Aspects Of English Towns

BUXTON — A Derbyshire Gem and an Opera Festival too!

- Maureen Kishtaini

During the past few years, I have made sure that the middle of July is kept free. For it is at that time that my partner and I cross the rolling Pennines and make a beeline for North Derbyshire, where the Buxton Festival is in full swing. First established in 1979, it has gone from strength to strength, not only putting on operas but also a number of other musical events and a growing literary programme. Most important, it has put Buxton on the map.

Its inception occurred quite fortuitously when a certain Malcolm Fraser, visiting Buxton in 1976, noticed an interesting inscription on the cinema building next to the Pavilion Gardens. In large letters the words “Opera House” were clearly visible. After Fraser discovered that the building was no other than a Frank Matcham design of 1903, he resolved, together with local residents, to put on a festival of opera. And the rest, you could, say is history.

Prior to that, Buxton’s fortunes had ebbed and flowed. Developed as a spa town because of its geo-thermal springs, a number of fine buildings were constructed in the 18th century to accommodate the baths and visitors. The Crescent in particular, built between 1780 and 1784, was the showpiece of Buxton, hoping to vie with the likes of Cheltenham and Bath.

With the advent of the railway in 1863, the town’s growth was also stimulated and the prestigious Palace Hotel was built to accommodate the increase in wealthy visitors. Moreover, the growing and prosperous middle classes, anxious to show off their position in society, moved into substantial houses situated alongside the 23 acres of parkland which formed the newly established Pavilion Gardens. With its streams, ponds, fountains and even a miniature railway, it had, and still does have, something for everyone.