Performing Arts Events Calendar
Term 2025
Michaelmas
Welcome to Performing Arts
Michaelmas Term 2025
The Michaelmas Term at Clifton College is a special time. There are many events which are not to be missed including the Visiting Music Teachers’ Concert, performances from our talented music scholars, informal concerts from our Pre-Prep and Prep pupils, the annual Upper Musical (this year is Peter Pan!), open mic nights, House song competitions, Eisteddfod celebrations plus end of term concerts with full orchestra and other ensembles.
The Michaelmas Term wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the glorious atmosphere of a festive Chapel service; nativities, candle-lit Advent services, Christmas carol services, and the all-new Christmas Concert Spectacular promise to bring the year to a close in a spectacular fashion.
We look forward to seeing you at these events soon!
Music Open Evening
Thursday 11 September, 4.00pm-6.00pm
Prep Music Department, Top Floor of Merry House
An opportunity for parents and pupils from Year 2-8 to meet a selection of our Visiting Music Teachers, this is an opportunity for pupils to try out a variety of instruments to see if they would like to start learning.
You will need to book an appointment for this event. Details released in September.
Open to parents and guests, students, and staff.
Music Open Evening
Thursday 11 September, 5.30pm-6.45pm
Joseph Cooper Music School, Guthrie Road, BS8 3ET
Pupils and parents are invited to sign up for free 5-10 minute taster lessons with our Visiting Music Teachers - from double bass to jazz piano.
Open to parents and guests, students, and staff.
Tuesday Arts Club: Visiting Music Teachers’ Concert
Tuesday 23 September, 6.00pm-7.00pm
Joseph Cooper Music School, Guthrie Road, BS8 3ET
We have many fantastic professional musicians teaching instruments and singing at Clifton College - please come and hear them perform at the start of term in what promises to be a most enjoyable and varied evening of music!
Black History Month: Open Mic Night
Thursday 2 October, 7.30pm-9.00pm
The Crypt, located underneath the Clifton College Chapel
To mark Black History Month, we look forward to an evening of students performing songs with links to African, African-American, Black-British and Afro-Caribbean links. In partnership with Clifton College’s EDIB Committee.
Open to parents and guests, students, staff, OCs, and members of the public.
Open to parents and guests, students, and staff.
Informal Concert
Wednesday 8 October, 4.15pm-5.00pm
Pre-Prep Hall, Butcombe House, The Avenue, Clifton BS8 3EZ
The first Pre-Prep Informal Concert of the school year! Pupils from Year 2 and Year 3 of varying ages and experiences perform to friends and family - expect a wide variety of genres and instruments.
Advanced Performance Platform: Junior Scholars
Friday 10 October, 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.
Open to parents and guests, students, and staff.
Open to parents and guests, students, and staff.
Informal Concert
Tuesday 14 October, 4.15pm-5.15pm
Prep Hall, Clifton College, BS8 3HE
The first Prep Informal Concert of the school year! 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.
House Part Song Competition
Thursday 16 October, 5.15pm-6.15pm
Clifton College Chapel, accessible via Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ
The annual House Song festival has two fiercely contested elements - first is the Part Song Competition where groups of talented singers from each house perform a cappella arrangements of songs of their choice.
Open to parents and guests, students, and staff.
Open to parents and students.
House Unison Song Competition
Thursday 16 October, 7.45pm-9.15pm
Clifton College Chapel, accessible via Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ
Every student in the Upper School takes to the stage to perform in the most exciting House competition of the year - it’s the event everyone is waiting for!
Harvest Celebration
Friday 17 October, 3.15pm-3.50pm
Clifton College Chapel, accessible via Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ
Join us for our first Chapel service of the year. A chance for us to come together as a community to sing and celebrate.
Open to students and staff.
Open to parents and guests, students, and staff.
School Musical - Peter Pan
Wednesday 12 - Saturday 15 November, 7.30pm-9.30pm
Redgrave Theatre, Percival Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3LE
Second Star to the Right and straight on ‘til morning. Join us for Stiles and Drewe’s darkly comic and magical retelling of Peter Pan. Prepare for a steampunk spectacle as Captain Hook’s pirates clash with a gang of savage Lost Boys, in a fullscale musical adventure. With a live band driving the action, this is a Neverland of swashbuckling, mayhem, and mischief.
Open to parents and guests, students, staff, OCs, and members of the public. Tickets can be purchased from The Redgrave website.
Informal Concert
Tuesday 18 November, 4.15pm-5.15pm
Prep Hall, Clifton College, BS8 3HE
Our 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 parents and guests, students, and staff.
Informal
Concert
Wednesday 19 November, 4.15pm-5.00pm
Pre-Prep Hall, Butcombe House, The Avenue, Clifton BS8 3EZ
The second Pre-Prep Informal Concert of the school year! Pupils from Year 2 and Year 3 of varying ages and experiences perform to friends and family - expect a wide variety of genres and instruments.
Autumn Ensembles Spotlight
Wednesday 19 November, 7.30pm-9.00pm
Joseph Cooper Music School, Guthrie Road, BS8 3ET
Ensembles for saxophone, flutes, and brass together with chamber trios, quartets and quintets present their varied styles in uplifting mid-term performances.
Open to parents and guests, students, and staff.
Open to parents and guests, students, staff, and OCs.
House Song
Thursday 20 November, 2.00pm-4.00pm
Prep Hall, Clifton College, BS8 3HE
The annual colourful occasion with each House performing a song of their choice, conducted by their HoM and backed by our in-house band.
A recording will be available shortly after the event for parents to view.
Autumn Concert
Tuesday 25 November, 6.00pm-8.00pm
Prep Hall, Clifton College, BS8 3HE
Come and see what our music groups have been working towards all term! This is an opportunity for all our Ensembles to perform a wide range of music - strings, brass, guitar and wind ensembles as well as orchestra, swing band, junior choir and pop groups.
Open to students and staff.
Open to parents and guests, students, and staff.
Music in the Crypt
Thursday 27 November, 7.30pm-9.00pm
Clifton College Chapel, accessible via Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ
A varied programme of jazz and contemporary music in the relaxed setting of the Crypt. The College has a number of superb jazz and pop musicians on the staff and performances involving them and our talented students are always superb.
Advent Carol Service
Friday 28 November, 6.30pm-7.30pm
Clifton College Chapel, accessible via Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ
A beautiful service with choirs from across the College and which begins with the spreading of candlelight throughout the Chapel. There will be traditional readings and carols both ancient and modern - please join us for this highlight of the year.
The House Art Competition in the Tribe Building follows.
Open to parents and guests, students, and staff.
Open to parents and guests, students, staff, OCs and members of the public.
Saturday 29 November, 9.30am-4.00pm
Joseph Cooper Music School, Guthrie Road, BS8 3ET
Known as a celebration of music, the Eisteddfod is set in front of an audience and an external adjudicator. Pupils of all ages and abilities from Year 2 to Year 8 are welcome to participate.
Rotary Club Concert
Wednesday 3 December, 6.00pm-8.30pm
Prep Hall, Clifton College, BS8 3HE
The annual event where the Prep Choir, Junior Choir and Swing Band put on an evening of festive musical entertainment for guests of the Rotary Club.
Open to parents and guests, students, and staff.
Closed event, open to guests of the Rotary Club only.
Early Years Nativity (Preschool/Reception)
Thursday 4 December, 3.00pm-3.45pm
Clifton College Chapel, accessible via Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ
A beautiful way to start the festive season with our youngest children telling the story of the birth of Jesus.
Year 1 Nativity
Friday 5 December, 9.15am-10.00am
TBC (weather dependent)
Our Year 1 children retell the true meaning of the Christmas Story with fantastic catchy songs. The Christmas countdown begins!
Open to parents and guests, students, and staff.
Open to parents and guests, students, and staff.
Spotlight Concert
Friday 5 December, 5.30pm-7.00pm
Joseph Cooper Music School, Guthrie Road, BS8 3ET
An opportunity for soloists and smaller chamber groups to perform - expect a wide variety of genres and instruments.
Carol Service
Sunday 7 December, 6.30pm-7.30pm
Clifton College Chapel, accessible via Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ
The traditional annual service opens with a solo verse of Once in Royal David’s City, and then follows the traditional pattern of readings and carols.
This is a ticketed event; please see communication from SLT and HoMs nearer the time.
Open to parents and guests, students, and staff.
Open to parents and guests, students, and staff.
Year 2 and Year 3 Nativity
Monday 8 December, 2.45pm-3.45pm
Clifton College Chapel, accessible via Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ
Join us in Chapel or our final Christmas celebration with Year 2 and Year 3 children.
Christmas Concert Spectacular
Tuesday 9 December, 7.00pm-9.00pm
Clifton College Chapel, accessible via Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ
Open to parents and guests, students, and staff.
Join us for a spectacular new event on our calendar: an extended Christmas Concert featuring our award-winning musicians. In the breathtaking setting of the Chapel, our talented soloists, chamber groups, Soul Band, Big Band, Orchestra, and choirs will perform a festive feast of holiday favourites. Ticketed event, open to parents and guests, students, staff, OCs, and members of the public. Tickets will be available from the Clifton College website from October.
Christmas Concert
Wednesday 10 December, 6.30pm-7.30pm
Clifton College Chapel, accessible via Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ
The last night of term sees a hugely enjoyable concert in Chapel - highlights of the preceding evening - a fun mix of congregational sing-along and brilliant bursts from the College’s top musicians, with full orchestra. Around 50 minutes in length, followed by House Christmas Dinners!
Carol Service
Thursday 11 December, 4.00pm-5.00pm
Clifton College Chapel, accessible via Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ
Our beautiful end of term Prep Carol Service, complete with Candlelight Carol and candle carriers.
Open to parents of soloists only.
Open to parents and guests, students, 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.
• 5 September
• 12 September
• 19 September
• 26 September
• 3 October
• 10 October
• 17 October
• 7 November
• 14 November
• 21 November
• 28 November
• 5 December
Fridays during term time, 8.00am-8.25am
Pre-Prep Hall, Butcombe House, The Avenue, Clifton BS8 3EZ
Free to attend
Open to parents, students, 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.
• 11 September
• 18 September
• 25 September
• 2 October
• 9 October
• 16 October
• 6 November
• 13 November
• 20 November
• 27 November
• 4 December
Thursdays during term time, 8.20am-8.40am
Free to attend
Open to parents, students, 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.
