About

The International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival is by far the world’s biggest celebration

of Gilbert & Sullivan, attracting around 20,000 people during its three week run in the beautiful Buxton Opera House each summer.

The Festival was founded in 1994 by Ian Smith and his son Neil and over the years it has established a reputation for being one of the friendliest musical festivals with people returning year after year to soak up its special atmosphere.

How does it Work?

The main evening performances take place in Buxton Opera House.  Opened in 1903, it has just over 900 seats and in terms of ambience and aesthetics provides a perfect setting for Gilbert & Sullivan.

Opera House shows are staged by both professional and non-professional companies.  Professional Companies include the Festival’s very own Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company (Click here for more information); Opera della Luna and Charles Court Opera.

The non-professional companies from around the world participate in the highly prestigious International Festival Competition, with each production being assessed by our adjudicator – in 2010 – Mr David Turner.

Five minutes after each performance, David will deliver a short critique from the stage – providing a highly constructive insight into the production and performance.  The group scoring the highest number of points is declared the winner.  There are also a host of individual awards.

The evening’s entertainment does not end, however, when the Opera House curtain comes down, for opening next door in the Pavilion Gardens Lounge each night is the Festival Club.  Here, visitors will find live entertainment, invariably G&S themed, hot and cold food….and a bar.  It’s a lively spot up to closing time at about 1.00 am.

The Festival is famed for the fact that you can enjoy G&S almost round the clock.  There is always a packed fringe programme running throughout the day with a wonderful array of activities.

So come along and join us in Buxton in 2010 - it's fun, it's friendly, it's for all the family!  We look forward to seeing you.