Glyndebourne Festival 2017

WHAT IS IT? One of the world’s oldest opera festivals (it was started in 1934), Glyndebourne runs through the summer months (until 26 August) and is held in a magnificent 1,200-seat theatre situated in the grounds of a country house just outside Lewes, East Sussex. Each year, around 85,000 visitors attend to see a new line-up of world-class opera talent.

WHAT CAN I SEE? This year, you can experience the world premiere of a new opera based on Shakespeare’s tragedies, Hamlet, which will conclude Glyndebourne’s celebrations of the 400th anniversary of the bard’s death, as well as two brand new productions,

Hipermestra, a tale of how love conquers all, and La Clemenza di

Tito, a brand new take on Mozart’s final work. Plus, three Glyndebourne classics – Don Pasquale, Ariadne auf

Naxos and La traviata – will return.

WILL THERE BE FOOD? Picnicking in the gardens is an age-old tradition; either bring your own, pre-order one online, which has been cleverly crafted by the team at Leith’s (£53.50 per person for three courses), or if you’d prefer something different, dine at one of Glyndebourne’s three restaurants.

HOW LONG DOES IT LAST? Performances begin late afternoon and end at about 9.30pm, with a long interval (around 90 minutes) for dinner.

DO I NEED TO DRESS UP?

There’s no official dress code at Glyndebourne, but it’s traditional to wear evening dress thanks to founder John Christie, who felt it was one of the ways the audience could show respect for the performers.

HOW DO I BOOK?

PUBLIC BOOKING IS OPEN NOW. TICKETS RANGE IN PRICE FROM £10 (STANDING) TO £250.

VISIT GLYNDEBOURNE.COM

FOR MORE DETAILS.