What festivals are there in Suffolk

There are festivals, events and activities throughout the year when you visit Suffolk, from international headliners at Latitude to folksy get-togethers, local food and drink extravaganzas and world-famous classics at Snape Maltings.

Take your pick from these…

Spring Festivals in Suffolk

Aldeburgh Music Festival: Suffolk’s finest music and arts festival, founded by Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears in 1948, and featuring world-renowned soloists and orchestras. Based at Snape Maltings and taking place in June, it includes a wide programme of concerts, workshops, exhibitions and events, and is topped off by the vibrant one-day Aldeburgh Festival Extra event in the town itself.

LeeStock Festival: An epic weekend of music, great food and family fun raising money for the Willow Foundation. It takes place at Kentwell Hall, Long Melford in May.

Southwold Arts Festival: The Southwold Arts Festival in May has a rich and diverse mix of music, talks, theatre, poetry and visual arts to this beautiful seaside town. It takes place across multiple venues in the town.

Felixstowe Book Festival: What: Authors and audiences love this festival’s unique intimate, welcoming atmosphere. They appreciate the chance to combine author events with seafood suppers, walks along the prom with its colourful beach huts (said to be the oldest in the country), a wander in the award-winning seafront gardens and even a bracing swim. Takes place in June.

First Light Festival, Lowestoft: The South Beach of England’s most easterly town hosts a free 24-hour music festival that starts at midday and finishes the following day at midday. Enjoy the magic of the midsummer daylight with a free, unticketed, outdoor programme.

Summer Festivals in Suffolk

Latitude Festival: Set within the stunning surrounds of Henham Park near Southwold, this wondrous festival has been going for more than 20 years. Let your curiosity guide you through the very best in music, dance, comedy, poetry, theatre, literature, podcasts, science, family activities and wellness.

July Festival, Newmarket: What: Three days of world class horseracing at Newmarket Rowley Mile Course, combined with fashion, food and entertainment. Running from Thursday to Saturday, starting with Ladies Day, a seven-race card headlined by the Group Two Princess of Wales’s Stakes; then Festival Friday, followed by July Cup Day. Run over six furlongs, the July Cup is one of the most valuable and prestigious sprint races in the world.

Maui Festival: An established 3 day/4 night family-friendly festival of international music and performance arts at Elveden Hall Estate, Thetford in August with so much to do for kids and adults with world class bands on the main stage, circus shows in a dedicated circus area, big bass dance tents, small upbeat bands and acoustic acts, cabaret, comedy and walkabout acts.

Brecks Outdoor Festival: More than 60 events, many of which are free, across the unique landscape of the Brecks to celebrate the wild and beautiful environment. Taking place in August, the festival includes runs, walks, wildlife watching, yoga, wild swimming, feasts, music and much more.

East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival: What: For six days in August, the St Edmundsbury Cathedral hosts this amazing event organised by CAMRA with more than 250 real ales, 40 ciders, food stalls, a sound stage and a full entertainment programme with bands, folk singers, choirs and solo musicians.

Framlingham Country Show: What: A great day out in August at Framlingham College with local food and drink, events for dog lovers, fun activities and entertainment for children. Meet producers and makers, watch and admire rural crafters demonstrating their skills, listen to some fabulous music by up and coming talent. Main ring attractions, celebrity chefs, living history, model aeroplanes, tractors, classic cars, horses, and much more.

Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival: With local chefs, a great choice of food and drink stalls and a wide range of street entertainment, Suffolk’s foodie town hosts a free entry town centre event in a weekend around the August Bank Holiday of treats and displays as well as a host of family fun.

Primadonna Festival: Held at The Food Museum, Stowmarket, a July festival of books, ideas and inspiration with something for everyone with film, music, comedy, food, drink, DJs and therapies alongside our main programme of talks, interviews and discussions. The line-up gives prominence to women, people of colour, LGBTQI+ and working class people, and disabled people.

FolkEast: A long‑running Suffolk folk festival in August celebrating traditional and contemporary folk culture. It takes place on the historic Sotterley Estate near Beccles, offering multiple stages, workshops, dance events, craft areas, food and drink, and family activities.

Autumn Festivals in Suffolk

The Great Feast: Book up early for this one. In 2026, 17,000 tickets sold out in a month. Set within the stunning grounds of Euston Hall in September, The Great Feast is the UK's biggest ever food festival. From the Farmers Market and Makers Market to viral street food, live fire cooking, the American Country Area and family attractions, The Great Feast brings together the very best food, drink and countryside experiences in one unforgettable weekend, with over 100 free things to do.

Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival: Now rated one of the UK’s best food festivals, this two-day event at Snape Maltings celebrates Suffolk’s food and drink producers and its rich farming heritage and includes tastings to lectures and everything else in between.

Winter Festivals in Suffolk

There are special events and activities throughout Suffolk for Winter and Christmas. The venues below are just a small selection you should check out...