Unmissable Events on The Suffolk Coast this Summer

Returning to Lowestoft for the 4th year this summer, the Sunrise Film Festival celebrates bold new voices in independent film. Taking place from 22nd-25th May, the programme includes feature screenings at the Marina Theatre, industry panels, and short film showcases. It’s a great chance to see some brand new short films, find out about the film-making process and who knows, you might just witness the beginnings of the next big thing. 

For more information and to book tickets visit sunrisefilmfestival.co.uk

Get ready for an extraordinary after-dark adventure at Africa Alive on the 30 and 31 May. ‘Africa by Night’ invites you to explore the park after hours, meet the animals in the twilight, enjoy live music and African-inspired street food, while you soak up the atmosphere as the sun sets over the savannah. Visit the giraffes, Lemurs, Lions and Rhinos, and look out for the nocturnal creatures such as Aardvarks, Fossas, owls and bats, which may be more active than usual. 

To book tickets visit www.zsea.org/reserve

From the 6-8 June, head to Low Farm Holiday Cottages & Campsite in Waldringfield for a soul-soothing weekend of holistic healing and connection with Life Arts. You’ll spend three transformative days resetting your body, spirit and mind, taking part in workshops such as salsa, herbal medicine, Tai Chi and sound healing, with campfire entertainment with like-minded individuals in the evening. This event invites you to take a deep breath and find your inner peace—perfect for anyone looking to rebalance and reset.

For more information and to book visit lifearts.co.uk/back-to-nature-workshops/

This Summer, on selected days you can take a closer look at the Aldeburgh home of Suffolk composer Benjamin Britten and his partner Peter Pears, with intimate guided tours available on days when the house is closed to the public. Step inside the beautiful Red House and gardens, studio and library and be guided by an expert as you look at the archives and some of the lesser seen gems of the collection.

For more information visit brittenpearsarts.org/visit-us/the-red-house

We’ll see you on the beach! The UK’s only FREE beachfront festival returns to Lowestoft’s South beach year on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 June. At First Light Festival, camp out on the sands, stay nearby or visit for the day and take in the plethora of excellent music, spoken word, comedy, theatre, art and craft activities on offer. There’s more than you can possibly see and do over one weekend but musical highlights include UK Afro-jazz ensemble Nubiyan Twist, disco collective Horse Meat Disco, and electronic artist Girls of the Internet. Poet Brian Bilston is set to perform as part of the late-night Sundown Events programme, and you can see Lawrence Edwards’ striking sculpture ‘Shimmer’ in place on the shore. 

For more information visit firstlightlowestoft.com

The 76th Aldeburgh Festival at Snape Maltings takes place from 13 to 29 June 2025, continuing its legacy as a premier celebration of classical music and the arts on the Suffolk coast. This year's festival features over 70 events, including 20 world premieres, with 14 commissioned by Britten Pears Arts 

The festival opens with the world premiere of Colin Matthews' first opera, A Visit to Friends, featuring a libretto by William Boyd and inspired by a Chekhov short story . Featured artists include tenor Allan Clayton, violinist Leila Josefowicz, and composers Helen Grime and Daniel Kidane .

The programme includes performances by renowned ensembles such as the London Symphony Orchestra under Sir Antonio Pappano, the BBC Symphony Orchestra with Sakari Oramo, and the Gabrieli Consort & Players . Chamber groups like the Doric, Fibonacci, Gildas, and Heath Quartets will also perform, alongside soloists including Claire Booth, Anu Komsi, and Alisa Weilerstein.

Aldeburgh Festival Extra! complements the main programme with events at venues across East Suffolk, including the return of the Pumphouse venue in Aldeburgh. Highlights include Allan Clayton’s sound installation at Iken Church, Red House Recitals, and the Big Day Out on 28 June—a day of free music and family activities throughout Aldeburgh .

Visual arts are also featured, with exhibitions at Snape Maltings showcasing works by The Singh Twins, Francis Newton Souza, and Julian Perry.

For more information and tickets, visit brittenpearsarts.org.

This summer, Helmingham Hall & Gardens offers a vibrant lineup of theatre and live music events set against its picturesque backdrop. On Saturday, June 7, The Three Inch Fools present The Most Perilous Comedie of Elizabeth I, a lively outdoor performance blending historical intrigue with musical comedy. The "Music in the Gardens" series features diverse acts: J.S. & The Lockerbillies on June 15, Jax & Co on June 29, Swing Machine Big Band on July 13, Sarah Mai and Band on July 27, The High Points on August 17, and Pat Reyford and his Symphony Five on August 31 . Additionally, from July 18 to 20, Adventure Cinema hosts outdoor screenings, including Mamma Mia! on July 18, a Queen-themed night on July 19, and an Andrea Bocelli concert film on 20 July. Visitors are encouraged to bring seating and picnics, though on-site food and beverages are available.

Find out more and book online at www.helmingham.com/

On the 5 July, join wild food expert Chris ‘Chops’ Taylor at Pump Street Bakery for an unforgettable day which combines folklore with food in an immersive, interactive storytelling experience. Inspired by the legend of the Wild Man of Orford, this experience begins with pastries, tea and coffee on arrival before you embark on a day framed around the relationship between loaves and fishes.

You’ll learn how to shuck oysters, forage for herbs, fillet and cure fish and bake sourdough. This enriching day culminates in a meal of whole flat fish, roasted on seaweed with fennel, samphire, and celery salad with sprouted ancient grains. Then a Pump Street Chocolate inspired pudding. Served with wine, beer, kombucha or cider.

Book online at https://pumpstreetchocolate.com/collections/workshop-special-guests/products/the-wild-man-of-orford-experience-with-chris-chops-taylor

FolkEast 2025 is set to enchant festival-goers from August 15–17 at its new home, the picturesque Sotterley Estate near Beccles, Suffolk. This 13th edition marks an exciting chapter for the beloved folk festival, now nestled within 3,500 acres of historic parkland featuring ancient woodlands, a serene lake, and a 12th-century church .

Attendees can look forward to a rich tapestry of folk music across five stages, showcasing a blend of seasoned performers and emerging talents. Notable acts include Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening, Penguin Café, The Longest Johns, The Rheingans Sisters, Sheelanagig, Tarren, Katie Spencer, and Jimmy Aldridge & Sid Goldsmith .

Beyond the music, FolkEast offers a vibrant array of workshops, craft stalls, art installations, and family-friendly activities, all complemented by local food and drink offerings. A special highlight this year is the 'Second Cousins' stage, curated by Jon Wilks, celebrating the 60th anniversary of London's iconic Les Cousins folk club with performances, talks, and memorabilia .

Weekend ticket holders are invited to arrive on Thursday, August 14, from 2 PM to set up camp and enjoy an evening of light music and refreshments starting at 6:30 PM . With its new setting and diverse programming, FolkEast 2025 promises an unforgettable experience for all who attend.

For tickets and more information, visit folkeast.co.uk