Next Gen Friends Ambassador Clara Marshall Cawley Picks Her 2022 Highlights

Under 35? Interested in theatre, opera, music, or simply an amazing evening out in the heart of the Peak District? Then Buxton International Festival’s Next Generation Friend scheme is for you, offering £10 tickets to these world class events!

What is it?
Buxton International Festival is a two-week arts festival based in Buxton in the Peak District. Each summer, musicians, operas, musicals, jazz ensembles, authors and many more artists decamp to Buxton bringing with them some truly world-class events.

My highlights for July 2022:
La donna del lago – Gioachino Rossini

  • Immerse yourself in the sounds of traditional Italian opera with a rarely performed work by Rossini

Violet – Tom Coult and Alice Birch

  • Written by Alice Birch (credits include Normal People) with music by Tom Coult (commissions have included the first night of the Proms) this promises to be a gripping night out, having already opened to rave reviews in London

Our Future In Your Hands – Kate Whitley and Laura Attridge

  • An exciting new piece which elevates young people’s voices in the call for change in how global governments deal with the climate crisis. The ensemble includes local young people and musicians from the Royal Northern College of Music

How to get here?
The festival venues are a short walk from Buxton station which is well serviced from Manchester Piccadilly (no changes) and can also be easily reached from Sheffield (1 change). There are also options for parking in Buxton itself.

How much does it all cost?
£10 is the price for an U35’s ticket, and if you combine this with a return advance ticket to Manchester (with a railcard) the overall experience comes in at £20. A not insignificant amount of money, especially at the moment, but for a truly world class performance, this is very good value.

How to book?
First, register as a Next Generation Friend: https://buxtonfestival.co.uk/friends-of-bif
Then, ring up the Box Office on 01298 72190 with the performance you’d like to book and your Next Generation Friend info. It’s that simple!