Frequently Asked Questions

Is BIF going ahead in 2021?

We are looking forward to opening the doors of Buxton Opera House on the 8 July for the first time in over a year and filling our beautiful town with live music, opera and debate.   A full Festival will run from 8 – 25 July.

When can I book tickets?

Public booking opens on Tuesday 4 May 2021.  Friends of Buxton International Festival receive priority booking.  The booking dates are below:

Directors’ Circle, Benefactor, Gold Patron Tuesday, 6 April

Patron Tuesday, 13 April

Gold Friend Tuesday, 20 April

Friend Tuesday, 27 April

You can buy tickets online, via the phone and email.  From the 12 April the box office will also be open for over the counter bookings.  Please be aware social distancing measures will be in place, including a one way system.

What COVID-19 measures will be in place?

BIF 2021 is being organised with COVID-19 precautions in mind and it is likely you will notice some differences to your experience this year.  The measures we are taking will be updated in line with official guidelines and will include social distancing measures, extra signage and enhanced cleaning.  Please click here for more information about what to expect.

Will there be fewer seats available?

To allow for social distancing we have had to reduce seating in our venues, which means there will be fewer tickets.   Seats have been arranged in groups of 1-5, and we ask that you book within your bubbles.  Early booking is available to Friends of Buxton International Festival, and if you are not already a Friend, now is a great time to join.   Membership starts from £33 a year, click here for more information.

If an event is sold out, the Box Office will compile a waiting list and if restrictions are lifted and we are able to open up more seats we will get in touch.  Look out for our emails for updates.

How will Covid-19 affect what happens on stage and in the orchestra pit?

Our challenge this year has been to programme operas compatible with the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, while staying true to our commitment to stage unusual, innovative, and entertaining works.  Whilst we have needed to look at cast and orchestra size, in order to meet safety requirements, we have not compromised on the quality of our offerings and are confident that any adaptations that have been made will not detract from your experience and enjoyment.

What happens if COVID-19 means you have to cancel a performance?

If an event is cancelled you will be contacted and offered a full refund.  We strongly recommend you take out Booking Protect, which is available through the Box Office.  If you have Booking Protect and are unable to attend a performance because you have tested positive to COVID-19, or you have to self-isolate because a member of your immediate family tests positive, you will be refunded.

Are there special arrangements in place for those with a vaccine?

As ever, we are keen that everyone who wants to enjoy the Festival should be able to do so.  Social distancing measures will be in place but we are not planning any specific arrangements for those who have had, or have not had a vaccination.

Are there any plans to stream events from the Festival?

For the first time in the history of BIF we will be recording a series of Festival events, which will be available to view after the Festival, via subscription.  The series includes one opera and a selection of music and book events including:

Acis and Galatea, Fitzwilliam Quartet, Isabel Hardman, Jennifer Pike with Martin Roscoe, Margaret Macmillan, Natalie Clein, Nazir Afzal, Richard Fortey, Tabea Debus and Elizabeth Kenny, Roderick Williams and Susie Allan, The Prime Ministers Panel with Iain Dale, Lord Adonis, Rachel Reeves and Julian Glover.

The use of this new platform is also allowing us to film two extra book events, available online only, and these are Richard Dawkins and William Daryrmple.  More details to follow!