Suffolk &amp; Cambs

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-festivals">FESTIVALS</h2>



For a dose of high-energy let’s start our Muddy local art and culture guide in Suffolk &amp; Camb&#8217;s muddy fields. The ultimate festival season warm-up begins May 24, as <a href="https://leestock.org/">Leestock</a> sets the stage at Kentwell Hall with a soulful vibe. Funk legends The Real Thing will have you dancing to classics, while Omi keeps the energy high with hits like Cheerleader. Don’t miss the rhythm and soul taking over the fields this spring!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="675" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/kh-bg-1000x675.png" alt="Kentwell Hall, Suffolk" class="wp-image-43635" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/kh-bg-1000x675.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/kh-bg-800x540.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/kh-bg-400x270.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/kh-bg-1536x1037.png 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/kh-bg.png 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Starting June 13, the 76th <a href="https://www.brittenpearsarts.org/76th-aldeburgh-festival">Aldeburgh Festival</a> will show how music can inspire us and bring people together. This year’s theme comes from a famous idea by poet Percy Bysshe Shelley: music can say what words can’t — it helps us understand and cope with life’s mix of emotions, making them feel clearer and more beautiful. Don’t miss this chance to see amazing composers and artists bring these ideas to life!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/london_city_ballet_lveag_website_image_ncox_standard-1000x666.jpg" alt="Latitude festival, Suffolk" class="wp-image-43634" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/london_city_ballet_lveag_website_image_ncox_standard-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/london_city_ballet_lveag_website_image_ncox_standard-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/london_city_ballet_lveag_website_image_ncox_standard-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/london_city_ballet_lveag_website_image_ncox_standard-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/london_city_ballet_lveag_website_image_ncox_standard.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



If you fancy a weekend that’s equal parts glam and grounding, get ready for the Suffolk summer event of the year — <a href="https://www.latitudefestival.com/line-up/">Latitude Festival</a> at Henham Park. This year’s music stages are packed with star power, featuring legends like Fatboy Slim, Elbow, and Basement Jaxx. With such a stellar line up, it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend of local arts and culture. 



Folk fans, rejoice! <a href="https://folkeast.co.uk/">FolkEast</a> returns to the glorious Sotterley Estate, Suffolk, from 15-17 August 2025. Expect a weekend of toe-tapping tunes, top-notch talent, and plenty of laid-back vibes, all set against a backdrop of stunning Suffolk countryside.



Over in Cambs the <a href="https://cambridgesummermusic.com/whats-on/">Cambridge Summer Music Festival 2025</a> returns, bringing world-class artists and ensembles to the city’s historic venues and beyond. Enjoy stunning performances by exceptional soloists, chamber groups, choirs, orchestras, and bands throughout the month. Full details will be revealed this spring, but one thing’s certain — July is all about music in Cambridge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theatre">THEATRE</h2>



Calling all podcast addicts! Buckle up for an evening of hilarious honesty and inspirational AF insights with Elizabeth Day&#8217;s How To Fail tour landing at the Cambridge Corn Exchange on 23 March. Day, the queen of oversharing (in the best way possible), is bringing her signature wit and wisdom to the stage for a night that will have you snorting with laughter and re-evaluating your life choices in equal measure. Ditch the dating disasters and dodge the career curveballs – this is your chance to learn from the best (at failing hilariously, that is). Grab your best mate and get ready for an unforgettable evening!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="960" height="540" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/EDAY-FAIL-2024-1920x1080-TITLES-1.jpg" alt="Elizabeth Day How To Fail In Cambridge 2025" class="wp-image-43637" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/EDAY-FAIL-2024-1920x1080-TITLES-1.jpg 960w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/EDAY-FAIL-2024-1920x1080-TITLES-1-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/EDAY-FAIL-2024-1920x1080-TITLES-1-400x225.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></figure>



Warning: Attending La Boheme might result in uncontrollable sobbing (and a serious case of all the feels). This award-winning production of the iconic Parisian love story is coming to the <a href="https://www.cornex.co.uk/events/ellen-kent-opera-tour-la-boheme">Cambridge Corn Exchange</a>. Get ready for soaring vocals, a dramatic plot, and enough romance to fuel a lifetime of rom-coms. Whether you&#8217;re an opera die-hard or a newbie who just appreciates top-notch drama, this is a night you won&#8217;t forget. Ditch Netflix and book your tickets now for some local arts and culture.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="470" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/06/thorington-theatre.jpg" alt="Thorington theatre" class="wp-image-26749" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/06/thorington-theatre.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/06/thorington-theatre-800x376.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/06/thorington-theatre-400x188.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/06/thorington-theatre-900x423.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Switching gears now, in tone and county – we&#8217;re heading to the stunning forest setting of <a href="https://www.thoringtontheatre.co.uk/events/midsummer-nights-dream">Thorington Theatre</a> for a magical evening under the stars with British Touring Shakespeare&#8217;s hilarious new production of A Midsummer Night&#8217;s Dream. This isn&#8217;t your stuffy school Shakespeare – this open-air production promises to be a laugh-a-minute adventure.



Bard lovers, rejoice! We&#8217;re sticking with Shakespeare but this time, prepare to have your heart broken at English Touring Opera&#8217;s production of <a href="https://www.brittenpearsarts.org/events/english-touring-opera-presents-the-capulets-the-montagues">The Capulets &amp; The Montagues</a>. Bellini&#8217;s operatic reimagining of Romeo &amp; Juliet is a passionate rollercoaster ride filled with soaring vocals, star-crossed lovers, and enough family feuding to make your own relatives look like saints.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dance">DANCE</h2>



Calling all dance fans and culture vultures! Prepare to be dazzled by <a href="https://theatreroyal.org/events/roshni/">Roshni</a>, an innovative dance performance that blends the beauty of Kathak with live global music. Roshni is a vibrant exploration of the highs and lows of life, filled with stunning choreography, upbeat audience interaction, and a world-class live band. There&#8217;ll be percussive dance that will get your toes tapping, improvised sections that keep things fresh, and even spoken word and beatboxing.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/Roshni-1000x667.jpg" alt="Roshni at Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds" class="wp-image-43638" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/Roshni-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/Roshni-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/Roshni-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/Roshni.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Strictly superfans, get ready to shimmy and shake on 23 March as the fabulous Amy Dowden and the salsa-hot Carlos Gu bring their REBORN tour to the <a href="https://ipswichtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/amy-dowden-carlos-gu-reborn/">Ipswich Regent Theatre</a>. Expect an intimate look at Amy and Carlos&#8217;s journeys, plus show-stopping routines that will have you glued to your seat (and maybe fantasising about waltzing across the stage yourself).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="666" height="360" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-16-at-16.23.37.png" alt="Amy Dowden and Carlos Gu at Ipswich Regent" class="wp-image-43640" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-16-at-16.23.37.png 666w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-16-at-16.23.37-400x216.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 666px) 100vw, 666px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comedy">COMEDY</h2>



Still buzzing from Amy and Carlos&#8217;s dazzling dance moves? Then get ready for a whole different kind of performance, as the hilarious Rob Beckett brings his brand new tour &#8220;Giraffe&#8221; to the <a href="https://ipswichtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/rob-beckett-giraffe/">Ipswich Regent Theatre</a>.



This show is packed with enough laugh&#8211;out&#8211;loud moments to cure even the worst case of the Mondays. Get ready for Rob&#8217;s signature wit as he riffs on everything from the everyday struggles of modern life (we&#8217;ve all been there) to giraffes (because, well, why not?). This is a night of unadulterated comedic joy that will leave you with a smile plastered on your face for days. But be quick, tickets are selling fast. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="668" height="377" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-16-at-16.28.48.png" alt="Rob Beckett at Ipswich Regent 2025" class="wp-image-43641" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-16-at-16.28.48.png 668w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-16-at-16.28.48-400x226.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 668px) 100vw, 668px" /></figure>



From giraffe&#8217;s to werewolves, the brilliant Zoe Lyons is taking to the stage at the <a href="https://theatreroyal.org/events/zoe-lyons-werewolf/">Theatre Royal Bury</a> St Edmunds with her brand new tour Werewolf – and it promises to be a full moon kind of funny. Get ready for an evening of howlingly hilarious tales, pop culture references, and enough laughs to make your sides ache.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/Zoelyons-1000x667.jpg" alt="Zoe Lyons at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds 2025" class="wp-image-43642" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/Zoelyons-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/Zoelyons-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/Zoelyons-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/Zoelyons.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music">MUSIC</h2>



Prepare to have your ears delighted by a unique and genre-bending performance at <a href="https://www.kettlesyard.cam.ac.uk/whats-on/new-music-marie-schreer-violin-taher-adel-poet-and-aaron-holloway-nahum-electronics/">Kettle’s Yard</a>. Violinist Marie Schreever, poet Taher Adel, and electronic musician Aaron Holloway Nahum are coming together on 10 April for an evening of cutting-edge music that will challenge and enthral you.



On 14 April, gear up for a foot-stomping good time with Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls as they bring their high-octane energy to the <a href="https://ipswichtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/frank-turner-the-sleeping-souls-2/">Ipswich Regent Theatre</a>. Expect singalongs, anthems, and enough mosh-pit action (well, maybe a joyous little bop in the aisles) to leave you wanting more. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/newmarket-nights-sunset-1000x750.jpg" alt="Newmarket nights" class="wp-image-38578" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/newmarket-nights-sunset-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/newmarket-nights-sunset-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/newmarket-nights-sunset-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/newmarket-nights-sunset.jpg 1279w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Calling all dance music devotees! Newmarket Nights will be welcoming another dance music icon next summer. <a href="https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/newmarket/events-tickets/newmarket-nights/faithless/">FAITHLESS</a> will be performing a full headline live set after racing on 8 August. Get ready to dance the night away to their biggest hits, including Insomnia and God Is A DJ. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-art">ART</h2>



Love a bit of radical history? Don’t miss Rise Up: Resistance, Revolution, Abolition at the <a href="https://www.visitcambridge.org/event/rise-up-resistance-revolution-abolition/">Fitzwilliam Museum</a>, Cambridge, from 21 February to 1 June 2025. Exploring the fight to abolish the British slave trade and its legacies, this striking exhibition pairs historic works with contemporary art to honour abolitionists and revolutionaries like Jamaican freedom fighter Nanny of the Maroons and British-based writer Olaudah Equiano.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/836A4006-Enhanced-NR-Edit-44.jpg" alt="Gainsborough House Picture Perfect Exhibition" class="wp-image-43675" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/836A4006-Enhanced-NR-Edit-44.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/836A4006-Enhanced-NR-Edit-44-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/836A4006-Enhanced-NR-Edit-44-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Strike a pose! Picture Perfect: A Century of Fashion Photography dazzles at <a href="https://gainsborough.org/event/picture-perfect-a-century-of-fashion-photography-from-the-national-portrait-gallery/">Gainsborough’s House</a>, Sudbury, until 20 April 2025. This chic exhibition charts 100 years of style, showcasing portraits by legendary photographers Cecil Beaton, Irving Penn, Norman Parkinson, and Miles Aldridge. Subjects include fashion icons like Twiggy, Lily Cole, and The Beatles, proving that fashion photography isn’t just art — it’s culture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dates-for-the-diary">DATES FOR THE DIARY</h2>



The Woodbridge Festival of Art and Music returns at the end of August, bringing its signature mix of local art and culture to the picturesque riverside town. Expect an eclectic line-up, local food and drink, and an atmosphere that’s as chilled as an Aperol Spritz.



Who says the fun stops when summer ends? Pop these local arts and culture dates in your diary for an autumn cultural fix: the Bury St Edmunds Literature Festival from 9-12 October. With the Aldeburgh Literary Festival already sold out and the Lavenham Literary Festival taking a break until next year, all bookworms will be flocking to Bury this autumn for their lit hit.



The Southwold Literary Festival is set to return this November, bringing its trademark mix of big-name authors, fascinating talks, and coastal charm. Perfect for cosy autumn days by the sea, this festival is a must for anyone who loves a good story (and a good excuse to visit Southwold). Keep your eyes peeled for the line-up!

Mark your calendars: The go-to guide for local arts and culture

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