The Glyndebourne Festival, the countryside home of British opera, is a world-famous opera festival held on the rolling Glyndebourne Estate in East Sussex. Known for its exceptional productions and showstopping country garden setting, the festival has become a mainstay of British society. This event goes above and beyond the performances, with a complete experience that includes the picnics, the dressing up, and the taking part in a tradition that dates back to the 1930s.
What’s the History?
Glyndebourne Festival was founded in 1934 by John Christie and his opera singer wife, Audrey Mildmay. Christie, a music enthusiast with a passion for opera, transformed a portion of his family estate into an opera house, driven by his desire to create a venue for high-quality opera performances and the festival's inaugural season featured Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro and Così fan tutte, setting a high standard for musical excellence that continues to the modern day.
Over the years, Glyndebourne has evolved. During World War II, the festival paused but ever since it has grown and shows no signs of stopping. In 1994, a new opera house was opened, with state-of-the-art acoustics and seating over 1,200 music fans. Today, the festival remains a family affair, with Gus Christie, John Christie’s grandson, at the helm.
What to Wear?
Attending Glyndebourne is as much about the sartorial experience as it is about the opera itself. While the dress code says ‘casual’, you’ll certainly get a few odd looks if you turn up in jeans and a T-shirt. The festival is famed for its showstopping black tie outfits, which add to the sense of occasion, and the dress code is sort of ‘unspoken’.
For men, a tuxedo, black bow tie, and polished black shoes are typical. Some may opt for a white dinner jacket, especially in the warmer summer. For women, evening gowns or elegant cocktail dresses are complemented by hats and fascinators. However, the festival is an artistic affair and is the perfect place for showing your personality. Attendees often wear bold colours and intricate patterns – you wouldn’t be out of place with some extra large shoulder pads or a feathered tutu!
What to Eat
Dining is part of the whole Glyndebourne experience, with many attendees arriving early to enjoy a picnic on the estate’s manicured lawns before the performance. Traditional alfresco feasts range from simple yet elegant affairs with champagne, smoked salmon, and strawberries, to more elaborate setups complete with candelabras, fine china, and the finest foods served with coloushes. The festival encourages creativity, and people take pride in curating their pre-opera meal.
For those who prefer a more formal affair, Glyndebourne has several on-site restaurants. The Nether Wallop Restaurant is a very smart option with a menu made up of seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, while the Middle & Over Wallop offers a more casual set-up. Additionally, there are various bars and cafes where guests can indulge in snacks, puddings, and an impressive selection of drinks.
How to Get Tickets
Securing tickets to Glyndebourne can be competitive. The process typically begins with membership, as Glyndebourne offers several tiers that grant priority booking privileges. For those who miss out, Glyndebourne also offers a returns system, where tickets that are returned to the box office are resold. Not only that, but some performances are live-streamed or recorded for later broadcasts, and these can be streamed from anywhere in the world.
Prices range from as low as £18 to over £245. However, Glyndebourne offers special ticket schemes for those under 30 and 40. If you are 16-29, you can purchase tickets for an opera performance during the Glyndebourne Festival Opera for just £30 as part of their New Generation Programme. Additionally, some of the best seats are available for only £45. There is also an Under 40s membership that provides a 50% discount on a pair of tickets to the festival.
The Glyndebourne Festival is undoubtedly a world-class opera affair steeped in tradition, and beyond that, it offers delicious dining as well. Whether enjoying a picnic on the lush lawns or revelling in the acoustics of the modern opera house, Glyndebourne is the perfect place to commence the British society calendar.
