Gilbert & Sullivan Festival Buxton
4 day holiday - Friday 7th August 2025
Highlights...
- The National G&S Opera Company’s ‘The Mikado’
- The National G&S Opera Company's HMS Pinafore’
- Chatsworth House
Now in its 32nd year, The International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival will once again be held at the stunning Buxton Opera House. The festival attracts people from around the world to enjoy what is widely regarded as one of the friendliest and most joyful festivals! It is renowned for performances by amateur G & S operatic societies, who compete for awards throughout the week, while professional performances take place at weekends. These include shows by the festival's own National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company, featuring some of the finest performers globally, and the only British professional company dedicated exclusively to staging and performing Gilbert and Sullivan, along with its own 24-piece National orchestra Gilbert and Sullivan orchestra composed of specialist musicians. The combination of Sullivan’s splendid music and Gilbert’s razor-sharp wit makes these shows a unique event that many have on their ‘must-see’ list.
We will return to Buxton to enjoy the inspiring performances by the National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company at the festival, which remains very popular with our members. We have Dress Circle seats in the Opera House for evening performances of ‘The Mikado’ and ‘HMS Pinafore’.

'The Mikado’ is one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular operas. With the hilarious romp of captivating silliness, it is no wonder that this glorious fantasy remains one of the best-loved operas. The story takes place in the Japanese town of Titipu with colourful characters and familiar songs that have captivated audiences for more than a century with its hilarious, tangled tale.
‘HMS Pinafore’
is set aboard a British naval ship and tells the story of a sailor who falls in love with the captain’s daughter. In true G & S style, it explores romance, hierarchy and the idea that true worth is in character, not rank, through the humour and satirical twists that are so loved.
Buxton Crescent Hotel ★★★★★
We will be staying at the luxurious Champneys Buxton Crescent Hotel, one of the most luxurious and historic destinations in the Peak District, conveniently situated opposite Buxton Opera House and the Pavilion Gardens. All rooms combine modern comfort with time-honoured elegance. The Classic air-conditioned rooms have elegant décor and furnishings with a double bed, a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, 24-hour front desk, room service and lifts to all floors. Upgrade available to a Crescent Superior Room, which guarantees a front-facing view of the beautiful surroundings. Leisure facilities offer a sauna, hot spring bath and spa treatments. The hotel offers a choice of two bars to relax in and the restaurant, which has Chefs who are dedicated to creating menus with fresh seasonal produce, set in very pleasant surroundings. The 3-course dinner every night includes two glasses of house wine, beer or soft drinks.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Friday 7th August
You will be collected from your home by door to door car, and taken to the Bull Hotel, where your Tour Manager will be waiting to greet you. Refreshments will be served before boarding the coach. We will stop for lunch in Leicester and expect to arrive at Buxton by mid-afternoon. There will be plenty of time to settle in, enjoy the hotel facilities and explore the local surroundings of this beautiful spa town. Close to the hotel is the 23-acre, Victorian landscaped Pavilion Gardens, with a conservatory housing many stunning plants and a gallery displaying works of local artists. If you prefer strolling around independent shops, there is Cavendish Arcade, a boutique shopping hall housed in the spa town’s former Victorian thermal baths.
Day 2 – Saturday 8th August
After breakfast, we visit Chatsworth House, which contains masterpieces by Rembrandt, Reynolds and Veronese. We have a guided tour through the magnificent Painted Hall, regal State Rooms, restored Sketch Galleries and beautiful Sculpture Gallery. Following our House tour, we will enjoy lunch and have some time to explore the glorious Garden, a creation of almost 500 years of cultivation. On return to the hotel, there will be time to relax and unwind before an early dinner. In the evening, we have Dress Circle seats for the evening performance of ‘The Mikado’.
Day 3 – Sunday 9th August
Our morning will start with the Buxton Crescent Experience. A knowledgeable guide will meet us at the hotel and lead a tour while sharing the story of this special Spa town, whose history is shaped by water. We will discover how, for centuries, people travelled to the town to drink and bathe in the mineral water for the cure of ailments and how the splendid Grade I listed building was restored. Following our visit, we will return to the hotel for a light lunch before G&S expert Bernard Lockett presents his talk “Gilbert and Sullivan - the origins of today's Musical Theatre”. There will be some free time to relax and prepare for an early dinner before an evening performance of ‘HMS Pinafore’, performed by the National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company.
Day 4 – Monday 10th August
This morning, after breakfast and check-out, we will leave Buxton for our homeward journey. En-route, we will stop at Leicester for our 2-course farewell lunch, an opportunity to sit back and reflect on your break with your fellow companions. We will then continue on our journey to the Bull Hotel, where on arrival, around mid-afternoon, refreshments will be served before your door-to-door car arrives to take you home.
Total Price of the Holiday: £2,295 per person
Deposit: £300
Balance due:
9th May 2026
Whats Included:
- Door-to-door cars from your home to the meeting point and back
- Coach travel throughout the holiday
- Three nights at Champneys Buxton Crescent Hotel
- 3-course dinner with 2 glasses of house wine every night
- Full English or continental breakfast every morning
- Lunch with coffee or tea every day
- Morning refreshments on the first day
- Afternoon refreshments on the last day
- Tickets for Buxton Opera House Dress Circle seats for National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company performances:
• Mikado
• HMS Pinafore - Admission/talks/tours at properties visited:
• Chatsworth House
• Buxton Crescent Experience
• Bernard Lockett talk - Gratuities
- The services of your Tour manager throughout your stay
- V.A.T.
Upgrade: Upgrade your room to a Crescent Superior Room for an extra £195
The minimum number required for this holiday is 10.
For more information or to book call
020 4568 3377
