Latest news with #AldeburghFestival
Daily Mirror
06-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
'I stayed on a historic estate and fell in love with the place'
I lost my heart to this beautiful part of the country and now I can't wait to return Tucked away in the undulating hills of Suffolk, The Wilderness Reserve offers a quintessential English summer experience. I recently had the pleasure of spending a weekend there and was utterly charmed by this tranquil corner of the county, bathed in the glow of a June heatwave sun. The walled garden was a riot of colour as I watched a couple tie the knot, and while enjoying elderflower cocktails, I felt like I'd stepped into a Merchant Ivory film. But it wasn't just the stunning venue that captivated me to be honest, the entire region truly stole my heart. Suffolk, with its gently rolling hills, expansive skies, and patchwork of fields, meadows, and ancient woodlands, epitomises rural England. The 8,000-acre private estate near Saxmundham is just one of many highlights in the area, with attractions such as Framlingham Castle, Sutton Hoo, RSPB Minsmere, and Yoxford Antiques Centre and Gardens all within easy reach. Scattered with picturesque villages, timber-framed cottages, medieval churches, and quiet lanes, much of Suffolk is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Then there is the stunning Suffolk coastline with its mix of sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and pretty seaside towns. Southwold is known for its beautiful beaches, iconic lighthouse and Victorian pier, while Aldeburgh Aldeburgh offers a more artistic atmosphere with its historic high street and rich cultural heritage, including the famous Aldeburgh Festival. Nearby, there lies the 12th-century Framlingham Castle, while the town of Woodbridge is home to the impressive Tide Mill and a charming blend of Georgian buildings and independent shops. While a visit to the Wilderness Reserve was a delicious treat, there are so many other ways to explore the region, along with a multitude of places to stay. Take Winkle Cottage for instance - a fishermans cottage bathed in Aldeburgh's seaside charm. This classic fisherman's cottage offers snug living spaces and can comfortably accommodate five guests. It has been praised by visitors as "a great place to stay." The village of Campsea Ash also hosts an ideal spot for larger family reunions, offering a glorious barn conversion on a private estate. Quill Farm Barn is touted as a "delightful" holiday home, nestled away in "the perfect setting." Then there's the Sea Tower, a chic apartment boasting sea vistas that has earned accolades as "a special place" or the grand Holly Lodge - a robust five-bedroom countryside house capable of hosting group getaways for up to 10 individuals. For something completely different, the Pound Farm Mirror Houses in Framlingham offer contemporary dwellings in the heart of the countryside. An upscale alternative to traditional 'tiny homes' each house comes with its own hot tub. boasts a diverse array of accommodation options in Suffolk. The Swan Hotel in Southwold, a four-star establishment nestled within a historic building just 200 metres from the seafront, is one such gem. For those seeking a more traditional vibe, The Ship at Dunwich serves up home-cooked fare and real ales in an authentic inn setting. Adventure-seekers drawn to RSPB Minsmere will find Moonlight Lodge an ideal retreat close by. Available through it's set against the backdrop of Dunwich beach and surrounded by woodlands - a nature lover's dream. For a touch of grandeur, The Great House in Orford stands as a majestic Grade II-listed holiday home right in the village's heart. This quintessential country haven sleeps 12 and has been hailed as "a stunning house" and "absolutely perfect for larger parties" by visitors. The tranquil beauty of Suffolk has garnered thousands of glowing reviews on TripAdvisor from enamoured visitors. One tourist said: "Loved our afternoon in Southwold especially the pier! Such a pleasant surprise to have a clean characterful pier with a brilliant quirky water fuelled clock at the end! The beaches looked amazing, beautiful clean sand and so pretty with the huts behind!". Another visitor, charmed by Aldeburgh, shared: "It was a dream in July to swim in the early hours of the morning and have fish and chips looking out to sea." Of course, the accommodation is key to any memorable holiday, and Sykes Cottages are dazzling holidaymakers, boasting a 4.6 out of five-star rating. One chuffed guest remarked: "We wanted a quiet weekend getaway and we found exactly that in Suffolk. Perfect for young and cottage we booked we know it's a fabulous place and beautifully presented." Another satisfied customer shared: " Suffolk in the sunshine. This was an important family holiday following my dad being very unwell last year, our holiday with Sykes gave us the quality time we needed and the chance to make some wonderful memories." However, not all feedback was glowing. A less impressed guest posted a three-star review: "Sykes offer a vast range of holiday accommodation. From experience so far, the description and photos of accommodation are fairly accurate, however, the cleanliness of the accommodation is another matter. It is difficult to get hold of anyone from Sykes by telephone." But praise continued with another beaming five-star critique: "We were looking for pet friendly cottages in Suffolk, Sykes cottages came up with the goods. A nice cottage plenty of details about the cottage giving us all the details we needed. So many thanks looking forward to our holiday."
The Guardian
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
A Visit to Friends/The Gildas Quartet review – Colin Matthews's luminous new opera opens Aldeburgh in fine style
Few events feel as haunted as the Aldeburgh festival. Nearly 80 years since it was established by Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears – and decades since their deaths – the couple still loom large in its Suffolk environs, their project continued by younger friends and collaborators. None are more eminent than the composer Colin Matthews, who assisted Britten in the final years of his life. Now 79, Matthews has produced his own first opera, on a Chekhov-inspired libretto by William Boyd: the world premiere of A Visit to Friends opened this year's festival, on the same stage where Britten's Death in Venice made its debut 52 years ago. A Visit to Friends features an opera within the opera: scenes of a work with a libretto by Chekhov and a score by an unknown composer that Matthews models on Scriabin are interrupted by the 'real world' of rehearsals. Life imitates art imitating life; it's 'a very complicated visit to friends', as one character says. We hop between stages of the rehearsal process, while the internal opera's plot pushes on. In Leanne Vandenbussche's ingeniously simple set, the wall of a modern rehearsal room revolves to reveal the disintegrating veranda of a once-grand Russian house. Harsh lighting flicks up as run-throughs are halted. The rehearsal pianist slides on and off (upright and all). Colours play constantly across a video backdrop, as if taking the temperature of the action. Matthews' score moves between the charged, late-Romantic meandering of the internal opera and something a little more incisive for the rehearsals. But much of the music is slow and delicately loose-limbed, its stagiest moment (a freeze-frame-like trio and quartet) in 'real life', not the fictional opera. Gesturally, though, the opera's thespiness – hand-clasping, studied pointing, walking with an extravagant turning-circle – is a world away from the rehearsal's naturalism. That the self-conscious cleverness of the framing device didn't pall says much about both the quality of performance and the lucidity of Rachael Hewer's production. The small cast was uniformly excellent: Marcus Farnsworth was smoothly unpleasant as Misha/Marcus, Susanna Hurrell a bright, brittle Nadia/Natalie and Edward Hawkins a pitch-perfect parody of a certain brand of director. Lotte Betts-Dean's Varia/Vanessa dominated, her mezzo so effusively rounded it was as if she kept finding the resonant frequency of the auditorium. Conducted by Jessica Cottis, Aurora Orchestra revelled in Matthews' suavely luminous score. More Matthews followed the next morning: the world premiere by the Gildas Quartet of his Quartet No 6, between the Three Idylls by Britten's teacher Frank Bridge and Beethoven's String Quartet No 9 in C, Op 59 No 3. The eight movements of Matthews' quartet were vividly characterised: there were impish cascades of pizzicato, melodic lines that wandered, unhurried, and a slow-motion elegy that lingered like the perfume of a loved one. Bridge's Three Idylls showcased the Gildas's fine-grained, mellow tone and total musical symbiosis. Their Beethoven was exquisitely stylish, from the cool, vibrato-free introduction to its final intoxicating rush. It was an utterly compelling performance: exhilarating playing that urged us to listen anew. The Aldeburgh festival continues until 29 June.
Daily Mirror
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Beautiful UK seaside town with charming high street named among the best
This little-known town in Suffolk is nestled between the picturesque River Alde and a stunning stretch of coastline, featuring a classic high street that is filled with thriving local businesses This breathtaking seaside town is a little escape from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding villages, providing an abundance of experiences and activities for visitors and residents alike. Aldeburgh in Suffolk is right in the middle of the River Alde and a stunning stretch of coastline overlooking the North Sea. This alluring town offers a whimsical escape from neighbouring towns and has even been named the best seaside spot by The Times. The little pebbled beach features a stunning four-metre-high sculpture of a scallop, created by popular Suffolk-born artist Maggi Hambling entirely of steel by Aldeburgh craftsmen Sam and Dennis Pegg, providing picture opportunities like no other shoreline. Steeped in charm and history, Aldeburgh is a town where every corner tells a story. Its colourful Georgian houses line the seafront, creating a picture-postcard setting that's every bit as charming as it is authentic. The town's heritage as a former Tudor port is still evident today, with historic buildings like Moot Hall, a 16th-century timber-framed town hall that now houses the Aldeburgh Museum. While in town, boutiques filled with clothes, art, and antiques line the high street, alongside independent bookshops and a classic cinema. The high street is also home to culinary delights, from the renowned fish and chips to fine bistro dining, pizzas, and, of course, it's not a beach town without some ice cream! When visiting the town, be sure to stop by O&C Butcher. This 130-year-old clothes store has everything you need and more to kit yourself out for a weekend on the coast, selling beloved UK brands like Gant and Barbour. You can even treat your little furry friend to a matching coat, too! Aldeburgh is well known for its link to Benjamin Britten, the founder of the Aldeburgh Festival, which takes place annually in June. The Aldeburgh Festival has been a pilgrimage for lovers of classical music and culture since 1948. The town is also praised for its outstanding fish and chips. The local fish and chip shop has been in operation since 1967 and has received an overwhelming number of positive reviews from national publications, ranking it as one of the best in all of Britain. There's lots to see and do in Aldeburgh, the historic Quatrefoil Martello Tower is a great immersive experience for the whole family, a relic of coastal defence from the Napoleonic Wars. Walkers have a wealth of enjoyable routes available in and around the town. Among these, the 9.7km Aldeburgh Circular Walk stands out as a popular choice, rated as moderate. This beautiful trail leads you along the striking Suffolk coastline and through the adjacent heath and meadow. Whether you're leaving the city, enjoying the local attractions, or simply looking to try the local chippy, Aldeburgh is an ideal spot for a family staycation.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Home of renowned composer given listed status
The former home of a renowned composer and conductor has been protected with Grade II listed status. Imogen Holst lived at 9 Church Walk in Aldeburgh, Suffolk, from 1964 until her death in 1984, and described the bungalow as "the loveliest house in the world". She was the daughter of renowned composer Gustav Holst - known for his seven-movement orchestral suite The Planets. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport, with the advice of Historic England, listed the home due to its architectural and historical significance. Holst became Benjamin Britten's musical assistant - who was also from Suffolk - and in 1952 she was invited to help him as he worked on the opera Gloriana marking the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. She later became the artistic director of the Aldeburgh Festival. Her Church Walk home was created by Jim and Betty Cadbury-Brown - designers for the 1951 Festival of Britain's Southbank site. Her rent consisted of just a crate of wine for the couple at Christmas and a supply of Aldeburgh Festival tickets. When thanking the Cadbury-Brown's for the house, she wrote: "My immense and perpetual gratitude for the loveliest house in the world." The property included some of her personal items such as her writing desk as well as her father's oak music cupboard where she stored his manuscripts. The house is owned by Britten Pears Arts and is available as a holiday rental. It is also open to the public every year for Heritage Open Days. Sir Chris Bryant, heritage minister, said the "significance" of the home "extends far beyond its status as an unassuming yet notable example of Jim Cadbury-Brown's architecture". Historic England's chief executive, Duncan Wilson, added that the home told of Holst's "contribution to British music and her connection to the Aldeburgh Festival, which continues to enrich our cultural landscape". Andrew Comben, chief executive of Britten Pears Arts, said: "The Grade II listing of her house will help us to continue to tell her story on a national and international scale." Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Benjamin Britten's birthplace up for sale 'I'm graduating, not retiring,' says charity boss Britten's concert hall gets listed status upgrade Britten Pears Arts Historic England Department for Culture, Media & Sport
BBC News
27-02-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Composer Imogen Holst's Aldeburgh home given listed status
The former home of a renowned composer and conductor has been protected with Grade II listed Holst lived at 9 Church Walk in Aldeburgh, Suffolk, from 1964 until her death in 1984, and described the bungalow as "the loveliest house in the world".She was the daughter of renowned composer Gustav Holst - known for his seven-movement orchestral suite The Department for Culture, Media and Sport, with the advice of Historic England, listed the home due to its architectural and historical significance. Holst became Benjamin Britten's musical assistant - who was also from Suffolk - and in 1952 she was invited to help him as he worked on the opera Gloriana marking the coronation of Queen Elizabeth later became the artistic director of the Aldeburgh Festival. Her Church Walk home was created by Jim and Betty Cadbury-Brown - designers for the 1951 Festival of Britain's Southbank rent consisted of just a crate of wine for the couple at Christmas and a supply of Aldeburgh Festival tickets. When thanking the Cadbury-Brown's for the house, she wrote: "My immense and perpetual gratitude for the loveliest house in the world."The property included some of her personal items such as her writing desk as well as her father's oak music cupboard where she stored his manuscripts. The house is owned by Britten Pears Arts and is available as a holiday rental. It is also open to the public every year for Heritage Open Days. Sir Chris Bryant, heritage minister, said the "significance" of the home "extends far beyond its status as an unassuming yet notable example of Jim Cadbury-Brown's architecture".Historic England's chief executive, Duncan Wilson, added that the home told of Holst's "contribution to British music and her connection to the Aldeburgh Festival, which continues to enrich our cultural landscape".Andrew Comben, chief executive of Britten Pears Arts, said: "The Grade II listing of her house will help us to continue to tell her story on a national and international scale." Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
