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Music Festivals in Norfolk and Suffolk

The moment that spring arrives in the east, our venues, parks and estates begin to hum with music festivals of all shapes and sizes. Some have roots that are centuries old, some are just emerging; whatever your taste you will find something to suit with line-ups that cover multiple genres, present global superstars, and showcase the freshest talent. And whilst the music takes centre stage, you will find plenty to accompany it – visual art, talks, workshops, even river swimming. And lots of great food and drink.

Sampa the Great at Wildfields Festival. Photo Lee Harper

 

NORFOLK & NORWICH FESTIVAL, May

Norfolk & Norwich Festival’s events span multiple artforms, including world-class programmes of both classical and contemporary music, with artist residencies, new commissions, events ranging in scale from intimate performances to orchestral concerts, and late-night gigs in the Festival Spiegeltent.

nnfestival.org.uk

 

NORWICH JAZZ FESTIVAL, May

A brand new festival for 2025, Norwich Jazz Festival will bring a line-up of international jazz musicians to the city in the spring. Headliners and the full programme for the inaugural festival will be announced soon.

norwichartscentre.co.uk/norwich-jazz-festival

Nubiyan Twist at the Norfolk & Norwich Festival Spiegeltent. Photo Olly Hill Photography

 

RED ROOSTER FESTIVAL, SUFFOLK, May

A vibrant programme of Soul, Rock’n’Roll, Blues, Roots and Country music – with both live performances and DJ sets. Plus, plenty of food and drink, wellbeing activities, vintage stores and river swimming.

redrooster.org.uk

 

ALDEBURGH FESTIVAL, SUFFOLK, June

Founded by Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears in 1948, Aldeburgh Festival has become an annual pilgrimage for lovers of classical music. The programme encompasses orchestras performing with world-renowned soloists, premiers of new operas and compositions, recitals and chamber music. Alongside music you will find talks, walks, tours and visual arts.

brittenpearsarts.org/aldeburgh-festival

BBC Symphony Orchestra at Aldeburgh Festival

 

BRIGHTEN THE CORNERS, IPSWICH, June

Known for its eclectic line-up and vibrant spirit, Brighten the Corners sees the best in live music artists performing across Ipswich. One of the festival’s greatest gifts is its unique venues – bands play in spaces that were one churches, swimming baths and corn exchanges; and with capacities starting at just 40, you really can enjoy an intimate live performance.

brightenthecorners.co.uk

 

MAVERICK, SUFFOLK, July

The UK’S first Americana music event is a beacon for roots music from both sides of the Atlantic. Deep in the Suffolk countryside, over fifty different artists take part in a programme of musical performances, dance demonstrations and masterclasses.

maverickfestival.co.uk

Shame at Brighten The Corners. Photo Ollie Hosier

 

KING’S LYNN FESTIVAL, July

King’s Lynn Festival programme features internationally renowned performers across a range of classical music, recitals, choral performances, jazz and folk, with talks, films and exhibitions. The Festival utilises beautiful historic venues around the town, including England’s largest surviving Medieval Guildhall.

kingslynnfestival.org.uk

 

LATITUDE FESTIVAL, SUFFOLK, July

Latitude’s music programme boasts the headliners that you would expect from one of the UK’s largest festivals. But its not just music that make this a great weekend. Some of the biggest names in comedy perform over the weekend, plus poetry, dance, theatre and cabaret.

latitudefestival.com

Ezra Collective at Wildfields Festival. Photo Lee Harper

 

HOUGHTON FESTIVAL, NORFOLK, August

Set amongst the sycamore trees of Houghton Estate, adjacent to the magnificent sculpture park, Houghton Festival is a hedonistic playground, celebrating live and electronic music. Alongside a multi-stage music programme you will also find a floating restaurant and cocktail bar, record store, and space for relaxing and wellbeing activities.

houghtonfestival.co.uk

 

WILD FIELDS, NORWICH, August

A new socially-conscious festival showcasing music from across the genre spectrum and pairing it with regional food, live street art, talks and workshops. All set against the tree-lined backdrop of Norwich’s Earlham Park and the winding River Yare. Acts at the inaugural festival in 2024 included Mercury Prize winners Ezra Collective, iconic producer SBTRKT, Kae Tempest and Sampa The Great.

wildfields.co.uk

FolkEast 2024

 

FOLKEAST, SUFFOLK, August

One of the UK’s best-loved folk festivals, FolkEast has a programme bursting with legendary musicians and bright young talent. Across the weekend you’ll find plenty of live music – but you’ll also find workshops, opportunities to dance, stalls from craftspeople and artisan makers, talks on gardening, and lots of food and drink.

folkeast.co.uk