Unmissable Events on The Suffolk Coast this Summer

Returning to Lowestoft for its fifth year, the Sunrise Film Festival celebrates bold new voices in independent filmmaking with four days of screenings, workshops and immersive experiences. Taking place from 20–23 August, it's Suffolk's biggest film festival, showcasing an impressive 263 films from around the world alongside industry talks, virtual reality experiences and short film showcases.

This year's programme also includes a series of outdoor cinema screenings in the Marina Yard, complete with silent headphones, including Jurassic Park on Friday 21 August. With everything from award-winning independent films to an outdoor screening of Jurassic Park, there's plenty to enjoy, whether you pop in for a single screening or spend the whole weekend exploring the programme.

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

Find your zen at the Ipswich Mind Body Spirit & Wellbeing Festival, where two days of inspiring talks, workshops and holistic experiences offer the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a little calm. Explore new wellbeing products, discover therapies and wellness initiatives, browse ethical gifts and enjoy everything from sound healing and guided meditation to Qi Gong, salsa and belly dancing.

Gather together some like-minded friends or enjoy a mindful day out on your own. With over 100 exhibitors, live music and delicious food in the Food Lovers' Courtyard, there's as much to discover for those who are simply curious about wellbeing as there is for established practitioners.

For more information and to book visit https://lifearts.co.uk/ipswich-12-13-september-2026/

This Summer, on selected days you can take a closer look at The Red House; 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 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 20 and Sunday 21 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 Another Taste, BBC6 Music DJ Jamz Supernova, folk singer-songwriter Seth Lakeman, Jason Singh and Lizzie Berchie. Comedian Simon Day is set to perform as part of the late-night Sundown Events programme, and you can see Lawrence Edwards’ striking sculpture 'The Long Wait' in place on the shore. 

For more information visit firstlightlowestoft.com

Summer at Snape returns to the iconic Snape Maltings Concert Hall from 31 July to 30 August 2026, bringing a month-long celebration of music to the heart of the Suffolk Coast. The programme spans an impressive range — from the London Symphony Orchestra performing Bruckner and Isata Kanneh-Mason playing Beethoven piano sonatas, to Laura Mvula's soulful acoustic set, folk act Talisk, and a night of West End hits with the Novello Orchestra. There's plenty for families too, including a brand new show with CBeebies' Nick Cope, mindfulness sessions at The Red House and open masterclasses with the Britten Pears Summer Academy. Between concerts, visitors can explore the Summer Contemporary art exhibition, eat at the Malted Mussel and browse the Maltings shops — all set against the quiet beauty of the Suffolk estuary.

For the full programme visit brittenpearsarts.org.

Make the most of a warm evening with live music and outdoor entertainment at Helmingham Hall & Gardens. Throughout the summer, the historic estate hosts a varied programme of events, including Adventure Cinema screenings of Dirty Dancing, Encanto Sing-A-Long, Mamma Mia! ExtrABBAganza and Pride and Prejudice, as well as live music in the Gardens from Jax & Co, Sarah Mai, The Vagaband and The Jackson Line, plus special Midsummer Nights late openings with live music as the gardens glow in the golden hour.

Steal into the gardens after hours and enjoy a whole new perspective as dusk falls across the borders, lakes and ancient trees. Pack a picnic, settle in under the stars and enjoy an unforgettable evening at one of Suffolk’s best venues. 

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

From theatre, music and performance, to art, literature, and history, the Black Shuck Festival takes place on 31st July - 2nd August, with a packed programme of thrilling activities for all ages and abilities, immersing visitors in the rich folklore of the region, set in the stunning natural environment of Bungay and the Waveney valley.

The East Anglian legend of Black Shuck tells of a wild black dog that entered Bungay’s St Mary’s Church during a violent storm on 4 August 1577. The animal then reappeared at Blythburgh church, where it was trapped and its claw marks, burned into the surface of the door, can be seen to this day.For centuries, visitors and residents alike have marvelled at the details of these mysterious events and its protagonist, The Black Dog of Bungay, or Black Shuck. There remains a lingering superstition that Black Shuck still haunts the dark, lonesome lanes of Bungay and other Suffolk towns.

For more information visit https://blackshuckfestival.com/

Set within the beautiful Sotterley Estate near Beccles, FolkEast returns this August with four days of music, creativity and community. Across five stages, you'll find an inspiring mix of established folk favourites and exciting new talent, including Richard Thompson, Eddi Reader, The Young'uns, Elephant Sessions and Michael McGoldrick & Tim Edey, all surrounded by ancient woodland, parkland and the estate's historic 12th-century church.

There's far more to FolkEast than the music. Browse craft stalls, admire art installations, join workshops, enjoy local food and drink, or simply soak up the festival atmosphere. New for 2026 is a special celebration marking 60 years since London's legendary Les Cousins folk club first opened its doors, alongside the premiere of Earth: The Silent Planet and performances from four emerging young musicians; so you might even discover the next big thing in folk.

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

Experience Shakespeare under the stars as Red Rose Chain returns to Sutton Hoo with its much-loved Theatre in the Forest. This summer's production of Twelfth Night brings the comedy of mistaken identity, romance and unforgettable characters to life in the magical woodland setting, complete with spectacular puppetry, live music and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.

Renowned for their inimitable blend of heartfelt drama, physical theatre and comedy, Red Rose Chain has built a loyal following, with audiences returning year after year to experience their unique open-air productions. Arrive early to explore the extraordinary landscape of Sutton Hoo before finding your seat beneath the trees.

Pack a picnic or pick up something delicious on site, then settle in for an evening of open-air theatre in one of the Suffolk Coast's most atmospheric settings. It's a wonderful introduction to Shakespeare for first-timers and a fresh take on a much-loved classic for returning theatre-goers.

For tickets and more information visit https://www.redrosechain.com/twelfthnight/