Cawsand Bay Guitarfest 2023

An exciting classical guitar weekend by the sea on the stunning Rame Peninsula, with Craig Ogden, Eden Stell Guitar Duo ,Alison Smith, Gerald Garcia and Alison Bendy 8^th - 10^th September 2023. Following on from three highly successful Guitarfests in 2019, 2021 and 2022 , we are returning with another exciting weekend combining great music in an area of outstanding natural beauty that inspires creativity. The stunning location by the sea makes for a perfect break from the hustle and bustle. 

There will be concerts, a master class, workshops, ensemble playing, a presentation by Alison Bendy and Gerald Garcia "Change your mind and keep the change". A journey through the workings of our brain. Explore the infinite possibilities to enhance making music on the guitar, informal playing opportunities, afternoon tea, sea view dinners and lots of fun in a friendly environment. The Rame Peninsula is a magnificent landscape of rolling hills, sandy beaches, tidal creeks and country parks. The concerts and classes will take place in the quaint twin villages of Cawsand and Kingsand (used for part of the filming of Mr Turner, a Mike Leigh Film) with it's charming narrow streets of colour washed cottages. One of the concert venues is by the rocks on the water's edge and the master class venue over hangs the sea and has a balcony for the coffee break! There will be time in the breaks to enjoy the area and if anyone wants to extend the weekend to be able to explore more, Alison (course director) will be around on Monday and there will be plenty on offer such as coastal walks, surfing lessons, coasteering, paddle boarding, a boat trip to Plymouth's historic Barbican (and National Marine Aquarium) segway adventures and much more.....including relaxing and chilling!

This is a weekend not to be missed with a superb line up of Classic fm chart topping Craig Ogden, one of the world's finest guitarists ( Head of guitar at the Royal Northern College of Music), Mark Eden & Chris Stell (Eden Stell Duo) internationally renowned for their dynamism, innovation and breathtaking virtuosity( teaching positions at the Royal College of Music, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire) and Alison Smith , one of the UK's most exciting and lyrical guitarists, who often leaves audiences spellbound by her sensitive playing ( teaching position University of Plymouth and previously Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) and the fantastic, highly popular international guitarists and teachers, Gerald Garcia and Alison Bendy.