Performing Arts Events Calendar
Lent Term 2026
Welcome to Performing Arts
Lent Term 2026
The Lent Term at Clifton College offers a wide variety of musical experiences. January starts with the Year 5 production of Madagascar - A Musical Adventure Jr, followed by the annual Band Night which is an evening of high-quality entertainment from our Upper School pop musicians.
In February our Pre-Prep and Prep School pupils will be hosting their first informal concerts of the term for friends and family, and our Upper pupil choir will be joining forces with Bristol Cathedral to perform choral greats.
There are many more wonderful performances over the term and we look forward to seeing you at these events soon!
Advanced Performance Platform: Junior Scholars
Thursday 15 January, 5.30pm-7.00pm
Clifton College Chapel, accessible via Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ
Our talented music scholars in years 9, 10 and 11 will perform as soloists and in small chamber ensembles in the wonderful setting of the Chapel.
There will also be an art display in the East Cloister with works provided by Junior Art Scholars.
Year 5 Play: Madagascar - A Musical Adventure Jr
Thursday 22 & Friday 23 January, 7.00pm-8.15pm
Redgrave Theatre, Percival Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3LE
Come and see our Year 5s perform Madagascar Jr.
Based on the Dreamworks film this is a fun musical adventure from New York to Madagascar - expect to see all your favourite characters!
Open to parents and guests
Open to all, including the public
Tickets can be purchased from the Redgrave Theatre website: redgravetheatre.com
Band Night
Thursday 29 January, 7.30pm-9.00pm
Redgrave Theatre, Percival Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3LE
An evening of pop, rock, and electro music - expect a real mix of songs from our fantastic groups including the Soul Band and Big Band on the stage of the Redgrave Theatre.
Open to parents and guests, pupils, staff and OCs
Tickets can be booked via the Redgrave Theatre website: redgravetheatre.com
Anne Guy Concert
Monday 2 February, 6.30pm-9.00pm
Prep Hall, Clifton College, BS8 3HE
This evening of music is performed by our most talented Year 7s and 8s. In memory of the school governor who widely supported music development in the Prep School.
By invitation only
Chamber Choir sings Evensong
Tuesday 3 February, 5.30pm-6.30pm
All Saint’s Church, Pembroke Road, BS8 3ED
Celebrate the ancient service of evensong with the Chamber Choir in the wonderful acoustic and striking setting of All Saint’s Church, Clifton. To include Dyson’s Evening Service in F.
Informal concert
Wednesday 4 February, 4.15pm-5.00pm
Pre-Prep Hall, Butcombe House, The Avenue, Clifton BS8 3EZ
The first Informal Concert of the term! Children from Years 2 and 3 of varying experience, perform to friends and familyexpect a wide range of genres and instruments.
Open to all, including the public
Open to parents, pupils and staff
House Play Festival
Monday 9 - Thursday 12 February
Redgrave Theatre, Percival Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3LE
Join us as Clifton College’s Upper School houses take to the Redgrave stage with new writing, creative spins on classic texts, and bold performances, this year with the theme of Hitchcock Noir. The 2026 House Play Festival invites you to embrace the elegance and intrigue of Hitchcock Noir, where every glance hides a motive, every silhouette tells a story, and every twist keeps the audience guessing.
Open to parents and guests, pupils and staff
Tickets can be booked via the Redgrave Theatre website: redgravetheatre.com
Informal Concert
Tuesday 10 February, 4.15pm-5.15pm
Prep Hall, Clifton College, BS8 3HE
The first Informal Concert of the term! Pupils from Year 4 to Year 8 of varying ages and experiences perform to friends and family - expect a wide variety of genres and instruments.
Open to parents and guests, pupils and staff
Butcombe Song
Friday 13 February, 9.30am-10.30am
Redgrave Theatre, Percival Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3LE
The Pre-Prep version of our much-loved Clifton College House
Song competition takes place in the Redgrave Theatre. An exciting morning of singing, costume, theatre and dance.
Advanced Performance Platform: Hannah M
Tuesday 24 February, 6.30pm-7.30pm
Joseph Cooper Music School, Guthrie Road, BS8 3ET
A special evening featuring the varied talents of our multitalented Year 13 Joseph Cooper Music Scholar Hannahpreviously featured in the 2025 Clifton International Festival in Brahms’ piano trio. Tonight her solo and ensemble performances will be on piano, cello and voice, both classical and contemporary.
Closed event - open to pupils and staff only
Open to parents and guests
Joint Evensong with Bristol Cathedral
Thursday 26 February, 5.15pm-6.00pm
Bristol Cathedral, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TJ
Our pupil choir joins together with Bristol Cathedral to perform choral greats from the Anglican repertory, accompanied by the newly-restored Cathedral organ.
Informal Concert
Tuesday 3 March, 4.15pm-5.15pm
Prep Hall, Clifton College, BS8 3HE
The second Informal Concert of the term! Pupils from Year 4 to Year 8 of varying ages and experiences perform to friends and family - expect a wide variety of genres and instruments.
Open to all, including the public
Open to parents and guests, pupils and staff
Prep
School sings Evensong
Thursday 5 March, 5.30pm-6.30pm
All Saints Church, Pembroke Road, BS8 3ED
Celebrate the ancient service of evensong with the treble and soprano voices of the Prep School Choir in the wonderful acoustic and striking setting of All Saint’s Church, Clifton.
Joseph Cooper Concert
Tuesday 10 March, 7.00pm-9.15pm
St George’s, Bristol, BS1 5RR
Our annual gala evening of instrumental and choral music, to feature Mozart’s hauntingly lyrical Requiem in the world-class acoustics of St George’s Bristol.
Open to all, including the public
Open to all, including the public
Tickets available from the St George’s website: www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk
Informal concert
Wednesday 11 March, 4.15pm-5.00pm
Pre-Prep Hall, Butcombe House, The Avenue, Clifton BS8 3EZ
The second Informal Concert of the term! Children from Years 2 and 3 of varying experience, perform to friends and familyexpect a wide range of genres and instruments.
Music in the Crypt
Thursday 12 March, 7.30pm-9.00pm
The Crypt, located underneath the Clifton College Chapel
From jazz to contemporary, covers to new numbers from our burgeoning singer-songwriting pupils, a relaxed but beautiful evening of music in the special setting of the Crypt.
Open to parents, pupils and staff
Open to parents of performers and their guests, and pupils
Joint Junior Choirs: from Oliver! to ABBA
Tuesday 17 March, 7.00pm-8.00pm
Clifton College Chapel, accessible via Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ
The voices of the Prep School Chapel Choir, Junior Choir, and our outreach Primary Schools - Fishponds, Oasis Bankleaze and Oasis Marskbury Road - join in a celebration of songs from the shows.
Open to parents and guests, pupils and staff
Concert
Friday 20 March, 5.30pm-7.00pm
Joseph Cooper Music School, Guthrie Road, BS8 3ET
An opportunity for soloists and chamber groups to performexpect a wide range of genres and instruments.
Open to parents and guests, pupils, staff and OCs
School Spring Concert
Monday 23 March, 6.30pm-8.00pm
Prep Hall, Clifton College, BS8 3HE
An opportunity for all our Ensembles to perform a wide range of music - Strings, Brass, Guitar, Flute and Clarinet Ensembles as well as Orchestra, Swing Band, Junior Choir and Pop Groups.
Spring Celebration
Thursday 26 March, 3:00pm-3:45pm
Pre-Prep Hall, Butcombe House, The Avenue, Clifton BS8 3EZ
Join us for our joyous Spring celebration in Chapel preceded by our traditional Easter Bonnet Parade in the Quad. A great way to finish the term.
Parade starts at 3pm, Chapel service is 3:!5-3:45pm.
Open to parents and guests, pupils and staff
Open to parents, pupils and staff
The perfect way to start a Friday morning with a lively sing. All families are welcome to attend for an uplifting and energising way to start the day with Mrs Gillam.
• 9 January
• 16 January
• 23 January
• 30 January
• 6 February
• 13 February
• 27 February
• 6 March
• 20 March
Fridays during term time, 8.00am-8.25am
Pre-Prep Hall, Butcombe House, The Avenue, Clifton BS8 3EZ
Free to attend
Open to parents, pupils, and staff
Fun Friday Sing
Thursday House Recitals
Our early morning recital series is a wonderful way to start the day! Come and hear 20 minutes of music from a talented Upper School musician - could be any age or instrument, but they are always most enjoyable.
• 22 January
Ramon J And Rohan C (Piano/Trombone) WaH
• 5 February
Elvan L, Kaifeng W, Ben F (Sax/Violin/Piano) SH
• 5 March
Tom S, Nehemiah O, Max K (Voice/Trumpet/Drums) MH
• 12 March
Ben R, Harry R, Xavi H (Violin/Cello/Sax/Piano) ST
Thursdays during term time, 8.20am-8.40am
Free to attend
Open to parents and family of performers, pupils and staff
Scholarships
Music, Drama, Performing Arts
Music
The music scholarship aims to enable pupils to pursue music to as high a level as they wish. Some will look to study music beyond Clifton College and aim to go into the music profession, whereas for others it is a wonderful way to relax and achieve something of real value alongside their academic studies. Music scholars receive two free music lessons a week from specialists in their chosen instrument(s) and will have the opportunity to perform in orchestras, chamber ensembles and as soloists.
Previous Music Scholars have gone on to study music at Oxford, Cambridge, Royal Academy of Music, Royal College of Music and other conservatoires; others have been members of awardwinning close harmony groups and recorded their own albums.
Drama
This scholarship is for committed and imaginative young actors who demonstrate a passion for performance, whatever their level of experience. We welcome applications from students eager to grow as artists, collaborators, and storytellers. The programme develops skills in both individual and ensemble performance, with students engaging in a wide range of theatrical styles and techniques. Scholars take part in workshops with visiting professionals, attend theatre trips, and contribute to Clifton College’s rich and varied performance programme, from classical text to devised theatre and new writing. Previous drama scholars have gone on to join the National Youth Theatre as well as study at leading theatre conservatoires such as Central School of Speech and Drama, and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.
Performing Arts
Passionate young performers are encouraged to apply for a Performing Arts Scholarship, whatever their range of experience. This new scholarship recognises students with exceptional promise across the wider performing arts, particularly in musical theatre and dance. It is designed for those who thrive in expressive, physical, and musical performance, and who demonstrate a passion for storytelling through movement and song as well as spoken word. Depending on their area of specialism, scholars may be supported to develop skills in choreography, vocal technique, ensemble work, and characterisation, with opportunities to engage in specialist workshops, public performances, and interdisciplinary projects. The programme encourages versatility and creativity, preparing students for the dynamic demands of contemporary stage practice.
Find out more information at: www.cliftoncollege.com/pages/ landing-pages/scholarships-and -bursaries
Sir David Willcocks Organ Scholarship 16+
In 2012, Sir David Willcocks announced his generous commitment to a new sixth-form organ scholarship in his name at Clifton College. A partnership with Bristol Cathedral was established to augment the role, and the inaugural Willcocks Scholar was appointed in 2013. Holders since then have won organ scholarship places at several Oxbridge colleges as well as at Hereford Cathedral.
A 32-foot extension of the Pedal Ophicleide reed at Clifton College was installed in Autumn 2017, and a CD recorded by Regent Records of the College choirs with pupil organists and brass was recorded in 2018 to celebrate this addition.
This 16+ post is for a sixth-form entrant, running for two years. Candidates may also jointly apply for the 16+ academic scholarships. The successful candidate will receive support from the Sir David Willcocks Trust as well as the opportunity to apply for generous means-tested funding towards either a boarding or day pupil place, which could be as much as 100% of fees and free instrumental lessons.
For more information contact: Mr James Drinkwater, Director of Music: jdrinkwater@cliftoncollege.com / 0117 3157 230
Directions to Venues
1 Preschool
Clifton College Preschool, Guthrie Road, Clifton, BS8 3ET
2 Pre-Prep Hall
Butcombe House, The Avenue, Clifton BS8 3EZ
3 Prep Music Department
Top Floor of Merry House, The Avenue, Clifton, BS8 3HE
4 Prep Hall
Clifton College Preparatory School, accessible from The Avenue, Clifton, BS8 3HE
5 Chapel
Access to Chapel through Memorial Arch, BS8 3HJ, or from Reception on Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ
6 Joseph Cooper Music School Guthrie Road, BS8 3ET
7 The Crypt Located underneath the Chapel, accessible from the sports field entering from Memorial Arch or Guthrie Road
8 The Redgrave Theatre
Percival Road, Clifton, BS8 3LE
On street parking is available for free after 5pm.
