Medieval cities, pretty villages, beautiful beaches and the famous Norfolk Broads are just some of the attractions of this diverse region and a tour here will inspire you.
Musicians and artists throughout the centuries have been inspired by the scenic countryside and coastal landscapes of Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. Home to some of the country’s finest Cathedrals, greatest seaside bandstands, most exciting festivals and welcoming arts venues, East Anglia has the perfect venue for every kind of ensemble.
Our Tour Highlights
North Norfolk
On the North Norfolk coast, traditional seaside resorts neighbour quiet beaches and picturesque fishing village, including Sheringham where Ralph Vaughan-Williams wrote his Sea Symphony. ...more
Cambridge and Ely
Follow in the footsteps of the great minds who studied here as you enjoy a punt along the River Cam and tour the impressive colleges of Cambridge University. ...more
Norwich
One of the country’s finest medieval cities, Norwich is brimming with historical charm and is a great base for exploring the surrounding countryside and coastal towns. ...more
Serene Suffolk
You’ll feel yourself relax as you tour Suffolk, renowned for its medieval towns & villages, beautiful countryside and stunning scenery that inspired Gainsborough and Constable. ...morePerformance Venue Highlights
Ely Cathedral
Ely is home to one of England’s most magnificent cathedrals and its Thursday lunchtime concerts attract tourists and regulars alike. Choirs are invited to sing in the Lady Chapel, famed for its lively acoustic. Concerts can be unaccompanied, or you can make use of the chamber organ or clavinova. A tour of the cathedral can be organised after your concert to allow you to fully appreciate this very special place.- Perfect for: Sacred Choirs
- Repertoire: Sacred
- Performance times: Thursdays at 1pm in the Lady Chapel - book early!
Gorleston Bandstand, Great Yarmouth
Sunday afternoons in Great Yarmouth are all about the bandstand by the beach. Bands are invited to play as part of the regular concert series, which attracts big audiences of holidaymakers, day-trippers and locals.- Perfect for: Bands
- Repertoire: Light and entertaining
- Performance times: Sunday afternoons from June to August and other times on request
Great St Mary’s University Church, Cambridge
The Thursday recitals at Great St Marys are well renowned in the city and attract large audiences of regulars, as well as students and tourists. For musicians, it is a wonderful opportunity to perform in a fabulous building that plays an important role in the life of the University of Cambridge.- Perfect for: Choirs and Chamber Orchestras
- Repertoire: All repertoire considered
- Performance times: Recital series on Fridays at 1pm. Visiting choirs can sing services during holiday periods
The Forum, Norwich
A cultural and social hub in the city, The Forum is visited by around 5,000 people every day. In front of the building, the amphitheatre is a perfect performance space where you can expect an enthusiastic audience for your outdoor concert!- Perfect for: All musical ensembles and performance groups
- Repertoire: Light and entertaining
- Performance times: Available daily throughout the year, dependent only on other events. Early booking recommended!
Norwich Cathedral
Dating back over 900 years, Norwich Cathedral is the most complete Norman Cathedral in Europe and a truly magnificent place to sing. The Cathedral offer a warm welcome to choirs who wish to sing services or to take part in their renowned lunchtime recital series. It is also possible to hire the Cathedral for a more formal concert, well suited to good quality orchestras and choirs- Perfect for: Sacred Choirs
- Repertoire: Sacred and Classical
- Performance times: Recital series on weekdays at 1pm. Visiting choirs can sing services during Cathedral Choir holiday periods
Aldeburgh Festival – Bandstand on the Beach
The Bandstand on the Beach gives our groups the fantastic opportunity to perform as part of one of England’s most celebrated festivals of music. After your performance, why not take your seat in the audience at Snape Maltings and enjoy one of the festival’s classical concerts. Attracting top-quality musicians from around the world, you’re in for a treat!- Perfect for: All musical ensembles
- Repertoire: Light and entertaining, anything goes!
- Performance times: Daily at 1pm during the Festival, usually 2 weeks in mid-June. Dates for 2024 to be confirmed.
Where To Stay
*official star rating
Holiday Inn Cambridge
- Set in rolling countryside, this modern hotel is a 2 mile drive from Cambridge
- Contemporary rooms equipped with TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities
- Hotel facilities include a restaurant lounge area and bar, an indoor swimming pool and fitness centre
*official star rating
Holiday Inn Norwich City
- Modern hotel located within walking distance of Norwich city centre overlooking the football ground
- Spacious and comfortable rooms equipped with TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities
- Hotel facilities include a large newly refurbished reception area, open-plan, informal bar and a large, contemporary styled restaurant
*official star rating
Belstead Brook Hotel, Ipswich, Suffolk
- Elegant 3-star hotel built around a 16th century hunting lodge set within extensive lawned gardens.
- All 88 traditionally furnished bedrooms are equipped with TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities.
- Hotel facilities include oak-panelled Manor Restaurant and the Garden Bar as well as a bright and spacious spa, leisure club with an indoor swimming pool, spa bath, steam room, sauna and gym.
Sample Itinerary
This itinerary is for guidance only and will be tailored to meet your exact tour requirements. The excursions and concerts featured below will be subject to your chosen tour dates, availability and budget. Please get in touch to discuss your potential tour in more detail and other opportunities available to your group!
| Morning | Afternoon | Evening | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Travel to your destination from your chosen collection point | Welcome drink at the hotel and time at leisure | Group evening meal at the hotel and time to socialise! |
| Day 2 | Day visit to the picturesque university city of Cambridge | Lunchtime concert in Great St Mary’s University Church, Cambridge | Evening meal at the hotel and evening activity |
| Day 3 | Morning visit to the much-loved country retreat of Her Majesty The Queen, the Sandringham Estate | Optional lunchtime recital in Ely Cathedral or Sunday afternoon concert at he riverside bandstand in Ely | Evening meal at the hotel and potential evening concert |
| Day 4 | Day excursion to the medieval city of Norwich. Optional lunchtime recital in Norwich Cathedral or outdoor concert at The Forum | Spend the afternoon exploring Norwich or take a scenic drive to the seaside town of Gorleston and perform at the seafront bandstand | Evening meal at the hotel |
| Day 5 | Enjoy the serenity of Suffolk with a visit to Constable country and immerse yourself in the countryside that inspired his paintings! | Afternoon/evening visit to Snape Maltings, a leading centre of music, where you can take a tour of the unique performance space and enjoy a concert in these special surroundings | Farewell meal in local restaurant |
| Day 6 | Optional morning excursion | Onward journey home |