Annual Events
Ring Quest
Ring Quest, during the February school holiday, is a week when fans of Tolkien's Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit books and the spin-off movies can celebrate all things Middle Earth.
Tolkien was a Professor of Old English/Anglo-Saxon and Middle English language and literature, so it is particularly fitting that Ring Quest is held at West Stow Anglo Saxon Village, just ten minutes from Bury St Edmunds. There are also Real Middle Earth Tours!
Bury St Edmunds Spring Fayre
Grab your sunscreen and bucket and spade – the urban beach is returning to Bury St Edmunds town centre after a four-year absence as part of the new-look Spring Fayre.
In addition to the beach another highlight this year is a series of virtual reality games for all ages from the very young to the young-at-heart to enjoy. Shoppers can browse approximately 80 stalls around the town centre with a Flower, Food and Craft Market on Angel Hill, including local cut flowers, rustic crafts, and artisan food producers. There will also be a Vintage Market in the Buttermarket. Other attractions of the weekend include a helter-skelter, roundabout and astronomy area, with big games including table football and mini golf at arc shopping centre.Free entry!
Hidden Gardens of Bury St Edmunds
Bury St Edmunds has many fine and historic buildings, but Hidden Gardens gives people the chance to discover the secret patios, lawns, borders, vegetable gardens, greenhouses and other features behind their facades and high walls. All the gardens are in the town centre and within walking distance of each other, although with about 30 different ones to see you may want to concentrate on a handful and take a break to soak up the garden party atmosphere and enjoy the refreshments on offer.
Some of these gardens have been tended for many generations, while others are only now coming to maturity or are still very new. Be prepared to be surprised and inspired. In aid of St Nicholas Hospice Care.
Dragon Fest
For one weekend every year in June West Stow Anglo Saxon Village celebrates all things dragons at the annual Dragon Festival!
This popular family event has an array of Dragon themed performances and activities including walk about characters, puppet theatre, combat skill training, music and crafts to entertain the crowds. From nest building, dancing and storytelling for the younger visitors to learning how to protect your dragons, drum workshops, holistic treatments and stalls, there is something for all ages. The wearing of dragon and dinosaur costumes is positively encouraged!
Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival
Foodies love the free entry Bury St Edmunds Food & Drink Festival, organised by Our Bury St Edmunds BID, which takes place every August Bank Holiday Sunday & Monday with a fabulous line up of chefs!
There's cooking demonstrations from chefs, the chance to taste and purchase food and drink from over 100 stalls and a popular farmer’s market, this is a foodie’s heaven.
There’s always lots to keep the children occupied!
East Anglia Beer & Cider Festival
For six days, St Edmundsbury Cathedral, its cloisters and garth, hosts over 250 real ales and 40 ciders at the annual East Anglia Beer & Cider Festival.
The Festival is organised by the local branch of the Campaign for Real Ale, the nationwide consumer organisation responsible for the preservation of our brewing and pub heritage.
The festival both raises money to support CAMRA’s aims and local charities and deserving good causes.
Bury St Edmunds Literature Festival
Bury St Edmunds Literature Festival is held every year in October and features a host of exciting events, talks and discussions with some of the most exciting authors in literature.
In 2017 the town's first literature festival started as it meant to go on with a sparkling literary line-up.
The Festival has attracted many well-known authors over the years including including Louis de Bernieres (Captain Corelli's Mandolin), Helen Callaghan (Dear Amy), Elly Griffiths (Dr Ruth Galloway novels), Sarah Perry (The Essex Serpent), children's author James Campbell, and romance author Erica James.
Sci Fi and Action Exhibition
For over a decade Moyse’s Hall Museum has displayed screen used props and costumes from some of the biggest franchises in movie and TV history as part of its Sci-Fi and Action exhibitions.
It has displayed pieces from popular TV and film including Doctor Who, Star Wars, Titanic, Lord of the Ring, Batman, Wonder Woman, Gremlins and more. Many of the pieces are rare and valuable, complete and even after years in mint condition.
Displays have also celebrated cult TV, classic cartoons and British offbeat shows both nostalgic and forgotten to time.
The Sci Fi and Action Exhibition takes place every year from October to December.
Christmas Lights Event
The Bury St Edmunds Christmas Lights Event, organised by Our Bury St Edmunds BID, in November marks the beginning of Christmas in Bury St Edmunds.
The magical transformation of the town centre will begin when the sun sets, and there are a variety of charity, craft, and gift stalls all along Cornhill and the Buttermarket.
Every year, we have a variety of entertainment you to enjoy and there's always an appearance by Santa and his Sleigh. A free entry feel-good family event which marks the beginning of the festive period for families in the town.
Panto at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds
The British pantomime is an experience to be hold. Oh no it isn't - oh yes it is!
Pantomime at the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds is a wonderful tradition and a highlight of the theatre's year.
It often starts in November and runs until mid January and gets rave reviews by the well-respected theatre newspaper The Stage.
