What's On in Suffolk

Aldeburgh Literary Festival 2012

9th - 11th March 2012

The Aldeburgh Literary Festival is run by The Aldeburgh Bookshop, which has been in business for over 60 years. The bookshop's owners, John and Mary James, took on the shop in 2000. In April 2005 the business won the 'Nibby' (the Oscar of the Booktrade) for The Independent Bookshop of the Year Award at The British Book Awards. Recently in October 2010 Aldeburgh Bookshop were included in the Independent's list of The 50 Best Bookshops, and we were placed 4th in the Independent's list of The 50 Best Bookshops in the UK in 2008.

For updates on the 2012 festival programme, please contact the Aldeburgh Bookshop on tel: 01728 452389.

Aldeburgh Music Festival

8th - 24th June 2012

Founded in 1948 by composer Benjamin Britten, the Aldeburgh Music Festival has grown to become one of the leading classical music festivals in England. Taking place each June in and around Aldeburgh, and centred in the famous Snape Maltings concert hall, the festival continues to emphasise new music, new interpretations and the rediscovery old forgotten music and now includes the Faster than Sound event which highlights experimental and electronic music.

We have holiday homes in Snape and Aldeburgh so you can enjoy the festival from your doorstep!

Photo: Nigel Luckhurst

Aldeburgh Art Festival

2nd - 5th June 2012

International & British avant-garde Art will be visiting Aldeburgh again this summer, starting with Aldeburgh ART week from Saturday 2nd - Tuesday 5th June 2012

Building on the strong cultural heritage of Suffolk, Aldeburgh ART's aim is to match and complement the profile of the Aldeburgh Festival, known internationally for its innovative and classical music.

Aldeburgh ART is an initiative by Caroline Wiseman, a modern and contemporary art dealer based in London and Suffolk.

Ticket Hotline: 0207 622 2500 / 01728 452754. For accommodation nearby visit: Aldeburgh Holiday Cottages

East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival, Oulton Broad

27th May 2012

Dragon boat racing is an ancient Chinese tradition and is one of the fastest growing team water activities in Britain. Join in the fun as the Gable Events joins St Elizabeth Hospice to bring you the seventh East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival at Oulton Broad's Nicholas Everett Park.  Over 40 teams are expected to battle it out over the 200m race course, watched by several thousand spectators.

With plentiful on-site parking, great facilities and ample land space for viewing and side activities, Oulton Broad offers a superb venue for the Festival. As well as the colourful and exciting races, a wide range of continuous bankside entertainment including funfair, inflatable games, children's activities, food stalls and bar guarantee a fabulous day for all the family!

Hightide Festival, Halesworth

3rd - 13th May 2012

The Hightide Festival Theatre was founded in 2007 to discover, produce and champion emerging playwrights. This remains the festival's core objective, andapproximately 900 unsolicited script submissions are read annually.

Under Artistic Director Steven Atkinson, the annual Hightide Festival has become of the UK's leading theatre events. Their productions tour nationally in conjuction with partnerships that include The National Theatre, Old Vic and the Edinburgh Festival.

The Hightide Festival Shows take place at various Halesworth venues including The Cut, Rifle Hall and the Printworks.

Holiday accommodation is available nearby at Blythburgh, Wangford and Southwold.

Latitude Festival

12th - 15th July 2012

For music lovers interested in hiring Latitude Festival accommodation this summer, you can find holiday Cottages in Southwold and Wangford, only a few minutes from where the festival takes place. 2012 marks the 7th anniversary of this 3 day festival which features music, art, comedy, cabaret, dance and literature. Previous year's acts, spread across 4 stages, include Suede, The Foals, Ben Howard, Paolo Nutini and Echo and the Bunnymen - all set against the beautiful backdrop of Henham Estate.

Accommodation in and around Southwold books up quickly during the festival, as do Latitude tickets, so book up quickly to avoid disappontment!

Olympic Torch Visits the Suffolk Coast

5th July 2012

The Suffolk Coastal area is proud to welcome the Olympic Torch bearers on the 5th July 2012. The Olympic Torch will commence in Norwich in the morning and then continue through the following Suffolk locations during the day:-

Lowestoft, Wrentham, Reydon, Southwold, Kelsale, Saxmundham, Aldeburgh, Wickham Market, Ufford, Melton, Woodbridge, Felixstowe, Ipswich (Evening celebration)

8,000 inspirational people across the UK will carry the Olympic Flame during the Torch Relay. Their personal stories will have the power to inspire millions of people watching around the world. The Torch and Relay were important elements of the cultural festivals surrounding the original Olympic Games of Ancient Greece. During the Games, a sacred flame burned continually on the altar of the goddess, Hera.In addition, heralds were summoned to travel throughout Greece to announce the Games, declaring a sacred truce for the duration.

For more details of the 2012 Olympic Torch Relay and route, visit the London 2012 website.

Snape Proms

1st - 31st August 2012

The Snape Proms will return in 2012 for another season of classical, contemporary and experimental music. Held at the iconic Snape Maltings, there are plenty of accommodation nearby at Snape and Aldeburgh.

For further information visit the Aldeburgh Music online box office.

Southwold Celebrates the Diamond Jubilee

2nd - 5th June 2012

Fireworks, firing cannons and flotillas will mark a four-day celebration of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in Southwold this June. A programme of events will include live music, Jubilee decorations, street parties, craft stalls, a civic celebration and a regatta.

Live music will feature throughout the celebrations with bands playing in the Market Place. On bank holiday Monday, there will be a fair on the common, followed by Gun Hill's evening celebration of food, fireworks, and the firing of the cannons.

If you would like to stay in the town and take part in the celebration, there are plenty of Southwold holiday cottages nearby. For more details of the celebrations contact Southwold Tourist Information Centre on tel: 01502 724729.

Southwold Summer Film Festival

20th - 22nd July 2012

Southwold's Electric Picture Palace cinema is gearing up for a two-day event in July focusing on legendary London film-maker, Ealing Studios. It will come just months after this iconic venue marks its tenth anniversary (on the 18th May) and 100 years since a cinema first opened in the town.

At present, the 68-seat cinema on Blackmill Road - opened by Monty Python star Michael Palin - is undergoing a two storey extension consisting of a new-look foyer, toilets, office, film archive and private screening room. The Edwardian-style venue now screens about 100 films a year over four seasons. It also prides itself on preserving the traditions of British cinema by having an organ player during the interval.

For more information on the festival and cinema call the Electric Picture Palace box office on 07815769565.

Southwold Ways with Words Literature Festival

8th - 12th November 2012

Each November, the Ways with Words Literature Festival runs in the lovely seaside resort of Southwold.

The 2012 programme will be finalised by August. Check the Festival Website for further details. To book accommodation during the festival, visit Southwold Holiday Cottages.

Suffolk Show

7th - 8th June 2012

Experience the very best of Suffolk county life at the Suffolk Show.

With over 700 exhibits of cows, sheep, pigs and goats, vintage vehicles, military displays, show jumping, a children's farm and a host of attractions, the Suffolk Show makes for a great family day out. Check out the demonstrations and exhibits at the Rural Crafts and the Art Show, or visit Adnam's Food and Drink Experience with a tantalising selection of tasty local produce including Suffolk cheeses and fine wines.

Meet potential Olympians in the Suffolk Sport Village or get active and have a go at your favourite sport.

The 2012 Suffolk Show will take place on the 7th-8th June 2012 at Trinity Park, Ipswich, Suffolk.

For accommodation nearby Woodbridge is close by via rail or car. Visit Woodbridge Holiday Cottages for further details.

Thorpeness Regatta & Fireworks

The annual Thorpeness Regatta will again be taking place on the iconic Thorpeness Meare from 10am on Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th August 2012. This is followed by the enchanting and magical Friday evening, whereby lit boats are floated on the Meare, followed by a spectacular fireworks display at dusk.

For accommodation in and around the area, there are plenty of holiday cottages in Thorpeness and Aldeburgh.

Picnic Jazz at the Pavilion, Orford

22nd July 2012

Jazz at The Pavilion is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable events on the Orford calendar. Bring your own picnic or enjoy afternoon tea from the onsite caterers. This year's event takes place on Sunday 22nd July 2012 at The Pavilion, Orford and will be featuring The Anthony Strong Trio, The Melissa James Trio, The Sudbourne Ensemble, Natasha Hodge and the Jazz Bazaar.

Bring your own picnic or indulge in afternon tea provided by the onsite caterers. Gates open at 12.00 midday. For further details and to purchase tickets contact Jacki Maslin tel: 01394 450799