Summer festivals in Suffolk 2019

Summer is here and festival season has begun. Why not check out what Suffolk has to offer when it comes to festivals? There are so many to choose from, it’s so exciting to see what you have on your doorstep!

Latitude

How could you write about Suffolk Festivals and not start with Latitude?! As one of the most popular festivals in Suffolk, Latitude is held at Henham Park near Southwold on the 18^th-21^stJuly. Latitude has certainly built a great name for itself attracting festival goers from all over. Mixing up a melody of music, comedy, poetry and literature, Latitude has something for everyone. This year’s main headliners are George Ezra, Snow Patrol and Lana Del Rey.

Folk East

Folk East is an eclectic folk festival held at Glemham Hall, Suffolk, from 16^th-18^th August. With a warm village fair-esque atmosphere, this festival is growing in popularity each year. The main headliners this year are; singer songwriter Richard Thompson (Named as one of the Rolling Stones 100 greatest guitarists of all time). Irish Singer Cara Dillion and Friends, celebrating the 10^th anniversary of her landmark album, and Singer songwriter Karine Polwart (2018 BBC Radio 2 Folk Singer of the year).

Primadonna Festival

This new and inclusive festival celebrating the creative work by women and introducing new voices is definitely one to look out for. Taking place at Laffitts Hall, Stowmarket in Suffolk on August 30^th– Sep 1^st, Primadonna is jam packed with activities for everyone including talks, music, comedy, poetry, crafts, workshops and lots more for all ages. The headliners feature multi-million bestselling author Adele Parks, Luke Jennings (author of Killing Eve), bestselling poet and novelist Sophie Hannah, Konnie Huq (presenter, author and actor) to name a few. Read our full preview of Primmadonna here! 

First Light Festival

This non-stop 24-hour festival takes place in Lowestoft on the South Beach. Free to all with over 100 free events, First Light festival celebrates the first light of midsummer. Where else better to celebrate this than on the easterly point of the UK on the sunrise coast. An opening percussive performance by Talvin Singh will put everyone in good spirits for the rest of the night. Other acts include a DJ set from Giles Peterson (BBC Radio 6 Music) and Danny Boyle will be introducing a screening of his 2007 sci-fi film Epic Sunshine.

Art Eat Festival

Perfect for lovers of art and street-food! Art Eat festival takes place over 2 days on the Ipswich Waterfront on 21^st & 22^nd September. Festival-goers can enjoy browsing art work, vintage fun fair, craft stalls and seating areas to bring the community together! There will be live music from local and national DJs.

Maverick Festival

The UK’s first Americana music festival is held at Easton Farm Park, Woodbridge, on 5th, 6th and 7th July. Maverick offers music, workshops and performances from over 50 different artists across 6 stages. This includes Chance McCoy, a Grammy award winning indie folk singer from West Virginia, The Brother Brothers, identical twins who have a passion for folk music and The Crux from Santa Rosa who have been described as “Doc Watson by way of Joe Strummer”

Fit East Festival

Fit East returns to Trinity Park in Ipswich for the second time on 6th July. There will be 30+ workshops and workouts, family friendly activities and guest speakers. Try out new workouts, be inspired by fitness professionals and have a fun day out with the family!  If you’d like to find out more information you can head to the website or read my review of last year’s event. 

HighTide Festival

Showcasing premieres of plays by hand-picked playwrights, works of new theatre, comedy, exhibitions and readings, HighTide Festival has been dubbed ‘adventurous theatre for adventurous people’. Productions shown have challenging, contemporary and political themes and are written by emerging playwrights. The festival is held from September 10^th-15^th  at various venues in Aldeburgh with a hub base at Fisher Gin Distillery. Perfect for fans of theatre and film! This year they will be showcasing Rust by Kenny Emson, Lit by Sophie Ellerby and Collapsible by Margaret Perry.

Maui Waui Festival

Maui Waui festival is in its 7^th year of celebrating international music. Taking place at Peakhill Farm, Theberton, on 23^rd -25^th August, this festival pulls in a mixture of accomplished and undiscovered bands and performers from around the globe. It has a welcoming family feel. Kids and adults can enjoy performances from the headliners Henge, Slamboree, Lee Scratch Perry as well as many other acts. Everyone can also enjoy circus performances in a dedicated circus tent, big bass dance tents, small bands, cabaret and comedy!

Let’s take a look at festivals from over the border!

Tribe Norfolk Festival

Their tagline explains it all; Family friendly woodland festival of music, arts and wellbeing. Held at Happy Valley, Grimston Norfolk on 13^th– 14^th July, there is something for everyone.
Tribe was created to connect people and creative businesses and bring everyone together to celebrate diversity. The line-up includes Sam Coe & The Long Shadows, Pirate Joe & the Foreign Locals and Mengal Moes. As well as music you can enjoy workshops, food, drink, dance and much more!

Fling Festival, Essex

Fling Festival is a unique and bespoke music and arts festival curated purely for adults held in Hylands Park in Chelmsford on 6^th July, 12pm- 11pm. Jam packed full of activities including music from local artists such as Stealing Signs, Louise Parker, The Kubricks, The March Fleet etc, storytelling with unique performance of poetry, comedy, dance, cabaret and more.

Cambridge Big Weekend

The Big Weekend is a free outdoor event based in the historic open space, Parkers Piece in the City centre on Friday 5^th July to 7^th July. There will be music from Kid Creole and the Coconuts, Craig Charles, Dr & the Medics. The landscape will be transformed with attractions such as a silent disco, arts & crafts tents, gaming hub, bar and even fireworks in the evening of 5^th July.

About the Author: Chloe Lamb is a Fashion Communication & Promotion student and writer who focuses on fashion, lifestyle, books and mental health awareness. If she’s not writing for her blog https://clfashionn.blogspot.com then you can find her with her nose in a book!