Buxton Opera House takes centre stage this summer
This summer, an exhibition exploring the past, present and future of Buxton Opera House will be on display in the town.
The iconic Frank Matcham theatre opened in June 1903 and hosts hundreds of events each year aimed at audiences of all interests and ages.
High Peak Borough Council and High Peak Theatre Trust have secured funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to explore the possibility of restoring the building.
And a new public display this summer will give everyone the chance to find out more about this project and the building itself.
From Monday 3 to Monday 17 August you'll be able to see the display in The Springs in Buxton town centre - it's positioned in front of the former Coffee Delight café unit.
Council Leader, Councillor Anthony Mckeown, said: "The Opera House is one the High Peak's most recognisable heritage buildings and one that is much loved. As part of our legacy works, the project we're doing now is aimed at both safeguarding its future and ensuring it is fit for the future.
"The works being considered will enhance its future to ensure it remains at the heart of local and national cultural life for years to come.
"This exhibition is a chance for everyone to find out more about the Opera House and to help shape its future. So do drop by to take a look at the display this summer - and please complete the short online survey to share your thoughts."
Dave Wilmore, Project Director,is also giving a presentation about the project and the history of the Opera House during this year's Gilbert and Sullivan Festival. The event is taking place at St John's Church at 10.30am on Tuesday 11 August. You can book tickets on the Opera House website.
Find out more about the project and complete a short survey to share your thoughts.
ENDS
About The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. That's why as the largest funder for the UK's heritage we are dedicated to supporting projects that connect people and communities to heritage, as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.
Over the next 10 years, we aim to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people, places and communities.
Follow @HeritageFundUK on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X/Twitter and use #NationalLottery #HeritageFund
Published on 4 August 2026
