The 2025 outdoor opera season is in full swing, showcasing world-class singers and performers on stunning UK stages. We’ve curated four of the best operatic festivals to attend this summer, complete with style tips for dressing elegantly while staying prepared for the British weather. Pack a warm wrap, a waterproof, and your finest eveningwear for these unforgettable events!
1. Glyndebourne Festival: A Pinnacle of Outdoor Opera
Location: East Sussex Downs, an hour from London
Why Visit: Glyndebourne is the UK’s premier destination for outdoor opera, renowned globally for its exceptional performances and picturesque grounds.
Nestled in the rolling hills of East Sussex, Glyndebourne’s 2025 summer programme features new productions of Wagner’s Parsifal and Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro, alongside revivals of Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia, Handel’s Saul, Verdi’s Falstaff and Janáček’s Káťa Kabanová. This season promises a cultural feast, making it the perfect occasion to don refined eveningwear. Founder John Christie championed formal dress to honour performers, a tradition that endures. As Glyndebourne’s website notes, “the opportunity to look gorgeous never goes out of style.”
What to Wear: Glyndebourne is perhaps the biggest ticket for the summer and it encourages its opera goers to dress for the occasion. Black tie is typical, with gents donning tuxedos and ladies complementing in elegant dresses and even gowns for evening performances. Our silk shantung dresses are a beautiful option for both day and night performances, perfectly paired with a tailored summer coat to stay warm during the evening.
