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t might sound surprising for a small Derbyshire town best known for its bottled water and weekend walks, but Buxton is also a hive of high culture. Every summer it hosts the Gilbert and Sullivan festival – a 28-day extravaganza of classic productions by the iconic British opera-writing duo, and it all centres around the Opera House.

Full-scale productions take place in the beautiful Edwardian theatre each evening, but if you can’t wait that long for your ‘G&S’ fix, then why not check out the programme of daytime fringe events (including talks, recitals and concerts) at the 450-seat Pavilion Arts Centre, just behind the main Opera House?

However, if you’re looking to do more than simply look and listen, then check out the G&S memorabilia fair. It’s packed with collectors’ stalls selling everything from books, records and posters – to novelty ceramics. Gilbert & Sullivan mug anyone?