Buxton International Festival

Buxton International Festival returns from 9 to 26 July 2026, bringing over 160 events across opera, music, books and jazz to the Peak District. Tickets are now on sale, with a packed programme running across 18 days in venues throughout the town.

Opera sits at the centre of the Festival, with six productions this 2026 season. Verdi’s La traviata comes to Buxton in a new production inspired by La Belle Époque, the golden age of Parisian elegance. It’s a story of love, sacrifice and society at its most unforgiving, set to one of the most recognisable scores in opera, from the famous “Brindisi” to the devastating final act.

In contrast, The Merry Widow brings a bold shift in tone. This new co-production from Opera Holland Park, Scottish Opera and D’Oyly Carte Opera relocates Lehár’s operetta to 1950s Manhattan, with Hanna Glawari reimagined as a wealthy and independent widow surrounded by suitors. It promises wit, glamour and plenty of pace.

The music series brings major names and distinctive programmes to Buxton throughout the Festival. The Hallé returns with a concert of three romantic masterpieces, conducted by Euan Shields. Weber’s Oberon overture opens the programme, followed by Strauss’s First Horn Concerto with Annemarie Federle, and Brahms’s Fourth Symphony, a work that builds from a simple idea into something vast and powerful.

The Brodsky Quartet offers a programme that moves from Copland’s Hoe-Down to Barber’s Adagio, alongside Bartók’s Sixth String Quartet and Dvořák’s “American” Quartet. It’s a mix of energy, lyricism and intensity from one of the world’s most established chamber ensembles.

The books programme continues to draw leading voices from across politics, media and public life. Sir Nick Clegg appears following his time as President of Global Affairs at Meta, offering insight into Big Tech, Silicon Valley and the challenges facing global platforms. It’s a chance to hear directly from someone at the centre of those conversations.

Jimmy Wales, co-founder of Wikipedia, explores knowledge and trust in a digital world where information is more accessible than ever, but not always more reliable. With billions of monthly users, Wikipedia sits at the centre of that debate, making this a timely and relevant event.

Jazz runs throughout the Festival, with a line-up that spans established names and contemporary voices. Courtney Pine marks more than four decades in music with a retrospective performance, bringing his signature sound and energy to Buxton.

Laura Jurd presents music that blends jazz with folk and classical influences, creating a sound that feels both familiar and unexpected. Her work has been widely recognised, including a Mercury Prize nomination, and her performances continue to push the genre in new directions.

The Festival is rooted in its setting, with the town itself becoming part of the experience. Performances take place across Buxton Opera House, the Pavilion Arts Centre and a range of other venues. The Festival has built a reputation for combining internationally recognised artists with emerging talent, particularly through the Young Artists programme, which continues to develop the next generation of performers. Alongside the main programme, there are talks, introductions and opportunities to explore the work in more depth, making it as accessible for first-time visitors as it is for regular audiences. Set within the Peak District, Buxton offers a distinctive backdrop, with its historic architecture and compact layout allowing audiences to experience multiple events in a single day. That balance between world-class performance and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere remains central to the Festival’s appeal, giving audiences the chance to engage with opera, music, books and jazz in a way that feels both high quality and genuinely approachable.

Buxton International Festival 2026 runs from 9 to 26 July. Tickets are now on sale, with full programme details available online here: buxtonfestival.co.uk

Group bookings: 10% discount on ticket prices for groups of 10+.

Under 35s: £5 tickets to BIF Book events and £10 ticket to many exciting BIF perform, join here.