What time does the event begin?

Gates open at 5pm and many guests starts arriving then to pick their spot in the gardens and settle in. Guests need to be in their seats in the Barn at 6.20 and the performance begins at 6.30pm. There will be lots of bells rung to help keep track of time.

What happens if I’m late?

The nature of barn doors means we can’t open them without disturbing the performance. You’re welcome to sit outside and listen until there’s a suitable break but do be warned it might not be until the end of the first half.

When is the long interval?

After the second act there will be an hour long interval for guests to finish their picnics and refresh their glasses before being back in the barn for the second half. Again, bells will be rung to give plenty of notice.

Can I bring my own picnic?

Absolutely. Guests are welcome to bring their own picnics - although you might regret it when you see Caroline Pierrepont’s Festival Picnics. Pre-ordered picnics come with a table and chairs set up for you in the grounds. If you are bringing your own picnic, you are very welcome to bring your own furniture but we ask for rugs only on the main lawn. There are plenty of other places to set up, top spots are the Walnut Grove or in the barnyard for a Festival Vibe.

Is there a bar?

There are two bars, one on the main lawn and one inside the Carpenters Barn. We’ll be selling Pimms, Champagne, wines, beers, soft drinks and teas and coffees.

What happens if it rains?

The opera is performed inside so that’s no problem.
For picnics, we can just about accommodate everyone in the Carpenters Barn and a few other undercover spaces. We will set up the reserved picnic tables under cover and there will be lots of straw bales free for anyone to sit on inside. It will be a squeeze so we’d ask people not to put up other tables in there but do bring your own chairs undercover.

What should I wear?

Whatever you want to. Some people like to follow the opera tradition of dressing up for the occasion and some people are happier in their everyday clothes and either is fine by us. We do urge everyone to bring warm layers as the barn is unheated.

Is there parking?

There is plenty of parking on site for cars and for bicycles. Blue badge parking/ drop off is available.

Are children allowed?

Of course. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

What about dogs?

Afraid not - except for assistance dogs.

Smoking?

No - and no vaping either.

I’ve noticed you’re doing building work - is this going to affect anything?

Aha - you’ve spotted the rather large white tent we’ve got over one of the barns. We’re carrying out some vital restoration work on one of our historic barns but this isn’t one we use for the opera evenings. To keep everyone safe we are closing the barnyard this year but we are relocating the outside bar and unreserved seating to another area.

There will be plenty of signs and a map of the site to help you find your way.