Q: How can I enter the competition?
A: You can enter by booking your place via Ticket Tailor. The artists entry fee is £30.00 and 100% of profits from ticket these sales will go to Cambridge Acorn Project.

Q: Can anyone enter the competition, or is it just for Cambridgeshire residents?
A: Yes but we have reserved 50 places for local artists who either live/ have lived, study/ have studied or work or have worked or have been born in Cambridgeshire. Artists from outside the county are super welcome to attend the event. You must be over 16.

Q: Do I have to be part of the competition?
A: No. It’s a day to have fun and embrace the outdoors and art. If you fancy just coming and painting then that’s great too. You can just choose on the day. It’s totally up to you so book your place now and choose later if you submit it for the competition.

Q: Does it matter what medium I work in?
A: It’s your choice. Anything will qualify for entering the judging panel be it charcoal, oil, watercolour, etc.

Q: Does it matter what I choose to paint?
A: It’s your choice. You can paint a flower, an archway, the old greenhouse, the topiary or the whole facade of the house. The choice is yours. Just come along and find a spot you like and set your self up.

Q: What are the prizes for the competition?
A: Trophies will be awarded to the winner of the professional and the amateur categories, recognising the best artistic talents of the day. We are presently looking for sponsors who may also be able to commit to a prize but this is as yet unconfirmed

Q: Who will be judging the competition?
A: Our panel of 5 experienced judges will choose the winners of the professional and the amateur categories. They have a wide gamut of experience covering different aspects of the art world.

Q: What is the charity benefiting from the event?
A: The event will raise funds for Cambridge Acorn Project. Cambridge Acorn Project is Histon Manor’s chosen charity of the year for 2026 and all its fundraising events are going towards this charity.

Q: Can I visit the event as a spectator?
A: Please feel free to come with a friend or family member to keep you company but it isn’t an event open to the public.

Q: What is included in the £30 entry fee?
A: The entry fee covers participation in the event, access to the grounds and manor's facilities, and free tea, cake, and refreshments throughout the day. You should bring your own packed lunch or there are cafes in the village just two minutes away.

Q: Will there be any facilities available for artists?
A: Yes, there will be access to restroom facilities within the grounds and inside the house and access to the manor's grand kitchen for free tea and refreshments throughout the day.

Q: Are there age restrictions for participating artists?
A: The competition is open to all artists over the age of 16.

Q: Can I submit more than one entry?
A: Each artist may only submit one entry, which must be created on the day of the event. But you can of course paint as many works as you wish. Just choose your favourite to enter.

Q: Will there be any opportunity to sell my work?
A: Not at this event but if you are happy to donate your artwork we will try and sell it after the event and all proceeds will go direct to the charity.

Q: Do I need to bring my own supplies?
A: Yes, you should bring your own art supplies, chairs, gazebo, easel if needed and any materials needed to complete your artwork. Nothing is provided at the venue.

Q: Do I need to stay all day.?
A: No, you can choose to stay for as long as you like. Your artwork needs to be finished by 3.30pm if you wish to enter the competition. You can set up early, paint all day long or just come in and blitz your artwork in a few hours in the afternoon. If you finish early you can leave the artwork to be judged and pick it up another day or come back later in the day for the evening Summer Sounds event.

Q: What happens if the weather is too bad to paint/draw?
A: If the event needs to be rescheduled due to bad weather, we will offer a full refund (minus booking fee) or offer a rescheduled day. However, this will only be if it is too windy or super wet. The event will still go ahead if it is light rain.

Q: Is there parking available at the event?
A: There is limited parking for 30 cars at Histon Manor, but ample parking is available in the village, just a short walk from the event.

Q: Does Histon Manor take any money from the event?
A: Histon Manor takes no money from this event. All profits from the entry fees go directly to Cambridge Acorn Project our charity of the year.