Both a celebration and a reflection, this very special set honours the resilience, creativity and community that shaped Pine’s journey from London streets to international stages. Expect a night of deep grooves, soaring saxophone, and the unmistakable energy of an artist still pushing jazz forward while staying true to his roots.

Robert Mitchell - Piano Rio Kai - Double Bass Romarna Campbell - Drums Courtney Pine - Saxophone

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

39

MONDAY 13 JULY

LUKE BARLEY Monday 13 July

10am – 11am

Pavilion Arts Centre

£14

Ancient: Reviving the Woods That Made Britain Ancient woods are Britain's richest habitats: rare fragments of our landscape that teem with life from soil to canopy. They live in our collective imagination as quiet places, best left pristine and untouched. But their story has always been one of interdependence with people. With the benefit of over twenty years' experience rehabilitating ancient woodland, from the Lakes to the Peak District, Luke takes us deep into this hidden world to reveal majestic oaks, freshly coppiced hazels, endangered limes, and the passionate individuals tending them for future generations. As modern woodlanders judiciously cut and fell, the flood of fresh light brings new life and hope to these irreplaceable natural jewels.

LOUISE ALDER AND JOSEPH MIDDLETON SOPRANO AND PIANO

NORTH: 'FROZEN SILENCE' – the first of four linked song recitals inspired by the main points of the compass (see also pages 43, 47 and 50).

Monday 13 July

11.15am – 12.15pm

St John's Church

General £35, Balcony £30

This is the first of four linked song recitals devised by Joseph Middleton, inspired by the cardinal directions – north, south, east and west – each with its own mood, geography, and artistic identity. The North brings harsh beauty, stillness, and deep inner life.

One of the most in-demand artists today, British soprano Louise Alder has firmly established herself as 'an instinctive singing-actress' (The Arts Desk) and “a terrific talent, combining a big, lustrous voice with flawless intonation and keen intelligence” (The Times). She appears regularly in recital, concert and opera at leading venues including Wigmore Hall, Royal Albert Hall, Royal Opera House, Metropolitan Opera, and many more.

AN AUDIENCE WITH MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS 40

Monday 13 July

11.30am – 1pm

Meet at Old Hall Hotel

£20

See p15

2026 9 – 26 July

MONDAY 13 JULY

SIR NICK CLEGG Monday 13 July

12.30pm – 1.30pm

Buxton Opera House

£17

How To Save The Internet: The Threat to Global Connection in the Age of AI and Political Conflict Former UK Deputy Prime Minister Sir Nick Clegg recently stepped down as President, Global Affairs at Meta. Taking us behind the scenes and his interactions with world leaders, Nick sets out where Big Tech has gone wrong, how Silicon Valley’s insularity has blinded it to its missteps, and the radical reforms of the global platforms that are now needed if they are to secure a long-term future. But he also makes the case that many of the charges against them, including that their algorithms polarise, manipulate and harm, are vastly overstated. And while new laws that regulate these corporations are essential, imposing national borders on the internet cannot be the answer. That will fatally undermine its capacity for knowledge-sharing and ultimately for the improvement and empowerment of billions of lives.

‘A gripping and timely book. Nick Clegg writes with clarity, authority and urgency’ Peter Frankopan

SITKOVETSKY TRIO VIOLIN, CELLO, PIANO Monday 13 July

3pm – 5pm

St John's Church

General £35, Balcony £30

The Sitkovetsky Trio is known for its progressive programming and remarkable ensemble cohesion. They have performed in some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls – including the Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, Alte Oper, Frankfurt, Palais des Beaux-Arts, Brussels, Musée du Louvre, Paris, L’Auditori, Barcelona, Lincoln Center, New York, and, with particular regularity, London’s Wigmore Hall.

'It was the song-like melody in the andante, swapped so dreamily between cello and violin, that will linger longest in the memory.' The Observer, November 2023 L v Beethoven: Piano Trio in D major, Op. 70 No. 1, “Ghost” C Chaminade: Piano Trio No. 2 in A minor, Op. 34 Interval J Brahms: Piano Trio No. 1 in B major, Op. 8 (revised version, 1889)

AN EXPLORATION OF FAIRFIELD’S HISTORY

Monday 13 July

3.30pm – 5.30pm

Meet at Fairfield War Memorial, The Green

£20

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

See p15

41

MONDAY 13 JULY

VICTORIA BATEMAN Monday 13 July

4pm – 5pm

Pavilion Arts Centre

£14

Economica: A Global History of Women, Wealth and Power Humanity’s journey from poverty to prosperity is filled with men who have become household names. But how many female entrepreneurs, merchants and industrialists can you name?

Victoria places women at the centre of the story of economic growth. Starting in the Stone Age and continuing to the present day, proving that women weren’t ‘missing’ from economic life, they were merely hidden from view. We discover the female workers who helped to build the Great Pyramid of Giza, and to plumb the city of ancient Rome; the silk weavers who made a vital contribution to the development of the Silk Road and global trade; the women who dominated London’s brewing trade during medieval times; and the brave twentieth-century pioneers who fought to make our economies not just richer but fairer.

PUMP ROOM TALK: REBECCA WILLIAMS AND KATHRYN ECCLESTONE

SONG AT SIX LE DERNIER SORCIER 42

Monday 13 July

6pm – 7pm

Pump Room

£14

Monday 13 July

6pm

Bandstand at Pavilion Gardens

FREE

Monday 13 July Pavilion Arts Centre

See p14

See p17

7.15pm – 8.50pm See p27

2026 9 – 26 July

Tuesday 14 July

10am – 11am

Pavilion Arts Centre

£14

Unfrozen: The Fight for the Future of the Arctic Nowhere is the dual threat of climate change and geopolitical contest felt more strongly than in the Arctic. Sea ice is declining rapidly, wildfires are burning, and permafrost is thawing. All the while, global interest is gathering apace as the region transforms from being a frozen desert into an international waterway. Klaus argues that the consequences of this emerging Arctic Anthropocene are truly global, from rising sea levels due to melting glaciers to tensions between great powers determined to protect their territory and resources, and the well-being of Indigenous Peoples who have fought for centuries for rights and recognition. Examining the state of the Arctic today, Klaus shows how the region is becoming a space of experimentation for everything from Indigenous governance to subsea technologies.

TUESDAY 14 JULY

KLAUS DODDS

NICKY SPENCE AND JOSEPH MIDDLETON TENOR AND PIANO

SOUTH: "BURNING EARTH"– the second of four linked song recitals inspired by the main points of the compass (see also pages 40, 47 and 50).

Tuesday 14 July

11.15am – 12.15pm

St John's Church

General £35, Balcony £30

Nicky Spence gives recitals internationally, and has curated a residency at Wigmore Hall. His 2025/26 season includes operatic debuts at Staatsoper Hamburg and Opera Philadelphia, a return to Opéra National de Paris, and concert performances of Wozzeck and The Dream of Gerontius with Bayerischen Rundfunk, and as Siegmund in the first act of Die Walküre with Orquesta y Coro Nacionales de España. '... there's no questioning how Spence uses his superb voice to convey every harrowing moment of Grimes's descent.' - The Times, on Peter Grimes, Welsh National Opera, April 2025 Programme to include songs by J Rodrigo, J Turina and H Villa-Lobos

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

43

TUESDAY 14 JULY

LADY HALE Tuesday 14 July

12.30pm – 1.30pm

Buxton Opera House

£17

With the Law on Our Side: How the law works for everyone and we can make it work better Our laws and justice system might touch our lives when we have an accident, a wrong is done to us, or we have a family difficulty. They are vast, ancient and cover everything from the personal to the regulation of our government. But to most of us, they are a web of intimidating institutions and practices. Lady Hale, former President of the Supreme Court and an inspirational figure admired for her historic achievements and for the causes she has championed, shows us how the law is on our side. Taking us into the complexities of real courts and real decisions, we see that we all have rights: schoolchildren, disabled people, workers, minorities and patients. Lady Hale looks at every part of the justice system, from lowly benefits tribunals and magistrates’ courts to the lofty heights of the Royal Courts of Justice and the Old Bailey.

This event is sponsored by

STEVEN ISSERLIS AND CONNIE SHIH CELLO AND PIANO Tuesday 14 July

3pm – 5pm

St John's Church

General £37, Balcony £32

Acclaimed worldwide for his profound musicianship and technical mastery, British cellist Steven Isserlis enjoys a unique and distinguished career as a soloist, chamber musician, educator, author and broadcaster.

As a concerto soloist he appears regularly with the world’s leading orchestras and conductors.

Pianist Connie Shih is repeatedly considered to be one of Canada’s most outstanding artists. To critical acclaim, she appears regularly in recital with Steven Isserlis.

THROUGH THE HERITAGE LENS: A ROAD REVEALS ITS SECRETS 44

W Sterndale Bennett Sonata Duo in A major, Op. 32 B Britten Suite for solo cello No. 3, Op. 87 Interval

A Messager Barcarolle R Schumann Three Romances, Op. 94 L v Beethoven: Cello Sonata No. 5 in D major, Op. 102, No 2

Tuesday 14 July

3.30pm – 5pm

Meet at the Bath House at the corner of Macclesfield Rd and Burlington Rd

£20

See p15

2026 9 – 26 July

TUESDAY 14 JULY

JAMES FOX Tuesday 14 July

4pm – 5pm

Pavilion Arts Centre

£14

Craftland: A Journey Through Britain’s Lost Arts and Vanishing Trades Travelling the length of Britain from the Scilly Isles to the Scottish Highlands, James seeks out the country’s last remaining master craftspeople.

Stepping inside the workshops of blacksmiths and wheelwrights, cutlers and coopers, bell-founders and watchmakers, we glimpse not only our past but another way of life, one that is not yet lost and whose wisdom could shape our future. For as long as there are humans, there will be craft. James Fox is an academic and multi-award-winning, BAFTA-nominated broadcaster, known for his many acclaimed BBC documentaries. He is Director of Studies in History of Art at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and Creative Director of the Hugo Burge Foundation, a charity dedicated to supporting the arts and crafts across Britain.

OPERA IN THE CAVERN Tuesday 14 July

4.30pm – 5.30pm

MUSICALS IN THE CAVERN Tuesday 14 July

5.30pm – 6.30pm

Poole's Cavern

£47.50

Poole's Cavern

£47.50

Join us for an unforgettable, intimate tour beneath the earth, where you’ll marvel at beautifully illuminated, rock-sculpted galleries while enjoying stunning highlights from iconic operas and musicals. The experience begins with a glass of fizz just outside the Roman Chamber of Poole’s Cavern. From there, you’ll be guided through the breathtaking underground passages, rich in stalactites, stalagmites, and fascinating history.

THE MERRY WIDOW

‘Extraordinary performances in a breathtaking space.’

Tuesday 14 July Talk: 6pm – 6.25pm

Buxton Opera House

See p19

Performance: 7.15pm – 10pm

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

45

Free

JULY

11am – 3pm

Assembly Rooms at the Crescent Hotel

See p85

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Wednesday 15 July

AY

FRIENDS’ DAY WEDNESDAY 15 JULY

DAY ’D DS FRIEN

RYAN CORBETT ACCORDION Wednesday 15 July

9.30am – 10.30am

Assembly Rooms

£22

Praised for his 'immense virtuosity and musicality,' Ryan Corbett is one of the leading performers of his generation. A BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist, Royal Over-Seas League Gold Medallist, and Classic FM Rising Star, he is the first accordionist ever selected for the prestigious BBC scheme since its launch in 1999.

'The young Glaswegian shone with technical perfection and subtle tonal nuance.' - Mario-Felix Vogt, Berliner Morgenpost

C Franck, transc. Corbett Chorale No. 2 in B minor M. 39 J S Bach, transc. Corbett Prelude and Fugue in C sharp Major BWV 848, from The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1 V Zolotaryov Sonata No. 2 S Rachmaninov, transc. Corbett Vocalise, Op. 34, No 14 C M von Weber, transc. Corbett Konzertstück, Op. 79

ROBERT VERKAIK Wednesday 15 July

10am – 11am

Pavilion Arts Centre

£14

The Writer and the Traitor: Graham Greene, Kim Philby and the Great Betrayal The friendship between Graham Greene and Kim Philby is one of the most mysterious of the twentieth century. Greene, the internationally lauded novelist who wrestled with the themes of faith and betrayal in his work. Philby, the British intelligence-officerturned-spy for the Soviets. The two men met as young MI6 officers in war-torn London, working together to defeat the Nazis. But after Greene suddenly resigned just days before D-Day, questions started to arise. He turned back to literature, using his experience in the intelligence services as a backdrop for his novel Our Man in Havana and the screenplay of The Third Man. Was Philby the real 'third man'? Did Greene's work contain coded messages and warnings of betrayal to MI6? Robert is the former home affairs editor of the Independent and the former security editor of the Mail on Sunday. He now writes for the Guardian.

46

2026 9 – 26 July

MEZZO-SOPRANO AND PIANO

EAST: 'RISING LIGHT' – the third of four linked song recitals inspired by the main points of the compass (see also pages 40, 43 and 50).

Wednesday 15 July

11.15am – 12.15pm

St John's Church

General £35, Balcony £30

Sarah Connolly was made a DBE in the 2017 Birthday Honours, having previously been awarded a CBE in the 2010 New Year's Honours. In 2020 she was made an Honorary Member of the Royal Philharmonic Society in recognition of her outstanding services to music. Highlights in her 2025/26 season include Jocasta in Oedipus Rex for The Norwegian Opera & Ballet; and Mrs. Patrick De Rocher in Dead Man Walking for English National Opera.

'Isn’t there an extra urgency and depth of emotion about her delivery? …whatever she sings, you get singing straight from the heart. You also get beautifully nuanced piano playing from Middleton, a musician seemingly incapable of misjudging the careful balancing act necessary when accompanying lieder' - The Times Programme to include songs by G Mahler, H Howells, G Holst, and M Ravel

WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF OUR ANCESTORS: 5,000 YEARS OF BUXTON HISTORY

Wednesday 15 July

11.30am – 1.30pm

Meet at Buxton Opera House

£20

See p15

FRIENDS’ DAY WEDNESDAY 15 JULY

DAME SARAH CONNOLLY AND JOSEPH MIDDLETON

HANNAH FRENCH Wednesday 15 July

12.30pm – 1.30pm

Pavilion Arts Centre

£14

The Rolling Year: Listening to the Seasons with Vivaldi Embrace the art of listening seasonally with BBC Radio 3 presenter Dr Hannah French as she explores Antonio Vivaldi's evergreen work: The Four Seasons.

Through the rich imagery of each 300-year-old concerto and its accompanying poetry, Hannah uncovers the detail of Vivaldi's personal and creative life. Based on conversations with fellow musicians and experts in health, nature, food, wine, and science, she helps bring a new perspective to the music through our shared experiences of the joys and fears of the ever-evolving seasons. To spend a year in the company of Vivaldi is to witness the sounds of both ancient festivals and the beauty and brutality of the natural world.

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

47

FRIENDS’ DAY WEDNESDAY 15 JULY

LA TRAVIATA

Wednesday 15 July Talk: 12.45pm – 1.10pm

Buxton Opera House

Performance: 2pm – 4.40pm

See p21

JUNYAN CHEN PIANO

Wednesday 15 July

3pm – 5pm

St John's Church

General £35, Balcony £30

Junyan Chen made her debut with the Philharmonia Orchestra this season performing Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No 4.

She played this concerto in the final of the Leeds International Piano Competition, 2024, where she won Second Prize. In Leeds she collaborated with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and Domingo Hindoyan; having previously performed the work with Edward Gardner and the Royal Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra.

'The vivacity was outstanding…vintage Rachmaninov' - The Arts Desk, 23 September 2024

K Tanaka Techno Etudes S Rachmaninov Études-Tableaux, Op. 33 Interval E Wild – 7 Virtuoso Etudes after Gershwin S Rachmaninov – Piano Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor, Op. 36 (1931 version)

48

2026 9 – 26 July

FRIENDS’ DAY WEDNESDAY 15 JULY

ALISON WEIR Wednesday 15 July

3pm – 4pm

Pavilion Arts Centre

£14

Queens at War: England’s Medieval Queens The fifteenth century was a turbulent age: the Hundred Years War between England and France, and the Wars of the Roses dominated the lives of people both inside and out of the royal courts. Joan of Navarre, Katherine of Valois, Margaret of Anjou, Elizabeth Wydeville and Anne Neville were the queens who stood by England's sovereigns, caught up in wars that changed the course of their lives, and the course of history. They were also formidable women who defied the limitations of their times, often living out the brutal consequences of their determination. Alison Weir has been described by the Sunday Times as the ‘Queen of history writing’.

Wednesday 15 July

PUMP ROOM TALK: PHIL MULLIGAN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, PEAK DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY

SONG AT SIX

6pm – 7pm Pump Room £14

Wednesday 15 July

6pm

Bandstand at Pavilion Gardens

FREE

LA LIBERAZIONE DI RUGGIERO

Wednesday 15 July 7.15pm – 9pm

See p14

See p17

See p27

Pavilion Arts Centre

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

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THURSDAY 16 JULY

JAY GRIFFITHS Thursday 16 July

10am – 11am

Pavilion Arts Centre

£14

How Animals Heal Us Pet-owners and animal-lovers instinctively know that animals heal. From a potbellied pig who saved her owner's life, lions who guarded a girl from kidnappers, dolphins and whales rescuing people in danger, and dogs who can smell cancer and phone the Emergency Services. Animal sounds, from insects to birdsong and the purring of cats, are directly medicinal and their presence can heal the pain of loneliness. Animals, including donkeys, can be natural therapists for the hurt psyche, alleviating trauma, fear and depression. Jay argues that animals can have a role in every level of healing, from the individual to the collective, guiding us in how we might create societies that are healthier, fairer and kinder. Jay will be in conversation with naturalist and writer Mark Cocker.

RODERICK WILLIAMS AND JOSEPH MIDDLETON BARITONE AND PIANO

'AND WHEN THE WEST IS RED...' – the last of four linked song recitals inspired by the main points of the compass (see also pages 40, 43 and 47).

Thursday 16 July

11.15am – 12.15pm

St John's Church

General £35, Balcony £30

Roderick Williams is one of the most sought-after baritones of his generation and enjoys relationships with all the major UK and European opera houses. He has sung in world premieres of operas by, among others, David Sawer, Sally Beamish, and Robert Saxton, as well as roles by Mozart, Britten and Strauss. He was awarded the OBE for services to music in 2017, and was one of the featured soloists at the coronation of King Charles III in 2023.

'As the sun sets in the West': Songs by WA Mozart, F Schubert, F Hensel, C Debussy and R Vaughan Williams.

Songs from the West Country, by J Ireland, CV Stanford, R Vaughan Williams and F Keel.

The Americas: Songs by A Copland, C Ives, HT Burleigh and X Montsalvatge

50

2026 9 – 26 July

THURSDAY 16 JULY

JIMMY WALES

FOUNDER OF WIKIPEDIA Thursday 16 July

12.30pm – 1.30pm

Buxton Opera House

£17

The Seven Rules of Trust: Why it is Today’s Most Essential Superpower When Jimmy Wales founded Wikipedia more than two decades ago, he changed the landscape of knowledge forever, although almost no one realised it at the time. Today, people view Wikipedia 11 billion times every month in the English language alone. But in our 'post-truth' era, where the internet is a sea of disinformation and facts are increasingly malleable, Wales reminds us that it's more important than ever to return to the problem at the heart of it all: that without trust, we have no knowledge. And without knowledge, we can't fight back. Jimmy is an internet entrepreneur who was named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People, he was also acknowledged by the World Economic Forum as one of the top 250 leaders across the world for his professional accomplishments, his commitment to society and his potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world.

PADDINGTON TRIO VIOLIN, CELLO, PIANO Thursday 16 July

3pm – 5pm

St John’s Church

General £35, Balcony £30

The London-based Paddington Trio— Finnish violinist Tuulia Hero, Irish cellist Patrick Moriarty and American pianist Stephanie Tang—is an ensemble celebrated for vibrant communication and refined artistry. International prizewinners, they perform in major halls and festivals worldwide, bridging new audiences and devoted classical music enthusiasts through fresh, energetic interpretations and a shared love of chamber music.

'Music can take you anywhere, when played like this.'— The Guardian

AN EXPLORATION OF FAIRFIELD’S HISTORY

J Haydn Piano Trio in G major, Hob. XV:25, “Gypsy” R Schumann Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 63 L Wennäkoski Päärme L v Beethoven Piano Trio in B-flat major, Op. 97, “Archduke”

Thursday 16 July

3.30pm – 5.30pm

Meet at Fairfield War Memorial, The Green

£20

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

See p15

51

THURSDAY 16 JULY

NAZ SHAH MP Thursday 16 July

4pm – 5pm

Pavilion Arts Centre

£14

Honoured: Survival, Strength and My Path to Politics Naz Shah MP was forced into marriage at the age of fifteen. Within a couple of years, her mother would be in prison, jailed for murdering the man who had subjected her to years of physical and sexual torture, and Naz and her two younger siblings would be left to fend for themselves. Naz campaigned for her mother's release and was instrumental in achieving a reduction in her life sentence. In 2015, Naz was elected to Parliament, overturning George Galloway's majority to win back Bradford West for the Labour Party in one of the most momentous battles of the campaign. In serving the very community that once turned its back on her, she has transformed betrayal into leadership.

PUMP ROOM TALK: DR HILLARY BURLOCK

AMADIGI DI GAULA LE DERNIER SORCIER 52

Thursday 16 July

6pm – 7pm

Pump Room

£14

Thursday 16 July

Buxton Opera House

Talk: 6pm – 6.25pm

See p14

Performance: 7.15pm – 10pm

Thursday 16 July Pavilion Arts Centre

See p23

7.15pm – 8.50pm See p21

2026 9 – 26 July

FRIDAY 17 JULY

CLAUDIA HAMMOND Friday 17 July

10am – 11am

Pavilion Arts Centre

£14

Overwhelmed: Ways to Take the Pressure Off All of us are familiar with the unsettling sensation of overwhelm. It's as if there's ever more to do, and ever less time in which to do it. The good news is, even if you can't see it yet, there is a way out.

Presenter of BBC Radio 4's All in the Mind Claudia Hammond will help us to take the pressure off with a psychological toolkit that is both practical and evidence based. Addressing particular problems that can trap us into feeling overwhelmed, from procrastination to the fear of regret, imposter syndrome, perfectionism and a seemingly never-ending to-do list, Claudia offers sciencebacked solutions. Get the tools to take on everything life throws at you at Buxton International Festival.

ESCOCIA DUO SETE ANÉIS Friday 17 July

11.15am – 12.15pm

St John's Church

General £27, Balcony £22

Escocia Duo brings together Chilean classical guitarist Roberto Kuhn and Yorkshire violinist Katrina Lee, who formed the ensemble while completing their Masters' degrees at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Both are multi-award-winning instrumentalists with thriving portfolio careers, in demand as musicians and educators across the UK.

G Leguizamon Zamba de Anta H Soto Khespina A Yupanqui Huajra E Gismonti Pahlaco; Sete Anéis; Agua E Vinho A Ramírez Alfonsina Y El Mar Á Villoldo El Choclo A Piazzolla Ave Maria (Tanti Anni Prima); Oblivion; Libertango

In 2023, the duo was awarded the Athenaeum Award by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, supporting the recording of their debut album Sete Anéis (Seven Rings) with the Baros Records label.

INTRODUCTION TO BUXTON’S HISTORY AND HERITAGE

Friday 17 July

11.30am – 1pm

Meet at Buxton Opera House

£20

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

See p15

53

FRIDAY 17 JULY

ANDREW GRAHAM-DIXON Friday 17 July

12.30pm – 1.30pm

Pavilion Arts Centre

£14

Vermeer: A Life Lost and Found Andrew is an art historian and broadcaster who has made more BBC television series about art than any other presenter.

The paintings of Johannes Vermeer of Delft are some of the most beautiful, even sublime, in the history of art. Yet like the life of Vermeer himself, they are mysterious and have for centuries defied explanation.

Following new leads, and drawing on a mass of historical evidence, Andrew paints a dramatically new picture of Vermeer, revealing many of the painter’s hitherto unknown friendships as well as his previously undetected allegiance to a radical movement driven underground by persecution thereby vividly evoking the world of the Dutch Republic as it was in its so-called Golden Age. Andrew asks, why did Vermeer paint his pictures, and what do they mean?

This event is sponsored by

GOULD PIANO TRIO Friday 17 July

3pm – 5pm

St John's Church

General £35, Balcony £30

The Gould Piano Trio has been compared in the Washington Post to the great Beaux Arts Trio for their 'musical fire' and 'dedication to the genre' and has remained at the forefront of the international chamber music scene for over a quarter of a century.

J Haydn Piano Trio No. 44 in E major, Hob.XV:28 R Schumann Piano Trio No. 2 in F major, Op. 80 Interval J MacMillan Piano Trio No. 2 F Mendelssohn Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 49

'The Gould Piano Trio bring tremendous warmth, precision and integrity to their performance' - BBC Music Magazine 'It would be hard to improve upon the Gould Piano Trio’s irresistibly stylish and fervent advocacy' - Gramophone

54

2026 9 – 26 July

FRIDAY 17 JULY

ANTHONY DELANEY Friday 17 July

3pm – 4pm

Pavilion Arts Centre

£14

Queer Georgians: A hidden history of lovers, lawbreakers and homemakers Mother Clap's Holborn coffee house is open to all comers, a place of companionship and community, until a tipoff leads to a midnight raid. Two women, exiled from their families, set up a utopian homestead in a remote Welsh cottage, inspiring a generation of Romantic poets.

The celebrated Chevalier d'Eon, soldier, diplomat and spy, challenges a rival to a fencing match. The sweepstake is not over who will win, but whether the Chevalier is a man or a woman. Dr Anthony Delaney traces the stories of people daring to challenge society's expectations, unearthing archives and court records to reveal the tragedies and the joys of queer life three centuries ago.

AN AUDIENCE WITH MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS

THE MERRY WIDOW

Friday 17 July

3.30pm – 5pm

Meet at Old Hall Hotel

£20

Friday 17 July Talk: 6pm – 6.25pm

Buxton Opera House

See p15

See p19

Performance: 7.15pm – 10pm

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

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FRIDAY 17 JULY

LA LIBERAZIONE DI RUGGIERO

Friday 17 July Talk: 6pm – 6.25pm

Pavilion Arts Centre

Performance: 7.15pm – 9pm

See p27

GAZ HUGHES TRIO

DRUMS, DOUBLE BASS, PIANO Friday 17 July

Doors 9.30pm / Music 10pm – Late

The Old Clubhouse

£15

Gaz Hughes - Drums Andrzej Baranek - Piano Gavin Barras - Double Bass Gaz Hughes is a jazz drummer and bandleader whose style is deeply rooted in 1950s bebop. Known for his dynamic ensemble playing, he blends subtlety and energy to create compelling performances, earning praise from both audiences and renowned musicians.

One of the most prolific ensembles on the UK Jazz scene today, the Gaz Hughes Trio has captivated audiences across hundreds of performances over the last few years and are excited to present more new music for 2026.

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2026 9 – 26 July

Friday 17 July

10am – 11am

Pavilion Arts Centre

£14

The Path More Travelled: The Secret History of Britain's Footpaths Geographer, broadcaster and writer Nicholas Crane explores the coast-to-coast web that is both ancient and futuristic. Starting with the stone age paths walked by European migrants 12,000 years ago, he traces their development, from early pilgrim paths and coffin tracks, through to the industrial revolution and the birth of the bicycle and car, sat-nav and walking apps.

He discovers how land-grabbing Norman barons set a precedent for the enclosure of our countryside, and how out of the ashes of World War Two came our beloved national parks. Along the way, Nicholas will take us on some of his most memorable walks, including the banks of the Severn where he discovers footprints from over 7,000 years ago. A passionate ode to footpaths, Nicholas will be in conversation with writer and naturalist Mark Cocker.

WILL DUERDEN, DANIIL MARGULIS AND SVITLANA KOSENKO

FRIDAY 17 - SATURDAY 18 JULY

NICHOLAS CRANE

DOUBLE BASSES AND PIANO Saturday 18 July

11.15am – 12.15pm

St John's Church

General £27, Balcony £22

Will Duerden is fast becoming one of the most sought-after artists of his generation with a growing international career spanning four continents.

Daniil Margulis studied at the Bilkent University music school in Ankara, Turkey, before joining the Yehudi Menuhin School on a full scholarship, from which he graduated in 2020.

Svitlana Kosenko studied at Kharkov University of Arts, Ukraine. 2001 saw her take first prize in the Smetana International Competition. Since 2014, she has been Accompanist in Residence at the Yehudi Menuhin School.

VERA BRITTAIN, BUXTON AND A TESTAMENT TO LOST YOUTH

Sam Perkin New Work (World Premiere Performance) V Montag Sonata in E minor for double bass and piano M Ravel Deux Mélodies Hébraïques (Two Hebrew Melodies) B Furtok Fantasy for two basses and piano G Fauré Berceuse (Lullaby) in Partnership with

Saturday 18 July

11.30am – 1pm

Meet at Devonshire Dome reception

£20

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

See p15

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SATURDAY 18 JULY

KATE WILLIAMS Saturday 18 July

12.30pm – 1.30pm

Buxton Opera House

£17

Regina: A New History of Women and Power In an epic journey through history’s greatest royal women, from Cleopatra to Grace Kelly, from the ancient civilisations of Egypt and Mesopotamia to the opulent courts of medieval Europe, Kate delves into the lives of royal women as they navigate political intrigue, family rivalries and personal sacrifices. From Tudor queens, Catherine of Aragon and Lady Jane Grey to Queen Victoria’s contemporaries Yaa Asentewaa of Ghana and Queen Liliuokulani of Hawaii, Kate will describe the women who played pivotal roles in history and teach us about the place of royal women in society today. Kate is a Professor of History and appears regularly on television. She presented The Stuarts and is the royal expert for CNN. Kate has appeared on programmes as varied as The Great British Bake Off to election coverage and comedy panel shows.

This event is sponsored by

THE VACHE BAROQUE BAND FAREWELL, DOWLAND Saturday 18 July

3pm – 5pm

St John's Church

General £35, Balcony £30

Vache Baroque is an ensemble on a mission to connect the broadest possible range of people to the power and drama of Baroque music. From operas and multi-disciplinary concerts to children’s shows and youth residencies, they create inspiring experiences for audiences and artists to enjoy together. Since their 2020 launch, they have earned widespread critical acclaim – 'Witty, risky and immersive' - Opera Now; 'One of the UK’s hottest groups' - Opera Today.

The first of their two Buxton recitals this year features vocal and instrumental pieces by L Marenzio, V Galilei, F Caccini, S Caccini, J Dowland, O Gibbons.

Interval J-B Lully, P Humfrey, N Matteis, H Purcell.

They are joined by singers from the cast of La liberazione di Ruggiero.

See page 61 for details of their second recital

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2026 9 – 26 July

DOUBLE BASS, DRUMS, PIANO Saturday 18 July

Doors 2.30pm / Music 3pm – 4.45pm

Pavilion Arts Centre

£25

Whether in their widely acclaimed, lingo-slinging, all-singing-and-dancing cabaret show, or delighting festival audiences with their enormous repertoire and own songwriting, The Easy Rollers are a septet who embody the famed spirit and consummate virtuosity of today's booming British jazz scene and bring it straight back to the music’s roots in 1920s and '30s Harlem, Kansas City and New Orleans.

The Easy Rollers’ recent UK tours encompassed RNCM Concert Hall, and jazz clubs Peggy's Skylight, PizzaExpress Live Holborn, and Toulouse Lautrec.

Dani Sicari - Vocals Alex Hill - Piano James Girling - Guitar Jamie Stockbridge - Tenor Sax and Clarinet Tom Sharp - Trumpet Sam Jackson - Double Bass Matt Brown - Drums

Saturday 18 July

LA TRAVIATA

Talk: 6pm – 6.25pm

Buxton Opera House

SATURDAY 18 JULY

THE EASY ROLLERS

See p21

Performance: 7.15pm – 10pm

FERGUS MCCREADIE TRIO Saturday 18 July

Doors 7.30pm / Music 8pm – 9.45pm

Pavilion Arts Centre

£25

Fergus McCreadie - Piano David Bowden - Double Bass Stephen Henderson - Drums With a unique blend of Jazz and Scottish folk that evokes his country’s sublime landscapes, Fergus McCreadie has developed a truly distinct voice in piano writing that is capturing the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide.

Recorded in a remote cottage in the Outer Hebrides, Fergus’s latest album ‘The Shieling’ (Edition Records) draws on the wild, elemental beauty of the surroundings that proved an immediate success with critics and audience alike: topping the UK Jazz & Blues charts and named one of Assai Records’ Albums of the Year.

'The most beautiful music that can be heard in jazz at the moment' - Written In Music

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

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SUNDAY 19 JULY

FESTIVAL MASS

See p17

Sunday 19 July

11am – 12.30pm

St John's Church

Free, Donations Welcome

LA LIBERAZIONE DI RUGGIERO LA CLEMENZA DI TITO

Sunday 19 July

Pavilion Arts Talk: 12.45pm – 1.10pm Centre Performance: 2pm – 3.45pm

Sunday 19 July Talk: 1.45pm – 2.10pm

See p27

Buxton Opera House

Performance: 3pm – 5.30pm

See p21

LIZZIE BALL AND JAMES PEARSON VIOLIN & VOCALS AND PIANO ENCOUNTERS WITH GERSHWIN Sunday 19 July,

7pm – 9pm

Pavilion Arts Centre

General £32, Balcony £27

Lizzie Ball is a violinist, vocalist, producer, and founder of Classical Kicks Productions, dedicated to bringing classical music to new audiences in diverse settings.

James Pearson is a pianist, composer, and Artistic Director at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, where his trio serves as the house band. He is equally at home in classical and jazz.

'She set the place on fire with her solo performance' - San Francisco Chronicle 'Pearson is in shattering form on these sessions' - Sunday Times A Piazzolla Escualo T Layton. arr. Andrew Cottee 'After You’ve Gone' G Gershwin, arr. Pearson 'The Man I Love' F Kreisler Praeludium and Allegro in the Style of Pugnani G Gershwin, arr. Heifetz ‘Bess, You is my Woman Now’ from Porgy and Bess Gershwin, arr. Pearson - Gershwin Finale Medley

A Copland, arr. Pearson El Salón México M Ponce, arr. Heifetz Estrellita F Kreisler, arr. Rachmaninov Liebesleid Selections from the Great American Songbook to include songs by Gershwin, Cole Porter, Heywood/Cook, Duke Ellington L Bernstein, arr. Pearson West Side Story Suite

Interval

60

2026 9 – 26 July

CONDUCTED BY IWAN DAVIES

ALLISON COOK (Schoenberg), JANE BURNELL (Mahler) – SOPRANO Sunday 19 July

8pm – 10pm

St John's Church

General £35, Balcony £30

This is the launch of Twentieth-Century Din, a new ensemble of outstanding young musicians, led by conductor Iwan Davies. Twentieth-century composers made it their mission to find new means of expression, breaking boundaries of forces and form.

But their music is often considered difficult, inaccessible and obscure. TwentiethCentury Din will perform the most audacious and compelling works of the period, revelling in their drama, vitality and eccentricity – giving the lie to Noel Coward’s world-weary, 'twentieth-century blues'.

SUNDAY 19 JULY

TWENTIETH-CENTURY DIN

A Schoenberg Pierrot Lunaire, Op. 21 Interval G Mahler Symphony No. 4 in G major, version for chamber orchestra by Erwin Stein

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

61

MONDAY 20 JULY

THE VACHE BAROQUE BAND IF IT AIN'T BROKE...

Monday 20 July

11.15am – 12.15pm

St John's Church

General £27, Balcony £22

From operas and multi-disciplinary concerts to children’s shows and youth residencies, The Vache Baroque Band creates inspiring experiences for audiences and artists to enjoy together. As an awardwinning UK charity, they give special focus to offering young and disadvantaged people opportunities to participate alongside leading professionals. Most recently, their education project for Deafblind Awareness Week was nominated for a 2025 International Opera Award.

'Huge fun' - The Spectator; 'An exceptional evening' - The Observer For their second Buxton concert this year (see also 18 July), they present a programme featuring sixteenth- and seventeenth-century pieces based on popular songs and dances of the time, by: A Holborne, Anon., C Simpson, J Dowland, R Allison, W Inglott, H Butler, J Jenkins, T Baltzar and W Lawes See page 58 for details of their first recital

THROUGH THE HERITAGE LENS: A ROAD REVEALS ITS SECRETS

Monday 20 July

11.30am – 1pm

Meet at the Bath House at the corner of Macclesfield Rd and Burlington Rd

£20

See p15

EDWARD ABEL SMITH Monday 20 July

12.30pm – 1.30pm

Pavilion Arts Centre

£14

A Hateful Decision Summer, 1940. Winston Churchill watches in horror as France falls to the Germans in just six weeks, completing the Nazi conquest of mainland Europe.

He faces an urgent question: what will happen to France’s mighty navy? Under German control it presents a major threat to Great Britain and could mark a point of no return. With the Nazis closing in and time running out, Churchill ordered Operation Catapult. By the end of one of the most agonising but necessary military operations of the war, a large part of the French navy would be destroyed and nearly 1,300 French sailors would be dead, a number which would haunt all involved for the rest of their lives. Edward is a writer and documentary filmmaker. His book, The Life and Work of Nicholas Winton, was the subject of a film starring Anthony Hopkins.

62

2026 9 – 26 July

VIOLINS, VIOLA AND CELLO Monday 20 July

3pm – 5pm

St John's Church

General £37, Balcony £32

Since forming in 1972, the Brodsky Quartet have performed over 3,500 concerts throughout the world and released more than 70 recordings. Having recently celebrated their 50th anniversary, they continue to enjoy a busy international performing schedule, extensively touring major festivals and venues throughout Australasia, North and South America, Asia and Europe as well as in the UK. '…the players gave unstintingly of their passion and energies, playing with a spirit so transformational you felt they were actually improving the world.' – The Strad A Copland arr. Cassidy/Thomas Hoe-Down, from Rodeo S Barber Adagio

MONDAY 20 JULY

BRODSKY QUARTET

B Bartók String Quartet No. 6 Interval A Dvořák String Quartet in F, Op. 96, 'American'

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

63

MONDAY 20 JULY

ANDREA WULF Monday 20 July

4pm – 5pm

Pavilion Arts Centre

£14

The Traveller: The Revolutionary Life of George Forster and his Search for Humanity Andrea spreads out before us the life and times of George Forster, who journeyed to the far reaches of the known world, and whose radical ideas about humanity, equality and freedom challenged the worldviews of eighteenth-century Europe.

He joined Cook’s second voyage at the age of seventeen, an exploration of vast contrasts from the icy world of Antarctica to tropical islands of the South Pacific. Studying the diverse nature, peoples and cultures he encountered, he came back imbued with a deep belief in the equality of races, an understanding far ahead of his time. On his return he was feted in England, France, Germany and Poland, using his fame to advocate for freedom and women’s rights and against empire, racism and slavery.

PUMP ROOM TALK: DR PETER COLLINGE

AMADIGI DI GAULA LE DERNIER SORCIER 64

Monday 20 July

6pm – 7pm

Pump Room

£14

Monday 20 July

Buxton Opera House

Talk: 6pm – 6.25pm

See p14

Performance: 7.15pm – 10pm

Monday 20 July Pavilion Arts Centre

See p23

7.15pm – 8.50pm See p25

2026 9 – 26 July

TUESDAY 21 JULY

RUTH LARSEN Tuesday 21 July

10am – 11am

Pavilion Arts Centre

£14

Mistress: A History of Women and their Country Houses Grand houses can be found across the countryside of England and Wales. But what was life like for the mistresses of these great houses? How much power and influence did they really have? Focusing on eighteen women, and spanning five centuries, Ruth looks at the ways in which elite women not only shaped the house, household, and family, but also had an impact on society, culture, and politics within their estates and beyond. We meet Brilliana Harley, who defended her castle at Brampton Bryan; Frances Boscawen, who oversaw the building of Hatchlands; and Lady Mary Elcho, who preserved her secret life as mistress to Arthur Balfour.

NEWE VIALLES

in Partnership with

BAROQUE CHAMBER GROUP Tuesday 21 July

11.15am – 12.15pm

St Johns Church

General £27, Balcony £22

Henrik Persson Viola da Gamba Lynda Sayce Theorbo

Caroline Ritchie Viola da Gamba James Akers Baroque Guitar

Founded in 2015 by Henrik Persson and Caroline Ritchie, Newe Vialles explores music for viols from the 16th to the 18th centuries, alongside new commissions. Distinguished by a unique core sound and vivid rhetorical style, Newe Vialles are currently showcasing two beautiful historical viols and the music their original owners might have played.

'The great musical treat on this disc is the playing of the viol consort, Newe Vialles' - BBC Music Magazine, 2019.

N Matteis Prelude for guitar, from The False Consonances of Musick B Hely Sonata No.1 in G minor, for two bass viols and continuo C Simpson Divisions in C major, for two bass viols J Jenkins Pieces in G minor, for two bass viols and continuo N Matteis Two Arias for guitar and continuo, from The False Consonances of Musick C Simpson Divisions in F major, for two bass viols D Norcombe Tregian’s Ground for solo viol R Sumarte arr. Persson/Sayce Dafne, for viol and continuo B Hely Sonata No. 3 in B flat major, for two bass viols and continuo From The Division Violin 'Old Simon the King’ C Simpson Divisions in A minor, for two bass viols

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TUESDAY 21 JULY

THE MERRY WIDOW

Tuesday 21 July Talk: 12.45pm – 1.10pm

Performance: 2pm – 2.45pm

Buxton Opera House

See p19

PETER DONOHOE PIANO

Tuesday 21 July

3pm – 5pm

St John's Church

General £37, Balcony £32

Peter Donohoe is acclaimed as one of the foremost pianists of our time, for his musicianship, stylistic versatility and commanding technique. In recent seasons he has appeared with Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic and Concert Orchestras, Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, and RTE National Symphony Orchestra. He is also in high demand as a jury member for international competitions.

'I cannot imagine a living pianist capable of improving upon Donohoe's outstanding artistry' - Robert MatthewWalker, Musical Opinion L v Beethoven Piano Sonata in G major, Op. 14, No. 2 J Brahms Six Pieces, Op. 118 F Chopin Etudes, Op. 25, Nos 1-5 R Schumann Fantasie in C major, Op. 17

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2026 9 – 26 July

TUESDAY 21 JULY

MARTIN SIXSMITH Tuesday 21 July

3pm – 4pm

Pavilion Arts Centre

£14

Suing the Kremlin: The Battle for Putin’s Billions A quarter of a century in power has allowed Vladimir Putin to enrich himself. He has done this by plundering Russia's resources, confiscated private businesses and persecuted those who stood against him. The revenues Putin stole built up an unparalleled war chest and this he used to pay for the invasion of Ukraine. Martin charts the fascinating story of what has happened to the men that Putin dispossessed and where their money went. A small team of legal experts has spent the last twenty years pursuing Putin in the courts of the world. These legal experts are based in London, and they are set on reclaiming this enormous wealth. Martin Sixsmith was for many years BBC correspondent in Moscow; has written a number of books on Russia and also broadcast his own 12-part series on the History of Russia for BBC Radio 4.

AN EXPLORATION OF FAIRFIELD’S HISTORY

SONG AT SIX

Tuesday 21 July

3.30pm – 5.30pm

Meet at Fairfield War Memorial, The Green

£20

See p15

Tuesday 21 July

6pm

Bandstand at Pavilion Gardens

FREE

LA LIBERAZIONE DI RUGGIERO

Tuesday 21 July 7.15pm – 9pm

See p17

See p27

Pavilion Arts Centre

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FRIENDS’ DAY WEDNESDAY 22 JULY

BEN TARLTON CELLO

Wednesday 22 July

9.30am – 10.30am

Assembly Rooms

£22

London-based cellist Ben Tarlton enjoys a career as a soloist, chamber musician and director of the Llantwit Major Chamber Music Festival. He has performed recitals and concertos on BBC Radio 3, and at Cadogan Hall, Sinfonia Smith Square, BBC Hoddinott Hall and Dora Stoutzker Hall, Cardiff. He gave the world premiere of Christian Henking’s Stone Mountain for cello and choir, amongst other works, with the Basler Madrigalisten in Switzerland.

'Playing with extraordinary precision and insight.'

- The Guardian J S Bach Cello Suite No. 3 in C Major, BWV1009 G Ligeti Sonata for solo cello G Cassadó Suite for solo cello

SIR CHRIS BRYANT Wednesday 22 July

10am – 11am

Pavilion Arts Centre

£14

A Life and a Half: The Unexpected Making of a Politician Before he was a politician, Sir Chris Bryant MP was an Anglican priest, baptising babies and holding the hands of the dying. Before that, he manned the barricades in Latin America, and before that, he was the scared son of an alcoholic mother and an estranged father. Chris is 'equally at home behind the altar, in sweaty gay clubs, on the hustings or the stage'. Chris will recount growing up in General Franco's Spain, acting alongside some of the most talented names of the day as a teenager, and caring for his brother and mother as she descended into addiction.

He ran the family home from sixteen, became ordained at twentyfour and came out as gay shortly after. And that's just the early years…All while tracking the landscape of late-twentieth-century British politics, from Thatcher to the birth of New Labour.

DAY 68

Wednesday 22 July

11am – 3pm

The Assembly Rooms

FREE

See p85

2026 9 – 26 July

in Partnership with

STILL LIFE: EARLY BAROQUE FANTASY Wednesday 22 July

11.15am – 12.15pm

St John's Church

General £27, Balcony £22

Música d’Outrora is an early-music ensemble founded in 2022. Bringing together musicians from three continents, the ensemble explores the vivid, unpredictable sound world of the early Baroque.

Recent activity includes the Across the Alps UK tour and participation in the 'BREMF Live!' programme at Brighton Early Music Festival. Through these projects, Música d’Outrora seeks to restore the theatrical intensity and emotional immediacy of early Baroque music.

'An ensemble one is now obliged to follow closely.' Scherzo D Castello Sonata Prima (Book II) J H Schmelzer Sonata Quinta from Sonate Unarum Fidium G Strozzi Toccata Quarta per l’elevazione A Ferrabosco II 'The Sound out my Voyce' G G Kapsberger Toccata Prima (Book IV) G Sanz Jácaras A Stradella Sinfonia a Tre D Castello Sonata Seconda (Book II)

RAISING THE CURTAIN: A PEEK AT THE HISTORY OF THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE IN BUXTON

Wednesday 22 July

11.30am – 1.30pm

Meet at Buxton Opera House

£20

See p15

FRIENDS’ DAY WEDNESDAY 22 JULY

MÚSICA D'OUTRORA

SIR ANTONY BEEVOR Wednesday 22 July

12.30pm – 1.30pm

Buxton Opera House

£17

Rasputin and the Downfall of the Romanovs How could a barely literate peasant from Siberia determine the fate of the world? Undoubtedly, the so-called 'mad monk' Rasputin bewitched Tsar Nicholas II and his wife, Alexandra. Yet their strange and scandalous relationship conceals a riddle, one that casts an intriguing light on the controversial 'great man' theory of history. Rasputin was a devoted monarchist, not a revolutionary. He had no official position, no forces at his command. Nevertheless, he contributed more to the fall of the Romanov dynasty than any other individual. Sir Antony has received major prizes, has appeared in thirty-seven languages and sold more than nine million copies. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and the Royal Historical Society, he has received honorary doctorates and fellowships from five universities.

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

This event is sponsored by

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WEDNESDAY 22 JULY

COLOUR MY SONG

WILLIAMS-HOWARD PRIZE CONCERT Wednesday 22 July

1.45pm – 2.35pm

Assembly Rooms

Free

Join us for the 5th Annual Williams-Howard Prize Concert at the Buxton International Festival. Established in 2022 by Michael Harper, Vocal Tutor at the Royal Northern College of Music, this prestigious competition celebrates art songs by composers of African heritage.

The concert features the 2026 winners of the competition, showcasing the next generation of talent. Previous winners have gone on to perform at iconic venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Cadogan Hall and Wigmore Hall, as well as with BBC Philharmonic, English Touring Opera, and Kantos Chamber Choir amongst others.

ALEXANDER ARMSTRONG, CLAIRE BOOTH AND ANDREW MATTHEWS-OWEN VOICES AND PIANO THE ROARING TWENTIES Wednesday 22 July

3pm – 5pm

St John's Church

General £35, Balcony £30

'The Twenties were drenched in melody' (Beverly Nichols) As in the 2020s, the 1920s emerged from a pandemic, a financial crash and war. The decade responded, in the words of Zelda Fitzgerald, by going into battle 'with audacity and rouge', and with cocktails ('giggle juice'), new plays, new fashions and new sounds from Noel Coward and Ivor Novello to the Great American Songbook which have become immortal. Join us to celebrate a decade of laughter, love, gossip and intrigue. A time that was too good to last.

As the decade ended there was the inevitable sense of 'The Party's Over Now' but what a decade it was!

THROUGH THE HERITAGE LENS: A ROAD REVEALS ITS SECRETS 70

Wednesday 22 July

3.30pm – 5pm

Meet at the Bath House at the corner of Macclesfield Rd and Burlington Rd

£20

See p15

2026 9 – 26 July

Wednesday 22 July

4pm – 5pm

Pavilion Arts Centre

£14

The Unfragile Mind: Making Sense of Mental Health Dr Gavin Francis is a GP with a special interest in mental health and the bestselling author of Adventures in Human Being, Shapeshifters and Intensive Care. Between a quarter and a fifth of young people in the UK now suffer a mental disorder. One in four adults are prescribed psychiatric medication.

These numbers represent a huge and recent expansion in mental health labelling but reveal nothing of the experience of those seeking help. Gavin draws on conversations with patients, colleagues, and his thirty years of practice to explore the chequered history of psychiatry, the nature of mental health and ill-health, and the problems, including mood disorders, trauma, anxiety and addiction, that he addresses daily. The mind, he argues, is dynamic and adaptive, better addressed not with rigid labels and protocols, but with curiosity, kindness, humility and hope.

PUMP ROOM TALK: MATT SCOTTCAMPBELL, PARTNERSHIP MANAGER, MOORS FOR THE FUTURE PARTNERSHIP

LA TRAVIATA

WEDNESDAY 22 JULY

GAVIN FRANCIS

Wednesday 22 July 6pm – 7pm Pump Room £14

Wednesday 22 July Talk: 6pm – 6.25pm

See p14

Buxton Opera House

See p21

Performance: 7.15pm – 10pm

HANNAH BRINE WITH BIM WILLIAMS Wednesday 22 July

Doors 9.30pm / Music 10pm – Late

The Old Clubhouse

£15

Hannah Brine - Vocals, Bim Williams - Guitar Hannah Brine is delighted to be returning to Buxton International Festival. 2025 was a big year for her – she released her debut album Blue Sky Now, generating airplay on BBC Radio London as well as lots of local BBC introducing plays. She also embarked on her first 20-date tour, playing venues including Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, Buxton Opera House, and London’s 606 Club.

'The songs hit their target delightfully' - Jazz Journal

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THURSDAY 23 JULY

JULIA BOYD Thursday 23 July

10am – 11am

Pavilion Arts Centre

£14

There is Sweet Music Here: The World of Wigmore Hall Wigmore Hall is a modest building tucked away behind a busy shopping street.

But inside lies something very special: one of the world’s most beloved concert halls, within whose walls we find tales of exceptional performers, composers, impresarios and, of course, audiences. The story of Wigmore Hall is the story of music in the 20th and 21st centuries, and of London itself. With a stellar cast of characters including Ferrucio Busoni, Arthur Rubinstein, Joseph Joachim, Yvette Guilbert, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf and Benjamin Britten, not to mention illustrious audiences including Siegfried Sassoon and Virginia Woolf. Julia Boyd is the Sunday Times bestselling author of Travellers in the Third Reich and a trustee of Wigmore Hall.

EWAN MILLAR AND TOMOS BOYLES OBOE AND PIANO Thursday 23 July

11.15am – 12.15pm

St John's Church

General £27, Balcony £22

Ewan Millar is a leading young UK oboe soloist, a BBC Young Musician 2020 finalist, and the 2025 Royal Over-Seas League Gold Medal winner. He performs widely in recital, and as a freelancer he has performed as principal oboe with major orchestras across the UK. Welsh pianist Tomos Boyles is an emerging concert artist, performing at major venues across the UK. Prizes include first prize at the 2025 Dudley International Piano Competition and the Blue Riband at the National Eisteddfod of Wales.

JS Bach Arioso S Barber Canzonetta T Musgrave Niobe, for oboe and electronic tape J Brahms Violin Sonata No.1, transcr. E Millar P Facer Manhattanhenge

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2026 9 – 26 July

CONDUCTED BY EUAN SHIELDS Thursday 23 July

3pm – 5pm

The Octagon

£35

Annemarie Federle Horn The Hallé makes its long-awaited return to the Buxton International Festival with a programme of three Romantic masterpieces, led by award-winning conductor Euan Shields. The concert opens with the dazzling overture to Weber’s opera Oberon, and continues with Richard Strauss’s First Horn Concerto, written when he was just 18. Brahms’s monumental Fourth Symphony, often hailed as his greatest, grows from the simplest idea into a vast emotional journey.

THURSDAY 23 JULY

THE HALLÉ

C Weber Oberon Overture R Strauss Horn Concerto No.1 in E flat, Op. 11 J Brahms Symphony No.4 in E minor, Op. 98

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73

THURSDAY 23 JULY

LACHLAN GOUDIE Thursday 23 July

4pm – 5pm

Pavilion Arts Centre

£14

The Secrets of Painting: The Hidden Art of the Masterpiece from Prehistory to Today In addition to painting, Lachlan has written and presented several documentaries for the BBC including the landmark series The Story of Scottish Art for which he received a nomination from the Royal Television Society Scotland for the ‘Onscreen personality of the year’ award. Lachlan is judge of BBC1’s Big Painting Challenge, Celebrity Big Painting Challenge, and presenter of BBC4’s Life Drawing Live! But how do you paint a masterpiece? Lachlan seeks the answer to this question by exploring how twenty of the greatest paintings in human history were created, from a blank surface to the finishing brushstroke.

Beginning at the dawn of civilization with prehistoric cave paintings and ending with the arrival of AI, Goudie unveils the methods and techniques employed by individual artists, bringing their studios to life at the very moment they produced their most celebrated works.

This event is sponsored by

OPERA IN THE CAVERN Thursday 23 July

4.30pm – 5.30pm

MUSICALS IN THE CAVERN Thursday 23 July

5.30pm – 6.30pm

Poole's Cavern

£47.50

Poole's Cavern

£47.50

‘Extraordinary performances in a breathtaking space.’

Join us for an unforgettable, intimate tour beneath the earth, where you’ll marvel at beautifully illuminated, rock-sculpted galleries while enjoying stunning highlights from iconic operas and musicals. The experience begins with a glass of fizz just outside the Roman Chamber of Poole’s Cavern. From there, you’ll be guided through the breathtaking underground passages, rich in stalactites, stalagmites, and fascinating history.

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2026 9 – 26 July

LA CLEMENZA DI TITO

Thursday 23 July

6pm

Bandstand at Pavilion Gardens

FREE

Thursday 23 July 7.15pm – 9.45pm Buxton Opera House

DENNIS ROLLINS VELOCITY TRIO WITH SPECIAL GUEST CAMERON PIERRE Thursday 23 July

Doors 7.30pm / Music 8pm – 9.45pm

Pavilion Arts Centre

£25

See p17

See p29

THURSDAY 23 JULY

SONG AT SIX

Dennis Rollins - Trombone Joel Barford - Drums Ross Stanley - Organ Cameron Pierre - Guitar For 25 years trombonist Dennis Rollins has played at the forefront of the UK jazz, funk and pop as a virtuosic sideman to such stars such as Maceo Parker, Courtney Pine and Tom Jones, and as an award-winning leader in his own right.

For their Buxton performance Rollins and Velocity Trio will be joined by special guest, and stalwart of the British jazz scene since the ‘80s, Cameron Pierre on guitar.

'This band produces genuine fireworks' - Roger Thomas, BBC Music Magazine

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75

FRIDAY 24 JULY

EMMA CHAPMAN Friday 24 July

10am – 11am

Pavilion Arts Centre

£14

Radio Universe: How to Explore Space Without Leaving Earth

How do you explore distant stars, buried water on Mars or the first moments after the Big Bang without leaving your back garden? Emma will take us on an electrifying voyage through the cosmos using one of the most powerful, yet overlooked, tools in science: the radio wave. Revealing how these invisible messengers glide through space, bounce off planets, tunnel through clouds and slip past galactic dust, they carry secrets of the universe that no other kind of light can uncover. We can follow a single radio wave as it escapes Earth and travels outward, ricocheting off the Moon, tunnelling through Venus's furnace-thick atmosphere, tracing ancient ice hidden in Mercury's shadows and diving deep into the swirling arms of the Milky Way. Emma is an award-winning radio astronomer based at the University of Nottingham, and a Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin research fellow.

in Partnership with

DELPHINE TRIO

CLARINET, CELLO, PIANO Friday 24 July

11.15 am – 12.15 pm

St John's Church

General £27, Balcony £22

The Delphine Trio brings together three passionate young musicians from all around the globe: Australian clarinettist Magdalenna Krstevska, Dutch cellist Jobine Siekman and South African pianist Roelof Temmingh. Winners of the 2025 Royal Over-seas League Chamber Music competition, they are regularly sought after to perform across the UK and the Netherlands. '..... the trio are clearly probing and sensitive musical interpreters with enthusiasm for accurate and intense performance.' - John Hargreaves, Market Drayton Advertiser C Frühling Clarinet Trio in A minor, Op. 40 C Pépin Snow, Moon and Flowers J Psathas Island Songs

RAISING THE CURTAIN: A PEEK AT THE HISTORY OF THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE IN BUXTON

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Friday 24 July

11.30am – 1pm

Meet at Buxton Opera House

£20

See p15

2026 9 – 26 July

Friday 24 July

12.30pm – 1.30pm

Buxton Opera House

£17

The Bonfire of the Insanities: How Does This Government Thing Work Again?

After fourteen years of Tory rule, John Crace has seen it all: a bucketload of sleaze and scandals, myriad questionable policy decisions, and an ever-revolving door of candidates trying to get themselves to the top of a sinking ship. With a bumpy start, Keir Starmer, Rachel Reeves and the Labour Party have taken the reins while Kemi Badenoch and the Tories slink off to regroup in opposition. Many proclaim that the United Kingdom's political landscape has changed but are those fabled sunlit uplands finally in view? Selected from John's much-loved Guardian column, The Bonfire of the Insanities will light up the opera house with a new chapter of governmental absurdity.

FRIDAY 24 JULY

JOHN CRACE

ISATA KANNEH-MASON PIANO

Friday 24 July

3pm – 5pm

St John's Church

General £37, Balcony £32

Isata Kanneh-Mason offers eclectic and stimulating recital programmes with repertoire encompassing Haydn and Mozart, Fanny Mendelssohn and Clara Schumann, Chopin and Brahms to Gershwin and beyond. In concertos, she is equally at home in Felix Mendelssohn and Beethoven, and in Prokofiev and Rachmaninov.

In July 2024, she performed at the First Night of the BBC Proms with the BBC Symphony and conductor Elim Chan, a performance which resulted in stellar reviews in the mainstream press.

L v Beethoven Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27, No. 2, 'Moonlight' M Ravel Gaspard de la Nuit Interval

D Tabakova Nocturne D Tabakova Halo L v Beethoven Piano Sonata No. 21 in C Major, Op. 53 , 'Waldstein'

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77

FRIDAY 24 JULY

AN AUDIENCE WITH MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS

Friday 24 July

3.30pm – 5pm

Meet at Old Hall Hotel

£20

See p15

IAIN DALE AND STEVE RICHARDS Friday 24 July

4pm – 5.30pm

Pavilion Arts Centre

£14

3 for 2: Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair & Have I Said Too Much?

Buxton regular and LBC presenter Iain Dale and journalist and author Steve Richards will be ‘in conversation’ to discuss their respective short biographies of two of our most recent prime ministers – Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair.

Thirty-five years after Thatcher was ousted, and nearly twenty years since Tony Blair was replaced, Iain and Steve will explain why both ex-premiers have influenced today’s politics and why younger generations should understand their legacies. Steve will also talk to Iain about his newly published autobiography Have I Said Too Much?, which tells all about his life in politics and the media.

Iain is the author or editor of more than 60 books on politics and presents the evening show on LBC Radio. Steve is a former political editor of The Independent and hosts the Rock ‘n’ Roll Politics podcast.

SONG AT SIX 78

Friday 24 July

6pm

Bandstand at Pavilion Gardens

FREE

See p17

2026 9 – 26 July

Friday 24 July Talk: 6pm – 6.25pm

Performance: 7.15pm – 10pm

Buxton Opera House

See p19

FRIDAY 24 JULY

THE MERRY WIDOW

BLIND MONK TRIO Friday 24 July Doors 9.30pm / Music 10pm – Late The Old Clubhouse £15 Bob Whittaker - Tenor Sax Hugo Harrison - Bass Johnny Hunter - Drums Blind Monk is an energetic Liverpoolbased group known for their original, quirky sound blending the moods of Coltrane and Led Zeppelin. They are part of the great history of classic sax/bass/drums trios (Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, FLY, J.D. Allen Trio), bringing their vicious brand of fierce, piano-less Jazz to the music of Thelonious Monk.

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

79

SATURDAY 25 JULY

CAROLINE MOOREHEAD Saturday 25 July

10am – 11am

Pavilion Arts Centre

£14

A Sicilian Man: Leonardo Sciascia, the Rise of the Mafia and the Struggle for Italy’s Soul Corruption, sleaze and violence were woven into the fabric of twentieth-century Sicilian life, as the Mafia rose to dominance; this is the story of one man who stood in opposition. In 1986, the largest Mafia trial in Italy’s history took place in Sicily. The maxi-processo saw 471 men and 4 women take the stand, accused of kidnapping, extortion, drug trafficking and many thousands of murders.

Sitting in the galley was Leonardo Sciascia. One of the greatest European writers of the twentieth century, he had published the first Mafia novel, The Day of the Owl, in 1961, and was widely seen by Italians as a true moral figure in a country where corruption had seeped into every corner of public and private life. Prize-winning historian Caroline charts Sciascia’s life against the rise of the Mafia, and lays out the thrilling and devastating struggle that ensued for Italy’s soul.

JACK HANCHER GUITAR

Saturday 25 July

11.15am – 12.15 pm

St John's Church

General £27, Balcony £22

Jack Hancher is a rising star of the classical guitar. In 2022, he won the prestigious Gold Medal of the Royal Overseas League Competition at London's Wigmore Hall, becoming just the third guitarist to win the award. This was preceded in 2021 by a tour of several European Guitar Festivals as a EuroStrings Artist. In 2024, he released his debut album The Memory Garden on the Deux-Elles label to critical acclaim.

'A guitarist with youthful intensity tempered by sophisticated musical intelligence' - Gramophone C Debussy 'La Fille Aux Cheveux de Lin' * C Debussy 'The Little Shepherd' * C Debussy Danse Bohémienne * M de Falla Homenaje M Ravel Pavane Pour Une Infante Défunte * M Ravel A la Manière de Borodine *

VERA BRITTAIN, BUXTON AND A TESTAMENT TO LOST YOUTH 80

F Mompou Canción No.6* I Albéniz Capricho Catalan* E Satie Gymnopédie No.1* A José Sonata for Guitar * transcribed by Jack Hancher

Saturday 25 July

11.30am – 1pm

Meet at Devonshire Dome reception

£20

See p15

2026 9 – 26 July

SATURDAY 25 JULY IAIN DALE WITH DEBORAH HAYNES AND THE GENERALS GENERAL LORD RICHARD DANNATT, GENERAL SIR RICHARD BARRONS, MAJOR GENERAL TIM CROSS Saturday 25 July

12.30pm – 2pm

Buxton Opera House

£17

The Generals A third world war has never looked more likely. Iain's new book The Generals' profiles 64 historical and contemporary military leaders from the UK, the USA and around the world. He will be joined on a panel by three British military leaders – General Lord Richard Dannatt, former head of the British Army, General Sir Richard Barrons, Commander, Joint Forces Command and Major General Tim Cross, Commanding Officer, Theatre Troops, Iraq. Also on the panel is Deborah Haynes, Security & Defence Editor for Sky News, and the creator of The War Game podcast series, in which politicians and military figures ‘wargame’ an attack from Russia. The panel will discuss the art of ‘generalship’ in modern warfare, learning the lessons of history and they will then talk about the current military threats to the UK and how to deal with them.

LE DERNIER SORCIER

Saturday 25 July

1.30pm – 3.05pm

See p25

Pavilion Arts Centre

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

81

SATURDAY 25 JULY

ALASTAIR MILES AND MARIE-NOËLLE KENDALL BASS AND PIANO Saturday 25 July

3pm – 4.20pm

St John's Church

General £27, Balcony £22

Alastair Miles is one of the UK’s most renowned singers, in opera and concerts worldwide. He was honoured by the Worshipful Company of Musicians with the Charles Santley Award in 2024.

"The finest British bass of his generation" - The Guardian Marie-Noëlle Kendall is much in demand as a performer and teacher. Her solo work includes concertos and recitals around the world. Chamber music has also been a big part of her musical life. '...matches her singer all the way...' - Opera Now J Brahms Four Serious Songs Op. 121 J Ibert Chansons de Don Quichotte (Don Quixote songs) INTERVAL R Strauss - Four Songs, Op. 87 G Finzi Four settings of Thomas Hardy

PETER APPS Saturday 25 July

4pm – 5pm

Pavilion Arts Centre

£14

The Next World War: The new age of global conflict and the fight to stop it Peter Apps is global affairs commentator at Reuters and a British Army reservist.

Exploring how the globalised world of the 1990s and 2000s has given way to the much more volatile face-offs of the 2020s, Peter goes behind the scenes in the corridors of power in Washington, Whitehall, Moscow and Beijing. He profiles the fights already happening to examine what could be the worst to come and the military and diplomatic battle to prevent that escalation. For some, this new era is already a reality. For others, such as European citizens being told to stockpile bottled water or who face possible conscription, it is coming ever closer. But for an unpredictable US and its nervous allies, this growing set of international confrontations from the Arctic to the Philippines represent likely the greatest threat yet to the world the West has built.

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2026 9 – 26 July

LA TRAVIATA

Talk: 6pm – 6.25pm

Buxton Opera House

See p21

Performance: 7.15pm – 10pm

PETE ROTH TRIO

FEATURING BILL BRUFORD Saturday 25 July

Doors 7.30pm / Music 8pm – 9.45pm

Pavilion Arts Centre

£25

Pete Roth - Guitar Mike Pratt - Bass Bill Bruford - Drums

SATURDAY 25 JULY

Saturday 25 July

The Pete Roth Trio creates intimate, interactive and improvised music for a new generation of enthusiasts. Roth’s original compositions, such as 'Dancing with Grace', the trio’s collaborative works, 'Part of the Charm' or 'Looking Forward to Looking Back,' and their reinterpretation of masterworks like Dvořák’s 'Largo from Symphony No. 9,' offer just a few gateways into the creative sphere of the Pete Roth Trio.

Expect the unexpected!

'It’s not retro. It’s not comfortable. It’s just brilliantly unruly.' - Fasching Club, Stockholm

FESTIVAL MASS

Sunday 26 July

11am – 12.30pm

St John's Church

Free, Donations Welcome

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

See p17

83

Join the Friends of Buxton International Festival Today Welcome One of the benefits of being

Chairman of the Friends is that I have the privilege of talking to Michael Williams about his plans for who will be coming to the Festival whilst they are still in the stage of development. So, I sit in his office saying 'Wow!' and 'That’s fantastic!' before almost anybody else gets to say it. Not all of his plans come to fruition, so sometimes I get to be disappointed. But most of them do, and so there will be plenty for you also to say 'Wow!' and 'That’s fantastic!' about in the brochure for 2026.

The two Friends' Days are on Wednesday 15th and 22nd July. I’m delighted that these days have become ever more popular as word about them gets around the Friends. But whether you are a Friend or not, do all come along to the Crescent’s beautiful Assembly Rooms between 11am and 3pm to hear short recitals from members of our Young Artists’ and Young Musicians’ programmes, see the display of Festival-related material, and have a chat

over a tea or coffee. The events are free, and all are welcome. On Wednesday 22nd we will have the special recital Colour my Song by the winners of the Williams-Howard Prize, which is also free to attend, at 1.45pm. The two days round off with our ‘Meet the Artists’ receptions from 5-6pm in the Assembly Rooms.

For our Next Generation Friends, don’t forget you can attend any book event for just £5 and other events for £10.

The support of the Friends makes the Buxton International Festival special. Thank you, as ever.

Tony Parsons Chair, Friends of Buxton International Festival

Next Generation Friends

Next Generation Song at Six performances See P17.

Details will be sent to all Next Generation Friends in due course.

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Annual Membership starts from just

£36

nd er

Next Generation Friends Social at The Clubhouse, Buxton followed by The Merry Widow Friday 17 July

rU

Ruth Silver Next Generation Friends Scheme Lead

35’s

2026 is an exciting year for the Next Generation Friends. Our ever popular reduced ticket offer returns, with events bookable from just £5. The scheme has also been expanded to allow for a deeper and more meaningful engagement with the festival’s artistic life, with social events, performance opportunities and other ways to get involved. This marks a new two-way relationship with our young Friends. The Next Generation Friends scheme reflects our commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists, audiences, and advocates, and we are proud to place it at the heart of the festival’s future.

f ee Or is fr

o

2026 9 – 26 July

JOINING OUR COMMUNITY UNLOCKS A WHOLE HOST OF BENEFITS: • Priority booking for all Festival events • Six tiers of membership starting from just £36

• Regular newsletters during the year - via email and post • Be the first to hear exclusive festival news & announcements

NEXT GENERATION FRIENDS Under 35’s can get tickets from £5 with our Next Generation membership –

which is free to join.

To join, go to

buxtonfestival. co.uk/friends.

• Invites to special events throughout the year, including meals, recitals, and afternoon teas

FRIENDS’ DAYS DURING THE FESTIVAL Wednesday 15 July and Wednesday 22 July 11am – 3pm The Assembly Rooms at the Buxton Crescent Hotel FREE You are warmly invited to the majestic Assembly Rooms at the Buxton Crescent Hotel each Wednesday of the Festival. Members of The Friends of BIF will be hosting free events throughout the day, alongside tea and coffee.

Drop by to enjoy live music, the Festival display and the chance to find out more about this thriving organisation.

Assembly Rooms

UPCOMING

EVENTS all welcome

Use of the Assembly Rooms are kindly made available by

LOWRY’S LAMPS BY RICHARD MAYSON

HARPSICHORD RECITAL

BY DELLAL MCDONALD

Friday 13 March 2026

Saturday 18 April 2026

Thursday 11 June 2026

10.30am–12pm

2pm–4.30pm

12pm–3.30pm

Thorneycroft, Buxton

The Cloister House, Blithfield, Admaston

Snitterton Hall, Matlock

£10 Join us for a coffee morning where Richard Mayson, an expert on painter L.S. Lowry, will discuss his book, Lowry’s Lamps. Richard, who grew up in Lowry’s home village of Mottram-in-Longdendale, argues that Lowry’s interest in lamps went beyond simple background elements, eventually becoming subjects in their own right in his later, more contemplative paintings.

He further compares Lowry’s artistic representation of street furniture with the actual appearance of streets in Salford and Manchester, illustrating the artist’s unique interpretation and the changes over time. Coffee and biscuits will be served.

£45

Join us for an afternoon tea at The Cloister House, where Dellal McDonald will entertain with a harpsichord recital of mainly French Baroque music with a generous helping of German Baroque – perhaps Bach or Handel, or both! Dellal says, 'I have been on a wonderful journey since taking up the harpsichord after a lifetime of playing the piano, and … the discovery of mostly French composers whose music encapsulates such charm, pathos and drama'.

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

LUNCH AT SNITTERTON HALL

£45

Join us for a recital of Baroque opera arias by singers from the BIF Young Artists Programme, followed by a lunch in the beautiful gardens.

Visit buxtonfestival.co.uk/friends for more information on our events and how to join.

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WHERE TO STAY

86

STAY

VISIT

EAT

LEE WOOD HOTEL

HAWTHORN FARM B&B & Lavender Cottage (Self Catering)

QUEEN’S HEAD HOTEL & PUBLIC HOUSE

Set in its own mature grounds, this elegant Georgian hotel is situated only a few minutes’ walk from the centre of the spa town and its famous opera house. Family owned for 56 years, our 4-star hotel offers high quality accommodation and award-winning dining.

A 16th-century Grade 2-listed farmhouse full of character. One of the oldest buildings in Buxton, originally owned by the Duke of Devonshire, now with its fifth owners. We have four B&B rooms, two in the farmhouse and two in the barn conversion. Lavender Cottage for six people and Walnut Cottage for four people are both self-catering. There is free on-site parking and we are within walking distance of the town centre.

The Queen’s Head Hotel offers bed and breakfast in our newly built accommodation rooms and in a converted stable block, both at the rear of our premises. All 13 of our rooms have central heating, en-suite bathrooms, tea/coffee making facilities and Sky’s ‘in-room’ TV service. Larger groups requiring accommodation are welcome but it’s best to call with your requirements.

01298 23002 The Park Buxton SK17 6TQ leewoodhotel.co.uk

01298 23230 Fairfield Road Buxton SK17 7ED hawthornfarmbuxton.co.uk

01298 23841 High Street Buxton SK17 6EU queensbuxton.co.uk

ROSELEIGH GUEST HOUSE

BIGGIN HALL

THE PALACE HOTEL & SPA

Only a 5-minute scenic walk from Buxton Opera House, located on Broadwalk, this Victorian 13-bedroom, family-run guesthouse built in 1871 overlooks the Pavilion Gardens and ornamental lake of which the superb landscaping was developed between 1861 and the early 1870s. Free residents’ parking for up to nine cars. Please visit our website for comprehensive virtual room tours.

Biggin Hall has 21 en-suite bedrooms. It is situated in the Peak District National Park just a 20-minute drive from the heart of the Festival. There are 13 dogfriendly rooms in the converted outbuildings and 8 rooms in the main hall. Biggin Hall also features an award-winning restaurant. Book directly for our best available fair.

Situated in over 5 acres of landscaped gardens since 1868 with a central location in the historic spa town of Buxton.

01298 24904 19 Broad Walk Buxton SK17 6JR enquiries@roseleighhotel.co.uk roseleighhotel.co.uk

01298 84451 Biggin-by-Hartington Buxton SK17 ODH enquiries@bigginhall.co.uk bigginhall.co.uk

01298 767000 Palace Road Buxton SK17 6AG theelitevenueselection.co.uk/ourhotels/palace-hotel-spa-buxton

Enjoy a spot of lunch, pre-theatre meal or dinner in the lovely Dovedale Restaurant or perhaps indulge in afternoon tea in our delightful conservatory.

Sit back and relax after a busy day by visiting one of our on site bars.

2026 9 – 26 July

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WHERE TO VISIT

STAY

VISIT

EAT

BUXTON BUXTONCRESCENT CRESCENT EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE

ISLA FINE ART CARDS AND GIFTS

JOHN WHIBLEY ‘HOLIDAYS WITH MUSIC’

Book your tickets today for the Buxton Crescent Experience.

Located in Buxton’s stunning Crescent building, the tour will immerse visitors, both young and old in Buxton’s unique history.

The interactive exhibits celebrate the enduring appeal of the town’s Georgian past, its spa & mineral springs, famous visitors and how they’ve shaped Buxton today.

Aimed at the discerning customer, Isla Fine Art Cards & Gifts stocks a carefully curated range of beautiful and stylish gifts and cards alongside a selection of art by local artists and artisans. If you are looking for something a bit different in Buxton then this is the shop for you.

Since 1999 John Whibley 'Holidays with Music' have taken thousands of music and opera lovers on hundreds of Musical Holidays across Europe, America and the UK. Our 2026 season offers a wide range of opera, orchestral, chamber music and festival holidays to choose from. Please contact us for a brochure or find all the information on our website:

01298 214 577 The Crescent Buxton, SK17 6BH buxtoncrescentexperience.com

01298 938492 4b & 5 The Colonnade Buxton SK17 6AL isla@isladirect.co.uk isladirect.co.uk

THE GALLERY

The Gallery is an independent Artist Cooperative, run entirely by it’s members. Showing Fine Art paintings and prints, designer jewellery, innovative textile and glass work, photography, sculpture, ceramics, wood and metalwork, as well as handmade soaps, and a wide range of affordable gifts and cards. Browsers and visitors always welcome.

12 High Street New Mills SK22 4AL facebook.com/newmillsgallery

01663 746 578 john@whibley.co.uk whibley.co.uk

CRICH TRAMWAY VILLAGE

Crich Tramway Village is home to the National Tramway Museum, situated in the heart of Derbyshire.

Vintage trams transport you along the traditional village street into open countryside. Your admission includes unlimited tram rides, entry to exhibitions, the woodland walk and sculpture trail. Watch our expert craftsmen restoring the vintage trams from the viewing gallery.

SMH Bullock Woodburn, based in Buxton, offers comprehensive accountancy and financial services to individuals and businesses.

The team has been providing trusted support since 1882, delivering expert and tailored advice to help people meet their financial goals.

01298 22108 bullockwoodburn@smh.group www.smh.group/bullockwoodburn

01773 854321 enquiry@tramway.co.uk tramway.co.uk

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

89

K IRK ER MU S IC FE S T I VAL S F OR DI S C E R N I NG T R AV E L L E RS Our unique programme of Kirker Music Festivals offers small group holidays with an atmosphere akin to a country house party, with exclusive concerts each evening, private drinks parties and dinner in the company of the musicians.This year we will be joined by some of the finest international chamber musicians, who will perform in beautiful settings: from Lady Walton’s garden on the island of Ischia, to the the idyllic Sussex countryside, the unspoiled north coast of Tenerife and subtropical Madeira.

THE KIRKER MUSIC FESTIVAL IN ISCHIA

THE KIRKER MUSIC FESTIVAL IN ALFRISTON

A SEVEN NIGHT HOLIDAY | 9 OCTOBER 2026

A THREE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 9 NOVEMBER 2026

Our annual visit to the beautiful and verdant island of Ischia in the Bay of Naples is a highlight in the Kirker calendar. Sir William Walton and his wife Susana lived here for many years, and it is where Lady Walton created what is today one of the world’s most famous gardens.This year we will be accompanied by the Carducci String Quartet, bassist Levi Andreassen, pianists Thomas Luke and Charles Owen, as well as Kirker’s Director of Music, violist Simon Rowland-Jones.

We are returning to Alex and Olga Polizzi’s hotel in the picturesque and historic village of Alfriston for our popular autumn escape. The Star is a superbly-managed and welcoming hotel with elegant accommodation and delicious cuisine. Music is at the core of our stay at The Star, with three concerts in the Old Chapel by pianist Daniel Lebhardt and violist and composer Simon Rowland-Jones, and two talks in the Pilgrim’s Room in the hotel. There will be time to explore the stunning Sussex coastline and the South Downs, with maps for Alex Polizzi’s favourite walks available.

Price from £3,598 (single supp. £560) for seven nights including return flights, seven dinners, six private concerts, and a private guided tour of La Mortella Garden

Price from £1,697 (single supp. £360) for three nights including three dinners, three concerts, and talks with the artists

THE KIRKER MUSIC FESTIVAL IN MADEIRA

A SIX NIGHT HOLIDAY | 24 NOVEMBER 2026

THE KIRKER MUSIC FESTIVAL IN TENERIFE A SEVEN NIGHT HOLIDAY | 23 JANUARY 2027

Our Kirker Madeira Music Festival combines winter sunshine with private concerts and exotic gardens. Staying at one of Europe’s most famous hotels, the historic 5* deluxe Reid’s Palace, we will enjoy exclusive concerts each evening and explore this island’s astonishing range of plants, trees and shrubs which cover the dramatic volcanic landscape. We will be joined by renowned pianist Melvyn Tan, the Sacconi Quartet and violist and composer and Kirker music director Simon Rowland-jones.

Escape from the rigours of the British winter for a week of music-making in the subtropical Canary Islands. We return to Tenerife for our exclusive festival, staying at the splendid 5* Hotel Botanico surrounded by lush gardens in Puerto de la Cruz. Mass tourism is far away from where we will be staying and our tour will show you the island’s unspoilt, volcanic landscape, well-preserved colonial villages and lush gardens.

The intinerary includes a guided tour of Mount Teide National Park, and a visit to the picturesque villages of Masca with its 17th-century Franciscan convent and La Orotova.

Tenerife’s Botanical Garden is opposite the hotel. We will be joined by the esteemed Ensemble 360.

Price fom £4,989 (single supp. £894) for six nights including return flights, five concerts, four dinners and two lunches

Price from £4,387 (single supp. £797) for seven nights including return flights, four dinners, and six concerts

Prices are per person based on two people sharing and include accommodation with breakfast, meals as described, a full programme of sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities and the services of the Kirker Tour Leader.

Speak to an expert:

020 7593 2284 www.kirkerholidays.com

42 High Street, Buxton SK17 6HB SECONDHAND BOOKS & BOOKBINDING Mon–Sat 10.00 to 5.00 Sun 12.00 to 4.00

Telephone: 01298 73100

scrivbooks@hotmail.co.uk books@scrivenersbooks.co.uk www.scrivenersbooks.co.uk www.scrivenersbooks.co.uk In the Guardian’s 10 Best Bookshops

Buxton Festival Advert-v2.indd 1

10/01/2019 09:

CALL 01298 71017 HIGHPEAKBOOKSTORE.CO.UK

WHERE TO VISIT

STAY

VISIT

EAT

JANTAR

DAVID MELLOR

Jantar jewellery, located within the Cavendish Arcade, specialising in sterling silver, Baltic Amber, local Derbyshire Blue John and unique gemstones for over 20 years. With timeless classics and incredible statement pieces, it's a treasure trove not to be missed.

Modern design in the Peak District National Park.

Visit the famous David Mellor Cutlery Factory, Design Museum, Café and Shop for the best in modern tableware and kitchenware. The free museum shows Mellor’s historic designs, from teaspoons to traffic lights.

01298 73116 Unit 3, Cavendish Arcade Buxton SK17 6BQ Jantar.co.uk

01433 650220 The Round Building Hathersage S32 1BA davidmellordesign.co.uk

BUXTON FRINGE 2026 8-26 JULY * *

*

Music Theatre Comedy Dance Visual Arts Film Street Theatre Spoken Word

*

Children’s Events

*

* & more!

www.buxtonfringe.org.uk DOWNLOAD THE FREE BUXTON FRINGE APP!

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2026 9 – 26 July

Gallery in the Gardens

The largest selection of locally made art & craft in the High Peak.

Located in the Pavilion Gardens - 23 acres of beautiful parkland.

Visit 'Art in the Octagon' 13th, 14th & 15th July, 10am-5pm

Our annual art extravaganza. 30 exhibitors all demonstrating their work.

Venue: The Octagon, Pavilion Gardens, Buxton. Free entry!

Open daily, check website for details.

HighPeakArtists

High Peak Artists @ Gallery in the Gardens

@HighPeakArtists

Pavilion Gardens, St John’s Rd, Buxton, SK17 6BE

galleryinthegardens

Tel: 07849 673058 galleryinthegardens.co.uk

WHERE TO EAT

STAY

VISIT

EAT

LUBENS

LA GABY PIZZERIA

A small independent bar & kitchen located a few minutes’ walk from Buxton Opera House. Open daily from 11.30am until late, serving local cask ales, a full range of wines & spirits alongside a varied and seasonal food menu. Relaxing, friendly atmosphere. Reservations welcomed.

We nurture our dough for over 48h to create an airy, light, easily digestible crust. The result is a traditional Neopolitan style pizza prepared in front of you and fired in an authentic Italian brick oven. We are proud to propose a real pizza, with a real atmosphere.

Authentic pizza, made by hand and with heart, passion and time.

01298 384394 8a Hall Bank Buxton SK17 6EW facebook.com/lubensbuxton lubensbuxton.co.uk

01298 72577 3 Spring Gardens Buxton SK17 6BJ lagabypizza.com

No.6 The Square

We are proud to support Buxton International Festival.

Buxton Tearooms & Accommodation with a Georgian Flavour.

Relax and enjoy morning coffee, light meals or a traditional afternoon tea in the elegant surroundings of No.6, a glass of Fizz perhaps?

You can find us opposite the exquisite Opera House and parkland of the Pavilion Gardens.

We have four double rooms with ensuite facilities. Also a self-contained ground floor apartment at No.7.

Email reservations@no6tearooms.co.uk Book Online at www.no6tearooms.co.uk

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Open every day 9am to 8pm Telephone 01298 213 541

2026 9 – 26 July

TAKE PART Learning and Participation BIF Engage is the Buxton International Festival’s Learning and Participation programme, a year-round initiative to provide people all over the High Peak with opportunities to get involved with music and the arts.

The programme is made possible thanks to the funding we receive as a National Portfolio Organisation of Arts Council England and the generous contributions from individuals, trusts, foundations, and companies, ensuring its continued impact on the community.

For more information on how you can get involved, please visit our website or email joe.clarkson@buxtonfestival.co.uk

UPCOMING

EVENTS

Space Day: Earth Tuesday 2 June 2026 Pavilion Arts centre Join 150 Year 5 Pupils as they premiere their new composition inspired by the wonders of Planet Earth.

Written by award-winning composer Sam Kane, conductor

University of Manchester Outreach Society and Opera

We are delighted to partner with the University of Manchester to deliver a series of interactive workshops for young people across Buxton. Throughout the

Kaleidoscope Community Choir Tuesdays 1pm – 2pm £5 online/ at the door Buxton Methodist Church If you love to sing, then come and join our friendly Kaleidoscope Choir. From choral classics and favourite hymns to pop and folk, you don’t have to audition or read music to be part of the choir. Just come along for an hour of singing led by the amazing Bella Hardy in the Buxton Methodist Church each Tuesday from 1pm.

Tom Newall, and an orchestra of professional musicians.

Year 5 pupils will embark on a creative adventure, exploring the mysteries of Earth and turning them into original compositions.

The journey will be brought to life by broadcaster Keelan Carew, who will present the journey behind the music.

year, we will visit local schools to explore the world of musical instruments. Introducing students to musicians, their instruments, and the unique sounds they create. These sessions are designed to inspire curiosity, encourage active listening, and deepen understanding of musical expression.

School Arts Award

We believe that every young person should have the opportunity to experience a highquality music education. In Buxton, we support over 200 children each year with access to music tuition, helping many of them progress to achieve their Arts Award Discover qualification.

Arts Award is a nationally recognised qualification that introduces young people to music and the wider arts. It encourages participation, exploration, and personal development through the arts.

Arts Award is managed

by Trinity College London in partnership with Arts Council England, and provides a valuable foundation for young people to grow in confidence, creativity, and a lifelong engagement with the arts.

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

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Buxton festival ad 2022.indd 2

21/11/2022 14:08

OUR SUPPORTERS Buxton International Festival and artists are grateful for the support of the following:

FUNDERS

CORPORATE PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS

TRUSTS AND FOUNDATIONS

LG Harris Charitable Trust

SPECIAL THANKS TO

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

97

OPERA HOUSE EVENING

RM

Events from 12pm – late See website for opera end times

Please reserve wheelchair spaces and PIR systems with the Box Office.

F N

O

BUXTON OPERA HOUSE

ATIO N

VENUE INFORMATION

SI ACCES

Access Information Buxton Opera House, a beautiful Edwardian building, is only partially accessible to wheelchair users and does not have a lift. Unfortunately, it cannot be accessed by motorised scooters. There are 3 wheelchair spaces available in the stalls, and there is an accessible toilet at ground floor level.

Stage

Hearing Loops There are a limited number of passive infra-red (PIR) systems in both Buxton Opera House and Pavilion Arts Centre. Please reserve one when booking your ticket over the phone – a £10 cash deposit is required on collection. There is also an induction loop system available at the counter of both Box Offices.

Stalls A-C Stalls D-N Stalls O-Q Dress Circle boxes Dress Circle Sides Dress Circle centre Upper Circle sides Upper Circle

01298 72190

Gallery

Water Street, Buxton, SK17 6XN customerservice@boh.org.uk BUXTON OPERA HOUSE La traviata and The Merry Widow and Amadigi di Gaula

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PAVILION ARTS CENTRE

La clemenza di Tito

La liberazione di Ruggiero and Le dernier Sorcier General admission £56

Stalls A-C

£64

£41

Stalls D - N

£76

£49

Stalls O-Q

£50

£33

Dress Circle sides

£92

£59

Dress Circle centre

£98

£64

Dress Circle boxes

£92

£59

Upper Circle centre

£59

£39

Upper Circle sides

£27

£22

Upper Circle Boxes

£27

£22

Gallery

£27

£22

2026 9 – 26 July

VENUE

BOOKING

Stage

Stage

TRAVEL

Stage Ground Floor

Stalls

1

5

6

Bleacher 3

2

Balcony unreserved

Balcony

4

7

PAVILION ARTS CENTRE

ST JOHN’S CHURCH

OCTAGON AT PAVILION GARDENS

Events from

Events from

Events from

10am – 10.30pm

11am – 10pm

Access Information Two wheelchair spaces available in the bleachers.

Passive infra-red (PIR) systems available for performances with £10 cash deposit.

22 St John’s Road Buxton SK17 6XN

THE ASSEMBLY ROOMS

Access Information Fully accessible by wheelchair, apart from the Balcony.

6 St John’s Road Buxton SK17 6XN

Events from 10am – 6pm Access Information Accessible entrance through the main doors of Buxton Crescent Hotel. Lift available to upper floors.

01298 808999 Buxton Crescent Hotel Buxton SK17 6BQ

THE PUMP ROOM

THE PALACE HOTEL

2.30pm – 10pm Access Information Fully accessible.

St John’s Road Buxton SK17 6BE

Events from 12.30pm – late Access Information Fully accessible via rear entrance.

01298 22001 Palace Road Buxton SK16 6AG

POOLE’S CAVERN

Events from 6pm – 7pm Access Information Fully accessible to all 01298 214577 The Crescent Buxton SK17 5BQ

Events from 5pm – 6.45pm Access Information Wheelchair users can access the main chamber of the cave, but the remaining path is not accessible for those with mobility issues. There are dedicated parking bays for blue badge holders. Toilet facilities are fully accessible.

01298 26978 Green Lane SK17 9DH

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

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BOOKING INFORMATION PUBLIC BOOKING OPENS AT 10AM TUESDAY 14 APRIL 2026.

Priority booking for the Friends of Buxton International Festival opens on a staggered basis from 10am on Tuesday 17 March.

HOW TO BOOK: Our booking service is run

by Buxton Opera House.

You can book online, by telephone, or in person at the Box Office.

Online: buxtonoperahouse.org.uk By telephone: 01298 72190

In Person: at the Box Office at Buxton Opera House, Water Street, Buxton, SK17 6XN For more information email: customerservice@boh.org.uk

BOX OFFICE OPENING TIMES Tuesday to Friday: 10am – 6pm (8pm on performance days) Saturday 12pm – 6pm (8pm on performance days) Sunday to Monday: Closed (4pm – 8pm on performance days)

VENUE

BOOKING

TRAVEL

TICKET TYPES Adult Full price Under 35s £5 tickets for book events and £10 tickets to all other events are available to Next Generation Friends. Join the scheme for free at buxtonfestival.co.uk/friends. Proof of age required for each ticket at the Box Office.

Carer tickets Free tickets are available for registered carers reserved alongside a full price ticket. Please reserve with the Box Office by email or phone.

Ticket availability at venues Tickets for venues other than the Opera House can be bought at the door half an hour before each event, unless sold out.

Changes to Programme We publish any cancellations, or changes to the music programme or to the cast of the operas or musical on buxtonfestival.co.uk and on social media. Refunds will not be given if there is a change to either the musical works performed or if a cast member is replaced. All information in this brochure is correct at the time of going to press.

Refunds Tickets cannot be refunded or exchanged, unless an event is cancelled. We strongly advise you take out insurance when you purchase tickets to any of our events. Postage charges are nonrefundable Gift Vouchers

OF

FERS

*

BIF Gift Vouchers make the perfect gift for a Festival-lover. Order them now from our website or by phoning 01298 70395.

SPECIAL

10% OFF when

you book 3 out of 4 selected operas

Choose from: Amadigi di Gaula, Le dernier sorcier, La liberazione di Ruggiero, La clemenza di Tito *Only one offer applies. Does not include Under 35’s tickets

JAZZ WEEKENDER TICKETS One weekend ticket provides access to 12 gigs across the opening weekend, making it one of the best value ways to experience the Festival’s vibrant offering. Day passes are also available Visit buxtonfestival.co.uk/whats-on/ jazz-weekender for more information.

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

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16

Railway Station Car Park - SK17 6AQ

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Sylvan Car Park - SK17 6BY

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Market Place Car Park - SK17 6EQ

2026 9 – 26 July

hwood Park

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VENUE

BOOKING

TRAVEL

BY CAR Buxton is approximately one hour’s drive from the M1, M6, Manchester, Sheffield, Nottingham and Derby. If you are using Sat Nav, please use the postcode SK17 6XN for Buxton Opera House and SK17 6BE for the Pavilion Arts Centre.

Please allow extra travel time on Carnival Day, Saturday 11 July, as some road closures will be in place.

PARKING AND ACCESSIBLE PARKING There is limited pay and display parking outside Buxton Opera House with two disabled parking spaces in The Square (Water Street) and it is possible to offload adjacent to the forecourt.

Pay and display parking is also available at Pavilion Gardens car park, off Burlington Road, with eight disabled car parking bays. The car park is approximately 320 metres from the Opera House and 160 metres from the Pavilion Arts Centre.

A little further away are the car parks behind the Spring Gardens Shopping Centre, with 26 disabled parking spaces and Sylvan Car Park with four disabled car parking bays.

For events at Poole’s Cavern, there is a Pay and Display parking area for 80 vehicles, with dedicated parking bays for blue badge holders.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING There are electric vehicle charging points at Morrisons Supermarket, SK17 9TB, and Sylvan Car Park at the end of Spring Gardens, SK17 6BY.

BY RAIL Avanti West Coast runs direct trains from Euston to Macclesfield in less than 2 hours, plus a 20-minute taxi ride, or change at Stockport for trains to Buxton.

There are direct services from Manchester Piccadilly and Stockport by Northern Rail.

BY BUS Direct services from Ashbourne, Derby, Glossop, Leek, Macclesfield, Sheffield and Stockport.

Derbybus.info / Traveline.info.

BY AIR Manchester Airport is approximately 45 minutes away by taxi/car. The Skyline 199 bus runs between Manchester Airport and Buxton and is a 40- to 90-minute journey depending on stops. Visit highpeakbuses.com for more information.

Please check gov.uk for travel advice.

Brochure designed by: Ginger Nut Creative Illustrations by: Patrick Boyer

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • ONLINE buxtonfestival.co.uk

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