AGENDA

Our pick of events and places to visit in East Anglia during the summer

Our selection of summer festivals

LATITUDE

Henham Park

20th-23rd July

Set within the stunning surrounds of Henham Park, Latitude may have once gone under the radar in terms of summer music festivals but no longer. For over 15 years it has lined up the most diverse array of music, dance, comedy, poetry, theatre, literature, podcasts, family activities and wellness. This year’s offering seems to have the middle aged music fan in mind with Pulp, The Proclaimers, Lightning Seeds, James and Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott headlining. There’s the ever catchy hits of George Ezra to enjoy too. You want comedy? Romesh Ranganathan, Sara Roscoe and James Acaster will be making an appearance. And watch out for the pink sheep.

CAMBRIDGE FOLK FESTIVAL

Cherry Hinton Hall Park

27th-30th July

One of the longest running and most prestigious folk festivals in the world. The festival mixes an eclectic host of quality artists ( this year they include Kiefer Sutherland, The Proclaimers, Judy Collins and Rufus Wainwright) with activities to suit everyone such as tai-chi, instrument making, sculpting, drawing and sewing.

NORFOLK and NORWICH FESTIVAL

Various venues

12th-28th May

A festival that transforms the county’s public spaces, city streets, performance venues, parks, forests and beaches, bringing people together to experience inspirational events. It spans music,

Hedingham Castle hosts the EA Festival theatre, literature, visual arts, circus, dance and free outdoor events. More at nnfestival.org.uk

THE CAMBRIDGE CLUB FESTIVAL

Childerley Orchard, Cambridge

9th-11th June

Prepare for a ‘weekend of wonder’ with this disco-flavoured festival. This year’s line up features Lionel Richie, Kool and the Gang, Grace Jones, The Real Thing, Billy Ocean and Sophie Ellis-Bextor as well as other pop, disco, funk, soul and R&B artists. For children there’s the Imagination Station hosting Dick and Dom.

More information and ticket prices at www.cambridgeclub.co.uk

WELLS CARNIVAL

28th July-6th August

Wells-next-the-Sea on the North Norfolk coast enjoys a traditional summer carnival for residents and visitors. A week of family fun and events including a procession around the town featuring floats, fancy-dress, pull-and push-along vehicles and much more.

EA FESTIVAL

Hedingham Castle

10th-11th June

A popular event in the grounds of the castle on the Essex/Suffolk border featuring creative leaders in literature, media, art, environment and music. This year’s speakers and performers include Tristram Hunt, Mark Hedges, Louise Gray, Dipo Faloyin, Luke Harding, Marianna Spring, Justin Webb and Shunta Morimoto.

ELY FOLK FESTIVAL

7th-9th July

Three days of music at one of the UK’s top weekend folk events near the cathedral city of Ely. With on-site camping facilities, a real ale bar, lots of kids activities, morris dancing displays, ceilidhs, workshops and music sessions.

COLCHESTER FOOD AND DRINK

FESTIVAL

Castle Park, Colchester

24th-25th June

Over 120 stalls and bars set in an award winning park. Free tastings and free parking.

Essex

COLCHESTER ROMAN FESTIVAL

Lower Castle Park, Colchester

29th-30th July

Once known by the name Camulodunum, Colchester was the capital of Roman Britain. This two day festival provides an opportunity to learn more about the town's historic heyday. Watch battles between Roman soldiers and the local tribes, gladiatorial displays, falconry and archery. You can also enjoy authentic cooking, crafts, traders and educators at a RomanoBritish market. Food and drink available including honey wine.

Tickets: £8 (adult) children 13 and under go free. £12 weekend passes are also available.

AUDLEY END HOUSE & GARDENS

Saffron Walden

Discover what life was like above and below stairs at one of Britain’s grandest country houses. Wander through the award-winning gardens, remodelled by Capability Brown, or explore the service quarters, state rooms, stables or kitchen garden. On selected dates between May and September visitors will be able to meet the hall’s servants as the past is brought to

Cambridgeshire

IWM DUXFORD SUMMER AIR SHOW

24th & 25th June life in a live, open-air interpretation. Garden tours run throughout the summer. Adding musical entertaiment at Audley

End this summer are Bjorn Again (Aug 4), Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds (Aug 5), Sir Tom Jones (Aug 6) Soft Cell (Aug 11) and Razorlight (Aug 13). Tickets through heritagelive.net

Green Island Gardens

Ardleigh, Essex

Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm

Described as 'a plantsman's paradise', Green Island lies to the north-east of Colchester. Designed by Fiona Edmond, the gardens span 20 acres and are laid out in a structured series with separate themed areas including Japanese, seaside and gravel gardens. Tickets: £9 (adult), £2.50 (child/carer).

AUBREY BUXTON NATURE RESERVE Stansted

Once a wildlife and pleasure park to Norman House, this reserve was donated to Essex Wildlife Trust by the late Lord and Lady Buxton in 1976. It is now a thriving haven for many rare and uncommon species, including the strange-looking Adder’s Tongue Fern and Lesser Lady’s Mantle. The reserve is a patchwork of high woodland where nuthatch and all three species of woodpecker can be seen around the trees, ponds and grasslands that thrive in the sandy and gravel soil. In the summer a vast array of butterfly species flit through the grasses.

England Womens Cricket International

Chelmsford

6th September

Essex’s county ground hosts the summer’s second T20 international between England and Sri Lanka. It’s an evening match. Expect plenty of boundary hitting.

A thrilling day out for aviation enthusiasts, Duxford’s summer air show offers visitors the chance to watch skilled pilots flying in formation and performing daring aerobatic routines (including the Red Arrows). Each show ticket includes access to the museum, where you can see aircraft and other historic modes of transport including boats and tanks up close. You’ll also be able to visit the Battle of Britain exhibitions and the award winning American Air Museum. Tickets yet to be released.

THE GREAT BRITAIN CHORAL FESTIVAL

Ely Cathedral

1st-5th July

A celebration of cathedral classics with English and American folksong. Will feature mixed voice choirs and individual singers.

GIN & RUM FESTIVAL

Peterborough Cathedral

22 & 23rd July

Come and sample over 120 gins and rums plus music and other live entertainment in a majestic setting.

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY

BOTANICAL GARDENS

Brookside, Cambridge

Open daily 10am-6pm until September.

Located within walking distance of Cambridge city centre, the university’s botanical gardens are home to a diverse collection of plants from all around the world. There’s plenty to explore here including rock and bog gardens, a grass maze, water fountains and a range of magnificent glass houses, as well as the Garden Cafe. Tickets: £8 (adult), Cambridge University students and under 16s free.

JESUS GREEN LIDO

Off Chesterton Road, Cambridge

Here’s one to visit if it’s sunny! One of the few remaining examples of the lidos that were built across the country in the 1920s and 30s. It’s the largest pool in Cambridge and one of the longest outdoor pools in the country. It is open from 7am to 7pm every day until 31 October.

Wandlebury Country Park

On the Gog Magog Hills, just south of Cambridge, this beautiful countryside estate offers miles of wonderful walks through woodland and wildflower meadows grazed by Highland cattle. A lovely setting for a picnic or a barbecue, to watch wildlife, or go for a gentle stroll or strenuous hike.

Arctic Monkeys

Carrow Road, Norwich

7th June

Grammy-nominated Sheffield indie rockers fronted by Alex Turner play the home of Norwich City.

Sainsbury Centre

Norwich

All summer

An international art museum with cafes, shop and 350 acre outdoor Sculpture Park. Currently running ‘Empowering Art’ a ground-breaking exhibition of rich but rarely seen artworks, bringing together exceptional contemporary and historical pieces from across the Northwest Coast of North America. It runs until the end of July.

Royal Norfolk Show

Norfolk Showground, Dereham Road, Norwich 28-29th June

With 700 trade stands, over 3000 animals, a packed Grand Ring programme, Norfolk’s biggest food and drink experience and hundreds of attractions there’s something for everyone.

Forest Live Concerts

High Lodge, Thetford

Various dates

Woodland concerts renowned for their relaxed atmosphere and forest backdrops. This summer Tom Grennan hits the stage on Thursday 15th June, Anne-Marie on Friday 16th June, Paul Weller on Saturday 17th June and Jack Savoretti on Sunday 18th June.

More at www.forestyengland.uk

THE HOLT FESTIVAL

Saturday 15th July- Saturday 29th July

From comedy to cuisine, politics to pop, this festival brings the best in music, theatre, fine art and the spoken word. Author and comedian Julian Clary and singer Toyah are amongst this year’s line-up.

Bressingham Gardens

Bressingham

Open daily until 30th October, 10:30am-5pm

Situated halfway between Bury St Edmunds and Norwich, Bressingham is home to a regency hall set in 17 acres of gardens.

Established by Alan Bloom

MBE, a plant expert of international renown, its gardens are known for their colourful islands of perennials and grasses. Visit in summer and enjoy strolling through fairytale drifts of colourful blooms and perhaps a visit to the neighbouring steam museum.

Classic Ibiza

Blickling Estate

5th August

Open air celebration of Ibiza house music with the Urban Soul Orchestra headlining.

LET’S ROCK Norwich

Earlham Park

19th August

Family friendly music events with stars of the 80s such as Bananarama, Happy Mondays, Midge Ure and Heaven 17.

North Norfolk

FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL

Holkham Hall

2nd & 3rd September

Set in the Hall’s walled garden this annual food and drink festival attracts foodies from across East Anglia due to its historic surroundings and the delicious locallyproduced food on sale. You’ll find stalls selling fresh meat and game, vegetables, drinks, baked goods, confectionery and much more. The event also offers some entertainment in the form of its famous theatrical cookery demonstrations, along with face painting and other fun activities for younger visitors. Admission free.

Suffolk

The Suffolk Show

Trinity Park, Ipswich

31st May-1st June

Organised by the Suffolk Agricultural Society, the Suffolk Show celebrates all that the county has to offer. At this huge, two-day event you can sample locally produced food and drink, indulge in a spot of retail therapy or try your hand at a large range of activities such as play the JCB bucket game in the Military Zone. Visitors can view farm machinery and meet thousands of animals, including goats, pigs, cows and rabbits, along with the rare Suffolk Punch.

Tickets: from £30 (adult), £25 (senior citizen), under 15s free.

Nearly Festival

Abbey Gardens, Bury St Edmunds

10th & 11th June landmark. Over 100 skilled reenactors can be found around the manor, authentically recreating daily life as it would have been in that period. You’ll meet workers, villagers, cooks and craftspeople and enjoy traditional music and entertainment as you explore the house, farm, gardens and woodland.

In the continued absence of Bury’s very good Maytime arts festival here’s a chance to watch your favourite artists live on stage in the form of some of the UK’s most talented tribute acts. An affordable and enjoyable day out for all the family, children will love the 'Kidzone' with its rides and activities while grown ups can grab a drink at the ‘pub in the park’ or sample world cuisine at the street food market.

An Evening With Queen

Portman Road Stadium, Ipswich

17th June

Performers from London’s West End, including former stars from the hit musical We Will Rock You, come together to present a tribute to one of the world’s great rock bands. Tickets £20 and the show starts at 6pm.

PRIMADONNA FESTIVAL

Museum of East Anglian Life, Stowmarket 28th-30th July

The Taste Of Sudbury Food

& DRINK FESTIVAL

Kentwell Hall, Long Melford

Saturday 17th June

Over 60 food and drink stalls can be found at this beautiful countryside setting. As well as sampling a range of locally-made delights, visitors will be able to watch some of Suffolk’s best chefs at work and even try their food.

Tickets: £5 (adult), under 18s free. Free parking.

THE TUDOR MANOR - MIDSUMMER

Kentwell Hall, Long Melford

24th June-2rd July

Step back in time for an immersive living history experience as you go back nearly 500 years to meet the Tudors at this historic

A festival for people who love books and ideas, Primadonna provides a platform for women and working class, disabled and BIPOC writers of all genders to share their work. Previous guests have included Sandi Toksvig, Sophie Williams, Catherine Mayer, Bernardine Evaristo and Katy Brand. The festival was named ‘Suffolk’s Best’ at the East Anglian Festival Network’s 2021 awards. Ticket prices vary - call 01449 612229 for more information.

Folkeast

Glemham Hall, Suffolk

19th-21st August

A celebration of song, dance, crafts and musical instruments. Previous line ups have included artists such as Ten Strings and a Goat Skin, The Young'uns, Neil Innes, The Unthanks and Martin Carthy. This year Lindisfarne, Capercaillie, Karen Matheson and Imar are among the acts. Advance weekend tickets are £160, or on the door £180. More at folkeast.co.uk

Suffolk Dog Day

Helmingham Gardens

10th September

This is no ordinary day in the doggy diary,

Helmingham Hall in East Suffolk and its gardens host Suffolk Dog Day later this summer but a day to celebrate our furry friends in all their guises. There are fun dog classes with great prizes, agility, dog scurry and lots of attractions and trade stands to keep everyone entertained. The event supports St Elizabeth Hospice.

ALDEBURGH FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL Snape

Maltings

23rd and 24th September

An early autumn festival beside the River Alde that promotes and supports Suffolkbased producers, farmers and products, celebrating the diversity and entrepreneurship of the county. Full of masterclasses, demos, talks, eating, drinking, activities, film premieres, and more.

All summer

Fullers Mill Garden

West Stow, nr Bury St Edmunds

Open (until 29th October) Wednesdays

2pm-5pm/Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11am5pm

A 15 minute drive from Bury St Edmunds, Fullers Mill comprises seven acres of gardens and woodland on the banks of the River Lark. The gardens were created over a period of 50 years by Bernard Tickner MBE and have since been gifted to Perennial for the public to enjoy. With many rare plants to see, including some unusual shrubs and lilies, plant enthusiasts will enjoy visiting this beautiful waterside retreat.

Tickets: £7 (adult), under 16s free.

GREENE KING BREWERY WALK, TALK & TASTING TOUR

Bury St Edmunds

Uncover the history of the Greene King brewery and find out how beer is made on this informative guided tour. You’ll be shown around the different buildings on site while learning about the ingredients and equipment used in the brewing process. Each tour includes a free bottle of beer and a voucher to spend in the café and shop on the day. To book or get more information call 01284 843326.

GAINSBOROUGH’S HOUSE MUSEUM Gainsborough

Street, Sudbury

A long held vision for Gainsborough’s House to become a national gallery has recently been realised thanks to a £10 million redevelopment project. The museum has reopened as a new national centre for Gainsborough, celebrating the work of the Sudbury-born artist himself as well as that of his peers and other Suffolk painters past and present.