Bury St Edmunds is one of Suffolk’s most historic towns. It sits among rolling countryside and offers over 1,000 years of stories.
It is also the historic home of Saint Edmund, once England’s patron saint. The Abbey of St Edmund drew pilgrims from across Europe. Many still believe Edmund’s remains lie hidden within its ancient ruins.
Today, Bury St Edmunds thrives as Suffolk’s Foodie Capital. The town offers fine dining, cosy pubs, and lively street food. It also boasts a strong cultural scene and remains one of the UK’s most dog friendly towns.
Bury St Edmunds Comedy Festival – February and March 2026
The town’s third Comedy Festival will fill February and March with live comedy.
For the first time, a new contest will find the Abbeygate Comedy Club Comedian of the Year 2026. Heats take place on 25 January, 8 February and 22 February. The final runs on 28 February at Abbeygate Cinema.
Theatre Royal also joins the fun in early February with shows from Luke Wright and Pauline Eyre. Meanwhile, The Apex welcomes Daniel O’Reilly, Jason Manford and John Kearns.
Nigel Kennedy World Premiere – 2 March 2026
Virtuoso violinist Nigel Kennedy begins his new UK tour at The Apex on 2 March.
This world premiere marks his first major UK tour in ten years. The concert blends classical, jazz, and contemporary music. Expect Bach, timeless standards, and Kennedy’s own works.
He performs with Alec Dankworth on double bass and Peter Adams on cello.
It promises a rare chance to see one of Britain’s most iconic musicians.
New Musical Caroline – June 2026
Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds will stage the new musical Caroline from 16–20 June. The show uses classic hits from the 1960s to tell a hopeful story about ambition and identity. Its characters navigate love, work, friendships, and the arrival of pirate radio.
The production comes from the East Anglian Touring Consortium, which supports theatre across the region.
Made in East Anglia Film Festival – Late August 2026
Abbeygate Cinema launches the first Made in East Anglia Film Festival in late August. The programme will showcase films created in the region.
Expect titles such as The Personal History of David Copperfield and scenes linked to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. Nearby Lavenham also appears in several productions.
Witch Trials Exhibition – Opens 31 October 2026
Moyse’s Hall Museum will open a major exhibition on 31 October.
It explores the witch trials of Bury St Edmunds and wider East Anglia.
Visitors will learn about the victims and the social forces behind the persecutions.
The show includes rare artefacts and a new partnership with the Salem Witch Museum in Massachusetts. Both institutions will share research and host linked talks.
Most Dog Friendly Town
Bury St Edmunds ranks among the nation’s most dog friendly towns.
It has reached the finals of the Dog Friendly Awards three years in a row.
Over 140 businesses now support the town’s dog friendly scheme.
Visitors can easily spot the blue paw print logo across shops, cafés, venues, and attractions.
This support makes the town ideal for motorhome travellers touring with pets.
Foodie Capital
Bury St Edmunds is home to Suffolk’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, Pea Porridge.
New arrival Bellota has also received Michelin recognition.
The town offers over 80 eateries, covering everything from fine dining to family cafés.
Weekly markets, a yearly food festival, and guided tasting tours enhance the experience.
Local producers supply excellent wine, meat, vegetables, craft beer, and more.
Greene King has brewed award-winning ales in the town for over 200 years.
