MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE FRIENDS OF BIF

The Friends, once again, have done us proud. Not only have we seen membership hold up in a year with so many financial pressures, but we’re also humbled by the donations that many Friends have made when purchasing their tickets. During the 2021 and 2022 seasons these additional acts of generosity contributed over £10,000 to our fundraising efforts so a huge thank you to everyone who ‘topped up’ with donations to deliver such an incredible total.

We were also grateful to recently receive legacy gifts from two long-time Friends, the late Patricia Austin and Mary Barstow, who had chosen to support the Festival in their estate plans. Part of these gifts have enabled us to bring The King’s Singers to Buxton, with further support going towards the Young Artists Programme. All of us will have the opportunity to hear and meet some of the young artists when they perform on each of the Friends’ Days on Wednesday 12 and 19 July. We invite everyone to join us in the Assembly Room at the Crescent for an informal cuppa, a catch up and the chance to hear short recitals at 12:45 and 13:45 (booking not required).

The final thank you goes to all those who have already introduced someone new to the Festival this year – these referrals are helping us build our audiences and welcome more people to sample the joy of the Festival this July. It’s not too late to spread the word that there’s something very special taking place in Buxton this summer – we can’t wait to welcome you back.

PETE SPRIGGS Chairman, Friends of BIF

Opera Study Day

The Lee Wood Hotel, Buxton

10:15am – 2.45pm

Tuesday 16 May, £45 or £15 for Next Gen Friends

This popular event returns to enhance your enjoyment of the Festival with in-depth introductions to this year’s Festival opera productions. Lunch included.

Festival Launch

The Octagon, Buxton

6pm, Wednesday 17 May, £10

Join us as we launch this year’s Festival at The Octagon in Buxton, with introductions to the Opera, Music, Book and Jazz events and performances from musicians from our Young Artist Programme.

Save The Date

BUXTON

Opera House

TURNS 120

Buxton Opera House

7.30pm, Thursday 1 June, £48

Friends Days In The Assembly Rooms

The Crescent Hotel

Wednesday 12 July and Wednesday 19 July

Come and enjoy free performances in the grandeur of the Assembly Rooms in Buxton’s Crescent Hotel. There’ll be musical interludes, which showcase the talents of our Young Artists Programme and our community choir Kaleidoscope. It’s an opportunity to gather with friends during the Festival, to grab a cup of tea and have a chat.

BIF is proud to be supporting Buxton Opera House as they celebrate their 120th anniversary. The special concert stars tenor Russell Watson with guests including Joanna Riding (Gypsy 2022). Visit www.buxtonfestival.co.uk and click on ‘Friends’ then ‘Friends Events’ to book. Alternatively contact the Festival office on: 01298 70395 / friends@buxtonfestival.co.uk