Opera Anywhere is delighted to announce the return of the much-loved Sunningwell Festival, taking place this August in the stunning natural amphitheatre of The Quarry, Sunningwell (near Abingdon). And this year, there’s even more to celebrate: it’s not just the 25th anniversary of the festival, but also 25 years of Opera Anywhere and the Oxfordshire charity SeeSaw, which supports bereaved children and families.

To mark this incredible joint milestone, the 2025 Sunningwell Festival is proud to name SeeSaw as its charity partner. All festival surplus will be donated to support the charity’s vital work, making this summer celebration not only joyful—but truly meaningful.

“When we launched the first Sunningwell Festival 25 years ago (on a floating stage, no less!), we never imagined the love and support it would gather over the years,” says Mike Woodward, co-founder of Opera Anywhere. “This year, we wanted to do something extra special—not only to celebrate our shared journey, but to give something back. Supporting SeeSaw, who are also celebrating 25 years of life-changing work, just felt like the perfect fit.”

Festival Line-Up: What’s On

The festival promises a packed programme of musical treats, from folk and opera to musical theatre and the famously quirky Opera Anywhere pub quiz. Here’s what’s in store:

🎻Friday 1st August, 7pm – Folk Night

Kick off the festival with Jon Boden, folk legend and former frontman of Bellowhead, supported by local vocal group Indigo Road. Expect foot-stomping energy and stunning harmonies. Book your folk night tickets.

🎭Saturday 2nd August, 3pm – Così fan tutte: A New Twist

Enjoy a fresh take on Mozart’s much-loved comic opera, set in early 20th-century Gibraltar. A light-hearted exploration of love, loyalty, and a cheeky bet. Book your Cosi tickets.

💭Saturday 2nd August, 7pm – La Triviata: The Big Opera Pub Quiz

Back by popular demand! Join Opera Anywhere’s cast for a hilarious night of live music, silly trivia, and opera-inspired antics. Come solo or bring a team—this is a quiz like no other! Book your places at the quiz night.

🎭Sunday 3rd August, 3pm – The Marriage of Figaro

Mozart’s comic masterpiece returns with high energy, powerful vocals, and sparkling storytelling. A witty, romantic adventure not to be missed. Book your Figaro tickets.

🎭Sunday 3rd August, 7pm – The Magic of Opera

A glorious finale to the festival. Enjoy a pick’n’mix of popular arias and duets from composers including Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, and more—with the occasional musical theatre surprise! Book your Magic of Opera tickets.

Festival Food

We’re excited to offer a brand-new festival food option from the fantastic Church Farm in Sunningwell. For all the Quarry performances and quiz on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August, you can enjoy a freshly prepared meal using local ingredients. Food needs to be pre-ordered and orders close on Friday 25th July.
There’s a licensed bar on site too, so you can truly relax – all set against the breathtaking backdrop of The Quarry in Sunningwell.

A Festival with a Purpose

This year’s event is more than just a celebration of music—it’s a chance to support a truly vital cause.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Opera Anywhere and everyone involved in Sunningwell Festival for choosing to support SeeSaw as we celebrate our joint 25th birthdays this year,” says Liv Webster, Fundraising and Communications Officer at SeeSaw. “Each year in Oxfordshire, an estimated 200 parents die, leaving approximately 350 school-aged children bereaved. Yet there is no statutory provision for grief support.

The funds raised through events like Sunningwell Festival help us provide free, accessible, specialised grief support that gives young people the tools to express their feelings, understand their grief, and build hope for the future.

The Sunningwell Festival is more than just about fundraising — it brings people together in support of a shared cause, celebrating opera, the arts and community in an incredibly meaningful way, and we’re so proud to be a part of this.”

Tickets & Info

Sunningwell Festival runs from Friday 1st – Sunday 3rd August 2025 at The Quarry, Sunningwell, near Abingdon.
For a brief summary and booking links go to the Sunningwell Festival event page – but be quick, they’re selling fast!

Whether you’ve been with us since the floating-stage days, or this is your first time in the audience, join us to celebrate opera and folk music as well as the power of community, all while supporting a brilliant local charity.