Aldeburgh Music Festival
4 day holiday - Friday 12th June 2026
Highlights...
- Christchurch Mansion
- ‘Pelléas et Mélisande’
- Scottish Symphony Orchestra and Steven Osborne nd
Join us on our annual break to enjoy two memorable performances at The Aldeburgh Festival of Music and the Arts; 2026 marks a special significance being fifty years since the death of Benjamin Britten. Founded in 1948 by the composer Benjamin Britten, singer Peter Pears and librettist Eric Crozier, the Festival continues to bring together outstanding musicians from around the world. It reflects the legacy of Britten and Pears and their commitment to supporting young artists with performances from developing talent of the next generation. Snape Maltings is a world-renowned landmark on the Suffolk coast, and is home to the wonderful concert hall where we have best stalls tickets for two performances: ‘Pelléas et Mélisande’ and The Scottish Symphony Orchestra with Steven Osborne. As well as enjoying the concert hall we will have a pre-show dining experience in the River View Restaurant and some time to browse the charming shops on site.
Our first concert on Saturday evening will be a performance of Debussy’s opera ‘Pelléas et Mélisande’, completed in 1902 it has since become one of the most admired works in his repertoire and audiences continue to be captivated with its ‘elusive, shimmering beauty’. This dark fairy-tale tells the story of a mysterious princess, a remote castle and a love triangle and promises to be a breath-taking performance. On our second visit to the Concert Hall we will be entertained by Steven Osborne and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. The concert brings together mesmerising presentations from both Orchestra and Osborne as they perform: Elizabeth Ogonek’s All These Lighted Things, Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G, Ryan Wigglesworth’s Piano Concerto and Ravel’s La Valse. The blend of Ravel’s jazz infusions to Wigglesworth’s time-tripping Concerto will transport you in to a world of limitless possibility. is
Crowne Plaza, Brimingham NEC ★ ★ ★ ★
We will be staying at the 4-star Crowne Plaza, Brimingham NEC, Hotel which is set in landscaped gardens and is ideally located for the BP Pulse Live arena. The hotel bedrooms are all stylishly decorated with warm colours and luxury fabrics. The air-conditioned bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms (shower over bath) with luxury toiletries and bathrobe, hairdryer, flat-screen HD TV, radio, desk, tea and coffee making facilities and a mini bar. 24-hour room service is available and there are lifts to the rooms. There is complimentary Wi-Fi in the hotel as well as a fitness centre. The restaurant overlooks Pendigo Lake and has floor to ceiling windows to ensure you enjoy the wonderful views. The Lobbyist bar is a great place for pre-dinner drinks or as a location to relax with friends. The three-course dinner on both nights includes two glasses of house wine or soft drinks.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Friday 18th September
Arriving by door-to-door car at the Bull Hotel, you will be greeted by your tour manager who will be with you throughout the holiday. Refreshments will be served before boarding the coach. On our journey to Birmingham we will stop at the Clarion Hotel for lunch before making our way to Aston Hall, a magnificent seventeenth century mansion, for a guided tour. Aston Hall is steeped in history, the now grade I listed building has been restored to Jacobean splendour and is home to one of Britain’s best long galleries. After the tour, we will board the coach to continue our journey to the Crowne Plaza Hotel where your Tour Manager will assist with check-in. There will be time to unpack, relax and unwind before enjoying our evening meal.
Day 2 - Saturday 19th September
We will start our day today with a guided tour of the Coffin Works. Our guide will share the history of the Victorian company and their reputation for quality, which led them to be providers for Royal undertakers, in the building that was rescued and restored, whilst retaining its integrity. After our visit we will make our way to our lunch stop for a light lunch. We will then take the short walk to Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery for a self-led tour to explore the Birmingham’s rich and exciting past. An early pre-concert dinner will be had at the hotel, before heading off for the highlight of the holiday – Andre Rieu in concert, an evening that promises to be exciting and memorable!
Day 3 – Sunday 20th September
Following our later night due to the concert, we can enjoy a slow, relaxed start at the hotel. An opportunity to have a leisurely breakfast with friends to re-live the magic of last night. We will meet as a group for a light lunch in the hotel at midday, before departing to the Black Country Living Museum. Our free-flow visit provides the opportunity to explore the open-air living museum and enjoy meeting historic characters, showing what it was like to live and work in one of the first industrialised landscapes in Britain. You may choose to spend some time playing old street games or a visit to the vintage cinema, however you decide to see the sights of the museum is up to you!
Day 4 – Monday 21st September
After breakfast, your Tour Manager will assist with check out. Before departing Birmingham, we have a visit to the oldest building in the city still used for its original purpose – Birmingham Cathedral. A knowledgeable guide will share information on the heritage and stunning stain glass windows. We will then board the coach for our journey to our lunch stop for our 2-course farewell lunch and a chance to reflect on the holiday. Following lunch, we will continue on to the Bull Hotel for refreshments before our door to door cars arrive.
Total Price of the Holiday: £1,995 per person
Deposit: £300
Balance due:
18th June 2026
Whats Included:
- Coach travel throughout the holiday
- Three nights at the 4-Star Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC
- 3-course dinner with 2 glasses of wine each night
- Full English or continental breakfast each morning
- Lunch with coffee or tea everyday
- Morning refreshments on first day
- Ticket for Best seats for the Andre Rieu Concert
- Admission/talks/tours at properties visited:
✓ Aston Hall
✓ The Coffin Works
✓ Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
✓ Birmingham Cathedral
- Gratuities
- The services of your Tour manager throughout your stay
- V.A.T.
Balance due: Upgrade to a Premium room for an extra £135
The minimum number required for this holiday is 11.
For more information or to book call
020 4568 3377
