A Very Special Exclusive East Anglian Summer Matinee!

The UK’s biggest country music export, THE SHIRES have announced an intimate acoustic tour for 2026 with an exclusive Lavenham, Suffolk date on Saturday, 15th August 2026. This will see Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes performing all their classic tracks.

THE SHIRES achievements speak for themselves: three consecutive UK Top 3 albums, four #1 UK Country albums, 100 million+ streams, two Gold-certified records, and countless sold-out headline shows, including filling the prestigious Royal Albert Hall. 

THE SHIRES first broke through in 2014 with their single ‘Nashville Grey Skies’, a playful song about Britain needing its own country scene. And that’s something which they helped happen, starting with their 2015 debut Brave, which became the first ever Top 10 album by a UK country music artist. That success continued with a succession of hit albums: 2016’s My Universe, 2018’s Accidentally On Purpose, 2020’s Good Years and 2022’s 10 Year Plan. 

Their authenticity saw them embraced by the Nashville scene immediately, leading to two CMA Awards, touring highlights including C2C Festival and shows as guests to Carrie Underwood, Little Big Town, The Corrs and more.

This show is reserved seating and Picnic Area.  Reserved Seating is fully undercover and will be allocated on the day.
Picnic Area: Located to the outside of the structure on the grass to the left.  This has a good view of the stage and show sound. You are allowed to bring food, pop-up chairs and small tables but not alcohol. 
Parking: On-site parking (fee applies).  We have a limited number of Self-Contained Camper Vehicles/Caravans (maximum length: 7 metres) parking spaces and Tent pitches.  Arrival from 12pm on day of concert.  Concert tickets need to be purchased separately. (24hrs on-site).
For all enquiries / disabled bookings, please call the Box Office on 01256 416384.

Description

The Historic Lavenham 'Big Top' Theatre stands as a notable cultural asset, drawing audiences from across the region and beyond to this Suffolk village. It serves as a significant hub for live entertainment, contributing to the area's vibrant arts scene and offering a consistent programme of events that enrich the local calendar.

Within its distinctive structure, a palpable sense of anticipation often fills the air before a performance, mingling with the subtle scent of canvas and fresh wood. The lighting, whether dimmed for a dramatic opening or bright for an interval, shapes an atmosphere that is both intimate and grand, allowing for a focused appreciation of the stage.

Practically, the venue operates as an overhead covered outdoor event space, providing shelter while retaining an open-air feel. Refreshments are available, and the venue is equipped to accommodate guests with varying accessibility needs, ensuring a comfortable experience for all attendees.

Throughout the year, the theatre hosts a diverse array of performances, from acclaimed musical acts and tribute bands celebrating iconic artists to classical concerts and theatrical productions, offering a broad spectrum of entertainment for different tastes.