This year’s Buxton International Festival proudly shines a spotlight on extraordinary women – not just as part of our events, but as individuals shaping history, culture, and society.
Among them is Diane Abbott, who made history in 1987 as the first Black woman elected to the UK Parliament. Now the longest-serving female MP, she holds the title Mother of the House. Throughout her career, she has faced relentless media scrutiny, yet she remains a steadfast advocate for social justice and equality.
Another fearless voice joining us is Sarah Rainsford, a BBC foreign correspondent whose reporting from Russia, Ukraine, Afghanistan, and beyond has earned her international recognition. Expelled from Russia in 2021 amid a crackdown on press freedom, she continues to shine a light on global conflicts with unwavering courage.
This year we welcome back local legend Lizzie Ball who will be playing the Buxton Opera House with Clare Teal. Lizzie has had incredible success in collaborations with Rod Stewart, Russell Watson and Kylie Minogue and has also been a pioneer in bringing classical music to schools and inspiring young composers to engage with democracy via her charity Tracks4Change.
We are also honoured to welcome Baroness Lola Young of Hornsey, whose journey from growing up in care to becoming one of the UK’s first Black female life peers is nothing short of inspiring. With an extraordinary career spanning the arts, public service, and academia, she has broken barriers and shaped policy at the highest levels.
We are thrilled to welcome Dame Jane Glover, who is conducting Mozart’s Impresario. Dame Jane is a true pioneer in the world of classical music, with a career that has spanned decades as a conductor, musicologist, and champion of Baroque and Classical repertoire.
The festival will also feature women across the centuries with talks from Claire Hubbard-Hall whose book Her Secret Service: The Forgotten Women of British Intelligence, talks about the untold stories of women in intelligence during WW1 and WW2.
These remarkable women, along with many others, will take centre stage this July at Buxton International Festival, sharing their talents. stories, insights, and experiences.