Annual Events
Bury St Edmunds Comedy Festival
Shake off the winter blues with the Bury St Edmunds Comedy Festival, an annual celebration of laughter that brings two months of top-class entertainment to the town each February and March.
From acclaimed stand-up comedians and quick-witted improv to fresh new talent, a packed programme of performances fills venues across Bury St Edmunds with plenty of laughs.
Whether you're a lifelong comedy fan or simply looking for a fun night out, this much-loved festival promises an unforgettable evening and a great reason to visit at the start of the year.
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!
As well as the Ring Quest trail, visitors are treated to a small exhibition which explains why West Stow holds this Tolkien themed event and the links with the Anglo-Saxons. There's also Tolkien literature and replicas from the recent films on display. A local Orc called Gutrot and Halbarad the Ranger often drop in to help people with the quest and improve their archery skills!
Bury St Edmunds Spring Fayre
Grab your sunscreen and bucket and spade – the Bury St Edmunds Spring Fayre - brings the beach to the town centre.
The FREE entry Spring Fayre is held every year on the last May Bank Holiday Sunday and Monday, brought to you by Our Bury St Edmunds BID, featuring a beach complete with sand deckchairs and bucket and spades outside Moyse's Hall Museum!
Shoppers can browse approximately 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 is also a Vintage Market in the Buttermarket.
Plus lots of other FREE family activities.
The Bury St Edmunds Nearly Festival
The Region's biggest 2-day tribute band festival returns to Abbey Gardens Bury St Edmunds!
A fun weekend for all the family featuring the UK's biggest tribute acts set in the stunning surroundings of The Abbey Gardens in the heart of the town centre.
Festival goers can expect a Street Food Marketplace, Kids Zone and a Pub in the Park - ice cold beers, wine, shots at pub prices - all while watching professional trubute bands.
Held every year on the first Saturday and Sunday of June!
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. Held towards the end of June every year.
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! Held every year on the third Saturday and Sunday of June.
Theatre In The Parks
Theatre in the Parks in Bury St Edmunds offers visitors a unique way to experience live performance in a relaxed, open-air setting throughout August. Instead of a traditional indoor theatre, productions are staged in beautiful green spaces such as Abbey Gardens, Nowton Park, West Stow Country Park and Brandon Country Park, allowing you to enjoy entertainment surrounded by historic ruins, trees, and landscaped gardens.
The atmosphere is informal and welcoming, making it easy for visitors of all ages to take part. You can bring a picnic, sit on the grass or a fold-out chair, and enjoy a performance under the sky—often in the early evening when the setting adds to the experience. Shows are typically lively adaptations of well-known stories.
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. Held evry year on the six days leading up to the last Bank Holiday of August, coinciding with the town's food and drink festival.
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.
Theatre Royal Christmas Cabin
Step into a magical world where the spirit of Christmas comes alive!
Every year a Christmas Cabin appears in The arc Shopping Centre full of magic and wonder.
Very often providing their first experience of theatre for very young children in a family setting, the Christmas Cabin offers a 20 minute interactive performance full of seasonal surprises and memorable moments featuring Santa!
Held from the end of November to Christmas Eve each year.
St Edmundsbury Cathedral Christmas Market
Step into the timeless beauty of the magnificent St Edmundsbury Cathedral, where the spirit of Christmas fills every corner.
Wander beneath its soaring arches as more than 50 talented stallholders from across Suffolk and beyond gather each year to showcase an inspiring collection of handcrafted gifts, festive treats, artisan creations and seasonal treasures. It's the perfect place to discover thoughtful Christmas presents while supporting local makers and independent businesses.
As you browse, soak up the enchanting atmosphere with the sound of carols echoing through the historic surroundings and live music bringing festive cheer throughout the day. Whether you're searching for that special gift or simply looking to embrace the magic of the season, this much-loved Cathedral Christmas market offers a truly memorable festive experience in one of Bury's most beautiful settings. Held every year on the last Saturday and Sunday of November.
Panto at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds
No festive season is complete without the magic of a traditional British pantomime – oh yes it is!
A visit to the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds has become a cherished Christmas tradition, delighting audiences of all ages year after year.
Running from November to mid-January, each spectacular production is packed with laughter, music and plenty of audience participation.
It's little wonder the theatre's pantomimes consistently earn glowing reviews from the respected theatre publication The Stage.
