Menu
General Information for Participants
Orientation
Welcome to Cellofest! We have provided a detailed map but if you need any help please ask one of our stewards. The Cellofest office can be found on the ground floor, near to Room 3 and is manned at various times throughout the day. Meals, morning coffee and afternoon tea will be available in the dining hall. For lunch and supper there is always a vegetarian choice available and a salad bar. If you require any other dietary needs or allergies you must make yourselves known to the kitchen staff at the 2nd servery (at the far end of the hall). You can only go through the servery once so please collect your dessert on the way - do not go back to take additional items. The complimentary drinks servery in the dining hall is available at break times. Young children must be supervised at the servery and using drinks machines.
Concerts
Everyone on the course is expected to attend the recitals, this encourages mutual support amongst the students and is central to the Cellofest ethos. Very young children are excused from the evening concerts at parents discretion. If you have a very young child who might be disruptive, please sit at the end of a row; this way you can take them out discretely. Stewards will help to fill the hall quickly and safely, please follow their instructions. No food or drink is permitted in the recital hall. Whilst in the audience please show every respect for the performers. Do not leave your seat or make a noise while someone is playing. Don't lean over the balcony if you are in the gallery. If you are playing in one of the concerts please make sure you are in the Recital Hall with your instrument at least 15 minutes before the concert is due to begin so that we can start on time.
Playtogether and Showcase rehearsal
All Playtogethers are in the Main Hall. Please check your name badge or programme sticker to find your playtogether seating position. There is a floorplan on the wall but do ask for help if you are unsure. Each day you will sit in the same place. At the end of the playtogether, the younger children will go to a separate rehearsal. You will need to follow the instructions for your colour group so check your badge again.
Masterclasses
Senior masterclasses take place during session 3 and 4 in the recital hall; mini masterclasses at 14: 15. Observers are welcome and encouraged. If you would like to go and watch please enter the hall discreetly and don't take in any food or drink. The upstairs gallery seats are available for everyone's use during masterclasses. There are Suzuki repertoire masterclasses each day in rooms 4-6 (See schedule in the office).
Shops
Come and browse in the Cellofest shop (in the office/ library). We have a selection of fun merchandise available to purchase. All proceeds go to the Cellofest bursary fund.
Welcome to Cellofest! We have provided a detailed map but if you need any help please ask one of our stewards. The Cellofest office can be found on the ground floor, near to Room 3 and is manned at various times throughout the day. Meals, morning coffee and afternoon tea will be available in the dining hall. For lunch and supper there is always a vegetarian choice available and a salad bar. If you require any other dietary needs or allergies you must make yourselves known to the kitchen staff at the 2nd servery (at the far end of the hall). You can only go through the servery once so please collect your dessert on the way - do not go back to take additional items. The complimentary drinks servery in the dining hall is available at break times. Young children must be supervised at the servery and using drinks machines.
Concerts
Everyone on the course is expected to attend the recitals, this encourages mutual support amongst the students and is central to the Cellofest ethos. Very young children are excused from the evening concerts at parents discretion. If you have a very young child who might be disruptive, please sit at the end of a row; this way you can take them out discretely. Stewards will help to fill the hall quickly and safely, please follow their instructions. No food or drink is permitted in the recital hall. Whilst in the audience please show every respect for the performers. Do not leave your seat or make a noise while someone is playing. Don't lean over the balcony if you are in the gallery. If you are playing in one of the concerts please make sure you are in the Recital Hall with your instrument at least 15 minutes before the concert is due to begin so that we can start on time.
Playtogether and Showcase rehearsal
All Playtogethers are in the Main Hall. Please check your name badge or programme sticker to find your playtogether seating position. There is a floorplan on the wall but do ask for help if you are unsure. Each day you will sit in the same place. At the end of the playtogether, the younger children will go to a separate rehearsal. You will need to follow the instructions for your colour group so check your badge again.
Masterclasses
Senior masterclasses take place during session 3 and 4 in the recital hall; mini masterclasses at 14: 15. Observers are welcome and encouraged. If you would like to go and watch please enter the hall discreetly and don't take in any food or drink. The upstairs gallery seats are available for everyone's use during masterclasses. There are Suzuki repertoire masterclasses each day in rooms 4-6 (See schedule in the office).
Shops
Come and browse in the Cellofest shop (in the office/ library). We have a selection of fun merchandise available to purchase. All proceeds go to the Cellofest bursary fund.
- Andras Lovaszi is making a brief visit on Tuesday to help with any instrument adjustments and general luthier advice.
- British Suzuki are on site Friday and Saturday selling a variety of music books, accessories and gifts.
Free Time
Childrens Activities
Children under 5 must have an adult with them during afternoon activities. Children aged 5+ may be signed in with a member of staff but numbers are limited for safety. Please collect your child promptly at 15:00. Children must not be left unsupervised in the boarding houses.
The craft room will be open from 13:30- 15:00 in Raleigh House. Anne-Marie will be in there supervising some wonderful craft activities. Numbers are limited for space and so you may need to come back later. Children involved in the dance for the final showcase can go there to make props and costumes.
Outdoor games for the younger children (5-11 years) will be at 14:00 and for older children (9+) after the evening concert at 20:00. Either in the Sports Hall or on the field outside St Vincent house. Check the BAND for updates.
Swimming - the swimming pool is unavailable due to ongoing repairs and refurbishment.
The tennis courts and volleyball courts adjacent to Howe house and Cornwallis house are available for you on a 'first come first served' basis. There is also table tennis equipment available in most houses. We keep spare bats and balls in the office.
The Cellofeast - Funfest will be on Friday afternoon with a teddy bears picnic and special activities down on the low fields. More details will be available on the BAND
The 'Variety Show' will be on Saturday evening after the concert so get together with your friends and see what you can come up with. You can always ask the stewards for help. Your act must be no longer than 2 minutes.
All the boarding houses have TV rooms for your use and most have a DVD player.
Please try to keep all communal areas tidy. When socialising in the evening, the St Vincent common room is for adults only. Raleigh house is for children and stewards.
Please remember that children should not be left unsupervised in the boarding houses.
Bedtimes and Supervision
Please take note of your bedtimes on the activities page. After the concert each evening, children aged 9+ can hang out upstairs in Raleigh until bedtime. The stewards will be organising activities there or out on the field outside St Vincent. Drinks and biscuits will be available.
Please collect your child from Raleigh at the relevant bedtime. There will be a supervisor on hand in Raleigh until 21:30 each evening to help out or run errands. When you go to your room remember there are small children already sleeping so please be as quiet as possible.
You are welcome to arrange babysitting between parents of other families at your discretion but you are ultimately responsible for your own children at all times and for the duration of the course
Stewards are not permitted to babysit.
Do not supervise other children without the explicit permission of their parent.
On the last night we permit an hour extension to bedtimes at parents' discretion so that the children may enjoy the variety show.
Children under 5 must have an adult with them during afternoon activities. Children aged 5+ may be signed in with a member of staff but numbers are limited for safety. Please collect your child promptly at 15:00. Children must not be left unsupervised in the boarding houses.
The craft room will be open from 13:30- 15:00 in Raleigh House. Anne-Marie will be in there supervising some wonderful craft activities. Numbers are limited for space and so you may need to come back later. Children involved in the dance for the final showcase can go there to make props and costumes.
Outdoor games for the younger children (5-11 years) will be at 14:00 and for older children (9+) after the evening concert at 20:00. Either in the Sports Hall or on the field outside St Vincent house. Check the BAND for updates.
Swimming - the swimming pool is unavailable due to ongoing repairs and refurbishment.
The tennis courts and volleyball courts adjacent to Howe house and Cornwallis house are available for you on a 'first come first served' basis. There is also table tennis equipment available in most houses. We keep spare bats and balls in the office.
The Cellofeast - Funfest will be on Friday afternoon with a teddy bears picnic and special activities down on the low fields. More details will be available on the BAND
The 'Variety Show' will be on Saturday evening after the concert so get together with your friends and see what you can come up with. You can always ask the stewards for help. Your act must be no longer than 2 minutes.
All the boarding houses have TV rooms for your use and most have a DVD player.
Please try to keep all communal areas tidy. When socialising in the evening, the St Vincent common room is for adults only. Raleigh house is for children and stewards.
Please remember that children should not be left unsupervised in the boarding houses.
Bedtimes and Supervision
Please take note of your bedtimes on the activities page. After the concert each evening, children aged 9+ can hang out upstairs in Raleigh until bedtime. The stewards will be organising activities there or out on the field outside St Vincent. Drinks and biscuits will be available.
Please collect your child from Raleigh at the relevant bedtime. There will be a supervisor on hand in Raleigh until 21:30 each evening to help out or run errands. When you go to your room remember there are small children already sleeping so please be as quiet as possible.
You are welcome to arrange babysitting between parents of other families at your discretion but you are ultimately responsible for your own children at all times and for the duration of the course
Stewards are not permitted to babysit.
Do not supervise other children without the explicit permission of their parent.
On the last night we permit an hour extension to bedtimes at parents' discretion so that the children may enjoy the variety show.
Parents Activities
Playtogether Time
Parents who play Violin/Cello/Bass are encouraged to participate in the playtogether and showcase orchestra. Alternatively, from Wednesday onwards, parents are able to take part in 1 of 2 workshops:
Singing with Laura in Room 6 or Steel Pans with Stephon in Drake House. You can stick with one class throughout the week or swap to try both.
(If your child is under 5 you must remain with them for the duration of the playtogether and showcase session to support their participation).
Please return to the main foyer by 17:30 to collect your children and go to supper. You might also have the opportunity to perform in the variety show! See the activities page for more details of these sessions.
Cello classes and other music making
During the free time in the afternoons there are taster sessions available for cello beginners. Please speak to Mary Walton or Ellie Walton for more information about any of the parent classes. Parents wishing to play chamber music can make use of the Cellofest classrooms in the main building. Practice rooms with pianos are also available in the music school - first come first served. On Thursday and Saturday there are parent discussion and support sessions in St Vincent House Common Room.
Leisure facilities for Adults
You are welcome to explore the extensive grounds or relax in one of the TV rooms! Each boarding house has a small kitchen. Please feel free to use this for making tea/ coffee/snacks. You will find Cellofest supplies in each house.
The common rooms in your house are for socialising in the evening or come over to St Vincent house where there will be some drinks and snacks available to you for a small donation. We can provide drinks and glasses for you to take to you own house on request. Please ensure that alcohol is stored out of reach of children. Do not leave it in communal areas including the kitchen fridge.
Parents who play Violin/Cello/Bass are encouraged to participate in the playtogether and showcase orchestra. Alternatively, from Wednesday onwards, parents are able to take part in 1 of 2 workshops:
Singing with Laura in Room 6 or Steel Pans with Stephon in Drake House. You can stick with one class throughout the week or swap to try both.
(If your child is under 5 you must remain with them for the duration of the playtogether and showcase session to support their participation).
Please return to the main foyer by 17:30 to collect your children and go to supper. You might also have the opportunity to perform in the variety show! See the activities page for more details of these sessions.
Cello classes and other music making
During the free time in the afternoons there are taster sessions available for cello beginners. Please speak to Mary Walton or Ellie Walton for more information about any of the parent classes. Parents wishing to play chamber music can make use of the Cellofest classrooms in the main building. Practice rooms with pianos are also available in the music school - first come first served. On Thursday and Saturday there are parent discussion and support sessions in St Vincent House Common Room.
Leisure facilities for Adults
You are welcome to explore the extensive grounds or relax in one of the TV rooms! Each boarding house has a small kitchen. Please feel free to use this for making tea/ coffee/snacks. You will find Cellofest supplies in each house.
The common rooms in your house are for socialising in the evening or come over to St Vincent house where there will be some drinks and snacks available to you for a small donation. We can provide drinks and glasses for you to take to you own house on request. Please ensure that alcohol is stored out of reach of children. Do not leave it in communal areas including the kitchen fridge.
Help and Enquiries
We have a team of fantastic stewards who are there to help you. If you need help with anything, just ask. If you have any more specific concerns these are the people to contact:
Housekeeping & Pastoral Care - Rhiannon Lock
Timetabling and general enquiries - Tessa Oakley
Solo Recitals and Rehearsals - Rachel Drayson or Ellen Martin -
Parents Activities - Mary Walton and Ellie Walton - See parent music chat on BAND
Stewarding / childrens activities - Barney Lock and Anne-Marie Kirby ( 12+) or Miriam Shabetai (Under 12)
Safeguarding lead - Laura Wingrove
Housekeeping & Pastoral Care - Rhiannon Lock
Timetabling and general enquiries - Tessa Oakley
Solo Recitals and Rehearsals - Rachel Drayson or Ellen Martin -
Parents Activities - Mary Walton and Ellie Walton - See parent music chat on BAND
Stewarding / childrens activities - Barney Lock and Anne-Marie Kirby ( 12+) or Miriam Shabetai (Under 12)
Safeguarding lead - Laura Wingrove
The Theme for 2026 is 'Cello-Feast'!
4th - 9th August 2026 |