What’s on? Your go-to guide for May and June events in Suffolk.
Published: Wednesday 9th May 2018
Written by: Chloe Baker.
As the days become warmer and longer, summer is now truly in the air. May and June see the beginnings of Suffolk's festivals, country fairs and carnivals. Both very exciting months, we're sure you'll find plenty to do if you're holidaying with us or thinking about booking a holiday with us in these early summer months. So that you don't miss a thing, we've created your go-to guide on just a few of the events taking place. We're sure you'll find something that takes your fancy.
Suffolk Secrets have a diverse range of holiday cottages all over Suffolk, so if one of these events sounds like your idea of fun, it's likely that Suffolk Secrets will have a holiday cottage nearby, making your stay stress free and enjoyable. For a full list of events, make sure to take a look at our What's on in Suffolk page.
The Suffolk Walking Festival
Saturday 12th May – Sunday 3rd June
Unspoilt countryside, pristine forests and heathland, traditional market towns and gorgeous heritage coast makes Suffolk the perfect destination for a Walking Festival! Choose from historic trails, farming/food trails, coastal walks and more. Each trail has an entry fee and a good range of difficulties are available from short walks to four-day challenge walks. A wonderfully communal event, enjoy strolling around Suffolk with many other walking enthusiasts. This is a popular event and many walks have already sold out, be sure to take a look at their website and book your preferred walk to avoid disappointment.
www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk
LeeStock Music Festival
Saturday 26th - Sunday 27th May
Taking place on the end of May bank holiday weekend, LeeStock is a fantastic celebration of music with past acts including The Feeling, Newton Faulkner and Toploader all in the picturesque setting of Melford Hall’s grounds. This year the festival’s lineup doesn’t disappoint and features appearances from Feeder, The Pidgeon Detectives and The Rifles just to name a few. A family-friendly event, the whole gang can enjoy either a preferred day or the full weekend at LeeStock. To book tickets, visit the LeeStock Music Festival website.
leestock.org
Framlingham Gala Fest
Saturday 26th – Monday 28th May
Framlingham Gala Fest is a fun filled 3-day event set in the beautiful grounds of Framlingham Castle with something for all the family to enjoy. Exciting new additions to the weekend this year include a team duathlon held on Saturday morning, finishing at Framlingham Sports Club, followed by a BBQ and live music night. Sunday will include more fun by the castle pond, with more music and food, along with the well-loved craft fair taking place throughout the day. On the Bank Holiday Monday there will be the new and improved parade through the town, followed by games, magic, face painting and more music, along with the traditional fun fair on the Castle Meadow. This year for the first time entry to the Castle Meadow on Monday will be FREE TO ALL!
Beccles Food and Drink Festival
Saturday 26th May 10 am – 4 pm
The charming and quirky town centre of Beccles is set to be transformed as the Beccles Food and Drink Festival returns for another foodie bonanza, celebrating local produce and businesses. The free event which runs from 10 am - 4 pm is following a tried and tested formula, and upwards of 50 stalls will be selling a variety of raw and cooked food, preserves, pickles, oils and other condiments, confectionery, and a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Among local producers, Chet and Waveney Vineyard will be making their first appearance at the event, while from further afield The Chutney Barn, Curry Pie and Mr Bees will be attending.
becclesfoodfestival.co.uk
The Suffolk Show
Wednesday 30th – Thursday 31st May
Celebrating the best in Suffolk agriculture, promoting food, farming and the countryside, The Suffolk Show is the largest two-day event in the county and is a family-friendly extravaganza not to be missed. Taking place in Trinity Park near Ipswich, there will be a huge selection of things to enjoy including displays in The Grand Ring, activities such as the Military Zone, 1000's of animals, live music, fashion, art and much more. The event opens at 7 am each day and under 15's go free. Visit The Suffolk Show website to book tickets.
suffolkshow.co.uk
Aldeburgh Festival 2018
Friday 8th – Thursday 24th June
Each June, some of the globe’s leading musicians meet at the world-famous Snape Maltings Concert Hall to celebrate the Aldeburgh Festival, which was founded by the Suffolk-born composer - Benjamin Britten. From art festivals to opera, chamber recitals to world music, this fabulous festival offers something for everyone and is supported by a vibrant fringe programme at The Pumphouse in Aldeburgh. "Arguably the best musical event in Britain" - The Guardian
snapemaltings.co.uk/season/aldeburgh-festival
Felixstowe Book Festival
Wednesday 27th June – Sunday 1st July
The Felixstowe Book Festival returns for its sixth year! The festival has become one of the highlights of the East Anglian Arts Calendar and returns with another exciting programme of events. If you’re a keen author, reader or imaginator, The Felixstowe Book Festival is for you, and you can celebrate some of the best-loved books including themes of crime, love, politics, landscape, art and sports. Discover a range of fantastic authors including Esther Freud (the festival’s patron) and Louis De Bernières. Other festival highlights include the best selling crime writer Mark Billingham, Lib Dem Leader Sir Vince Cable, Radio 4 Women’s Hour presenter Dame Jenni Murray, historical fiction writers Simon Scarrow and Elizabeth Chadwick and the actors Michael Pennington, Timothy Bentinck (‘David Archer’), Stephen McGann, (Call the Midwife). There’s also a great selection of things to do for children and teens, all in the beautiful seaside town of Felixstowe.
www.felixstowebookfestival.co.uk
Heveningham Hall Country Fair
Saturday 30th June – Sunday 1st July
Head to the Heveningham Hall Country Fair for a fantastic day out of attractions, animals, entertainment, food & drink and shopping. The event is most famous for its amazing display of classic vehicles which sit outside the front of the grand hall on the pristine gardens, quite the spectacle. From bungee jumps to nature corners to pigmy goats, there is something for everyone at this country fair. The event will be open from 10 am - 5 pm each day. Visit the country fair website to book tickets and avoid disappointment.
Music by the Sea
Saturday 30th June 2018
The free 'Music by the Sea' open-air charity concert is coming to Aldeburgh with a great line-up of national and local artists performing live from 4 pm until dark. Gates open at 3 pm and along with the performers, various stalls and activities will keep you entertained for the whole evening. Taking place in the King’s Field, top acts at this summer’s concert include a dynamic ELO tribute band and popular Suffolk band Albion Mills playing their repertoire of classic rock and pop from the Golden Age of the 60s and 70s. Other confirmed performers include Everly Everly and rock ‘n roll band J.S & The Lockerbillies, who are sure to get the audience up on their feet.
musicbythesea.co.uk
Southwold Arts Festival 2018
23rd - 30th June
Now in its fifth year, Southwold Arts Festival has gone from strength to strength and celebrates music, drama, poetry, visual art, photography, dance, talks and literature. Taking place in various venues in Southwold, Southwold High Street and Market Place, the town’s shops, cafes and pubs all join in with the celebration. Each event is ticketed at various prices and is likely to sell out. The street fair and festival parade kicks off the eight-day arty celebration on the 23rd and is free to enjoy. Best of all, Suffolk Secrets are the main sponsors! Spot us parading in our sailor outfits and boats!