Anyone been to Glyndebourne in autumn?

[TheGander]

I’ve been lucky enough to go to Glyndebourne in summer, twice with a friend who is a real Glyndebourne old hand. I noticed on their website there is an autumn festival and the tickets then are a lot cheaper. Has anyone been? How does the experience differ? I imagine it might not feel as special as you won’t be picnicking on the lawn at the interval in October. I’d love any insights. Thanks!

Yes! It's more relaxed than the summer (and significantly cheaper). More like going to a normal opera, but of course you can still go round the grounds beforehand which is lovely. No need to dress up quite so much and all of that fandango.

I am a full member, but have also been to the autumn performances. It is a different experience. From memory the interval was standard, so you dined beforehand. I can't remember what Glyndebourne offered for food, but the website will have those details. I quite enjoy doing opera differently - so enjoy seeing some of the newer younger companies and singers. Dont get me wrong I still like seeing current world-class but it is exciting to see people starting on their career. Give it a go!

What happens if it rains ? Does the event move inside ?

The opera is all under cover in an inside concert hall, but in the summer if you are picnicing and it rains then yes you can get wet. Last year we were toe to toe in a large marquee! The staff are really good at helping everyone to get tables/picnic stuff under cover.

I have been quite a few times in the Autumn and it’s a different experience to the summer opera Festival. It’s just like going to any opera except the concert hall is in a big country estate. Some people arrive early to enjoy the grounds or eat in the restaurant, but usually the weather and the timing means you wouldn’t be able to picnic.
The performance itself is always excellent and a high standard but in the autumn is usually a pared back version, sometimes with younger or less experienced players.
If you like opera you have to go at least once in the summer. We were there last Friday on the hottest day of the year and the whole day was spectacular!

Thanks everyone I honestly thought this would be a very slow thread so I’m thrilled to get these answers! Sounds like an autumn visit would work, with a pared back picnic/ snack and could be done on public transport ( I’m not a car owner).
I was there last Thursday for the Magic Flute and had the pleasure of taking a french friend who was spellbound by the whole experience. Which performance did you see @Getabloominmoveon ?

We went last November to Haydns creation. We actually got standing tickets for a tenner and because there were a few empty seats at the interval we moved to sit in those. We didn’t eat there but did get a cuppa. And booked a pub for dinner afterwards. It was cold and wet but you are protected from the elements

@TheGander we saw Giulio Cesare which was stunning! I’ve been going to opera since the late 80s and this was up there in my Top 10.

Sounds great. I’m still dipping my toes and have really only seen the obvious ones- La Traviata, Carmen, La Bohême, and now the magic flute. So many to explore!

I dithered this year on that one. Love the opera and Handel so much, but saw the 2005 cast live. Extraordinary. But the casting this year does seem as good. So pleased you had a good time.