The UK continues to offer a rich and varied programme of classical guitar summer schools, ensemble weekends, workshops and festivals. Whether you are looking for an intensive residential course, a relaxed ensemble weekend, youth provision, or simply concerts and inspiration, the events listed below provide an overview of what is currently known for 2026.
Dates and details may change, so readers are encouraged to check organisers’ websites for the latest information.
Intensive Summer Schools (Multi-Day Courses)
West Dean International Classical Guitar Festival & Summer School
Dates: 15–20 August 2026
Location: West Dean College, near Chichester, West Sussex
A prestigious week-long residential course in the South Downs, open to adult guitarists from approximately Grade 2 to advanced and professional level. Directed by Andrew Gough, the programme includes individual lessons, masterclasses, ensemble coaching, guitar orchestra, repertoire classes, evening concerts, and an Open Day featuring luthiers and lectures.
Website: https://www.westdean.ac.uk/short-courses/scg39817-west-dean-international-classical-guitar-festival-2026
IGF Bath Guitar Festival & Summer School
Dates: Mid-August 2026 (dates TBC)
Location: Bath, Somerset
Organised by the International Guitar Foundation, this major annual summer school typically runs for five to six days. The classical guitar course welcomes players from beginner to advanced level and offers masterclasses, ensemble and orchestra coaching, lectures, concerts, and individual lessons, alongside parallel courses in other guitar styles.
Website: https://www.igf.org.uk
Classical Guitar Retreat
Dates: 7–13 July 2026
Location: Laidlaw Music Centre, University of St Andrews, Scotland
A highly regarded six-day residential retreat for intermediate to advanced guitarists. Directed by Matthew McAllister, participants receive four individual lessons, daily technique classes, ensemble and guitar orchestra work, performance classes, Q&A sessions, a luthier expo, and an optional competition.
Website: https://cgretreat.com
Guitar Summer School at Ammerdown
Dates: Early August 2026 (likely first week)
Location: Ammerdown Centre, near Bath, Somerset
Formerly the Dillington Guitar Summer School, this residential course is led by the Eden Stell Guitar Duo with additional tutors. Suitable for all levels except absolute beginners, the emphasis is on ensemble playing in a supportive, non-competitive atmosphere, alongside technique classes, concerts and informal performance opportunities.
Website: https://www.guitarsummerschool.co.uk
Guitar Dreams Retreat
A major residential retreat at Cameron House, Loch Lomond, Scotland. While it covers multiple styles (rock, blues, jazz), it includes a classical element and major artists.
- Dates: 12–16 August 2026
- Artists: Eric Johnson, Mike Stern, Guthrie Trapp, and others.
Weekend Workshops and Guitar Retreats
Craig Ogden Classical Guitar Masterclass
Dates: 28–30 August 2026
Location: Hawkwood College, Stroud, Cotswolds
An intensive residential weekend for accomplished intermediate to advanced players (approximately Grade 6+). Led by Craig Ogden, the course includes solo masterclasses, ensemble work and individual coaching, typically opening with a concert by the tutor.
Website: https://craigogden.com/tag/course/
Hillscourt Guitar Weekend (FGS Guitar Break)
Dates: 17–19 April 2026
Location: Hillscourt Conference Centre, Rednal, Birmingham
A relaxed, community-focused ensemble weekend organised by the Federation of Guitar Societies. Open to players of all abilities, the emphasis is on sight-reading, guitar orchestra playing and social music-making in a friendly, pressure-free environment.
Website: https://www.federationofguitarsocieties.org.uk/Events/
Jackdaws Classical Guitar Ensemble Weekend (Eden Stell Guitar Duo)
Dates: 15-18 January 2026
Location: Jackdaws Music Education Trust, Great Elm, Somerset
A residential guitar ensemble weekend led by the Eden Stell Guitar Duo (Mark Eden and Christopher Stell). Open to players of all levels, the course focuses on ensemble skills, sight-reading, repertoire preparation and coached rehearsals in a supportive environment. Music is typically provided in advance, with accommodation and meals available on site.
Website: https://www.jackdaws.org.uk
Cawsand Bay Guitarfest
Dates: 11-13 September 2026
Location: Cawsand and Kingsand, Cornwall
A popular seaside guitar weekend combining concerts, masterclasses, workshops and ensemble playing with a holiday-style atmosphere. Open to adult players from late beginner to advanced amateur, with plenty of informal performance and social opportunities.
Website: https://cawsandbayguitarfest.co.uk
“Guitars by the Sea” Brighton Ensemble Weekend
Dates: See website, but dates from 28 Feb 2026
Location: Brighton, East Sussex
An ensemble-focused, non-residential weekend organised by the Brighton Guitar Group. Typically includes large guitar ensemble rehearsals, technique coaching and an evening concert by a guest artist. Suitable for players of all abilities.
Website: (Brighton Guitar Group – dates to be announced)
West Dean Short Course (Spring): Classical Guitar – Ensemble Playing and Performance
- Dates: 29–31 March 2026
- Tutors: Amanda Cook and Andrew Gough.
Wrexham International Jazz Guitar Weekend
Relevant for classical guitarists interested in broadening their style.
- Dates: 10–12 April 2026
- Location: North Wales.
Benslow Music Courses
Benslow Music (Hitchin) is a major provider of adult music courses.
- Lute Fest: Scheduled for 5–8 March 2026 (in association with The Lute Society).
- Note: Benslow typically releases a “Classical Guitar Ensemble” course (often in the summer or autumn) but dates are not yet available.
Youth and Specialist Courses
Yehudi Menuhin School Summer School – Course 2
Dates: 27 July – 1 August 2026
Location: Stoke d’Abernon, Surrey
An elite residential summer school for talented young musicians aged approximately 11–16, including a classical guitar strand (minimum Grade 5). The programme includes instrumental lessons, chamber music, ensemble playing, theory, wellbeing sessions and performance opportunities on the Yehudi Menuhin School campus.
Website: https://www.menuhinschool.co.uk/summer-school
RCS Young Classical Guitarists Summer School
Dates: 13–17 July 2026
Location: Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow
A week-long non-residential course for guitarists aged 10–18, welcoming all levels. The programme includes individual lessons, technique classes, ensemble and orchestra work, sight-reading, performance masterclasses and a final student concert.
Website: https://www.rcs.ac.uk/courses/classical-guitar-ages-10-18/
Festivals and Conventions
London Guitar Festival
Dates: October 2026 (dates TBC)
Location: London
An international guitar festival organised by the International Guitar Foundation, featuring concerts by leading artists, workshops, masterclasses, composer talks and the London International Guitar Competition. Open to players and audiences alike.
Website: https://www.igf.org.uk/london-guitar-festival
Ullapool Guitar Festival
Dates: 2-4 October 2026
Location: Ullapool, Scottish Highlands
A long-running and friendly guitar festival weekend featuring concerts, open mic sessions and informal workshops across a range of guitar styles, with classical guitar usually represented among the performers.
Website: https://ullapoolguitarfestival.com
North East Guitar Show
Date: 12 April 2026
Location: Rainton Meadows Arena.
While primarily a trade show, it is a significant event for guitar enthusiasts in the region.