At last, we are starting to glimpse the light at the end of the tunnel. After twelve very long, unpleasant months under the threat of COVID-19, shoots of normality are slowly but surely starting to grow.

We have moved mountains to bring the Festival back to Buxton and Harrogate this summer. Almost a year to the day since we announced the 2020 Festival cancellation, we are delighted to present our 2021 programme.

Producing this will not be without challenges. We all know how quickly government regulations can change. Based on current guidance, the government proposes opening up society again from 21 June.

But we can’t wait until then.

We will set off on open sale in May with around 40% capacity in Buxton Opera House and the Royal Hall. This means there will be an empty row between all seated rows and at least one seat between all social bubbles. Of course, if the rules change, we can open up bookings and welcome as many guests as we possibly can.

What does this mean for the Festival?

Well, it means that we can plan, programme, cast shows and most importantly – book your tickets. It also means that we can look forward to fabulous shows, even if the final offering might be somewhat different from our usual Festival.

We could not countenance cancelling the 2021 event. We know we have to try and bring the very best entertainment for you, and we know that our opera singers, directors and musicians are crying out to get back to work and back on the stage. This is why it is so essential for us to keep going.

And this is why we are launching our new fundraising initiative: THE FESTIVAL FUTURE FUND. We want to ensure that the Festival can continue to keep going until COVID-19 and all the restrictions and horrors that go with it have disappeared. If you can help, please see the ‘Donate Box’ here.

We look forward to bringing you a fantastic Festival in the summer, and we can’t wait to see you soon.

Best wishes,

The Festival Team