We’re putting the finishing touches to a jam-packed Festival Fringe.
Morning talks will once again take place at St John’s Church, conveniently located across the road from the Opera House. This charming and comfortable venue will also host our Classical Pops recitals every lunchtime at 1 pm, along with numerous concerts and other events.
UNIFest, our university competition, will take place in the Pavilion Arts Centre—a 400-seat theatre next to the Opera House. Leading UK universities will bring full-scale productions to compete for the Gertrude Marsh – Looi Award and various other prizes. In 2025, we are pleased to announce that we are almost back to our pre-COVID entry numbers, with five universities participating. We’re excited to welcome G&S Societies from Southampton University, Durham University, Birmingham University, Oxford University, and York University. These productions are inspiring, imaginative, and full of energy—be sure to catch at least one during your Festival visit. You won’t be disappointed!
This year’s Youth Production will be HMS Pinafore, directed once again by Rachel Harland. If you know any children or young people aged 9–18 who would like to enjoy an amazing week in Buxton and learn all about G&S, as well as the ins and outs of putting together a show, please email Sarah at sarah@gsfestivals.org. Rachel is also planning a series of G&S masterclass for local schools in Buxton. If you have any contacts at schools in the area, please let Sarah know sarah@gsfestivals.org.
The West Yorkshire Savoyards will be celebrating their 50th anniversary at the Festival with a performance of Ruddigore in the Pavilion Arts Centre. We’re also delighted to have Harrogate G&S Society returning with HMS Pinafore.