Cruise the Rhône and Discover Provence

Flowing from the Rhône Glacier in the peaks of the Swiss Alps, the Rhône River gently meanders through Switzerland and France towards the Mediterranean, passing through some of the most picturesque cities, towns and historic sites in France.

Our cruise takes us from the gothic serenity of the Papal Palace in Avignon, to the bustling squares of Vienne and from the untamed nature reserve of the Camargue, to the refined culinary capital Lyon. We will enjoy an unparalleled combination of the wild and the cultured.

Included in your cruise is an extraordinary French gastronomic experience at the legendary Paul Bocuse’s Abbaye de Collonges. This will be a singular experience in an exceptional setting, where you will be able to relish gourmet courses, prepared by renowned chefs from across France.

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Festival

If you love Gilbert & Sullivan or are simply looking for superb, hilarious, uplifting entertainment, you can’t beat the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival in the stunning surroundings of Buxton Opera House this summer.

DearThis unique two-week festival has returned exclusively to Buxton with a two-week programme celebrating the works of W S Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan. You’ll have the chance to see these fantastic comic operas performed by the very best. The festival also features concerts, talks, recitals and other events that allow you to learn more about these iconic composers and their legacy. And it’s fun all the way!

Buxton Opera House is a beautiful venue with a rich history dating back to 1903. The theatre has been lovingly restored and offers an intimate setting for live performances that is perfect for Gilbert & Sullivan. And with its location in the heart of England’s Peak District National Park, there’s plenty to see and do during your stay.

Highlights include the acclaimed National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company’s brand-new productions of all-time favourites, The Mikado, The Yeomen of the Guard and The Pirates of Penzance.

But make sure you book soon. Tickets are flying out!

We look forward to welcoming you.

Book your tickets now Box Office: 01298 72190 www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

More information www.gsfestivals.org

About the Festival

You can book just one show in the Opera House, or you can immerse yourself in the many activities available for visitors every day. Here is a what typical day at the Festival looks like.

The International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival was founded in 1994 and for the first 20 years was staged in Buxton Opera House. In 2014 the Festival moved to Harrogate, but this year returns to its spiritual home in the beautiful Derbyshire Peak District.

10.30 am Morning talk in The Old Club House

1.00 pm Classical Pops recital in The Old Club House

2.30 pm Matinee performance in the Pavilion Arts Centre and / or Buxton Opera House

7.30 pm Main performance in Buxton Opera House

10.00 pm Nightly Festival Club to midnight in the Pavilion Gardens

The Festival brings together a wonderful mix of leading amateur groups who compete for the coveted Championship Trophy. And you can also see our fabulous professional performances from the festival’s resident company, The National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company.

Next door to the Opera House, in the Pavilion Arts Centre, is UNIFest, a competition featuring leading British universities – each bringing a fully-staged production accompanied by the UNIFest Orchestra. The Festival Youth Production, Harrogate Gilbert & Sullivan Society, Grosvenor Light Opera Company and the Opera North Youth Company will also perform here. There is no doubt that the magic of Gilbert & Sullivan endures and the Festival embraces the very best. We look forward to sharing it with you.