Your Winter Visit

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to Waterperry Opera Festival’s Winter Festival. Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions about our performances at Holywell Music Room (Oxford) and St Marylebone Parish Church (London).

Ticketing and General Information

  • Tickets are available online:

    Holywell Music Room (Oxford): Ticketsolve
    St Marylebone Parish Church (London): St Marylebone website

  • Yes, if the performance is not sold out. We strongly recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.

  • Yes. Concessions are available for:

    • Those in receipt of Government Benefits (e.g., Unemployment Benefits, Blue Badge Holders)

    • Blue Light Card Holders (discount applies only to the cardholder)

    • Disabled customers (who may also book a companion ticket at the concession rate)

    Please select the concession option when booking and present valid proof at the box office.

  • Yes. All children require a ticket. Please check the production page for age guidance.

  • Performances of the Easy Rollers and Messiah are reserved seating.

    The Nutcracker performances are unreserved seating.

  • Booking opens in stages:

    • 11 September: Early access for Platinum Patrons, Patrons, Benefactors, and Friends (Gold, Silver, Bronze).

    • 18 September: General booking opens. If you’d like early access, you can become a member here: Memberships.

  • Please see the full policy here: Exchanges, Cancellations & Refunds.

    • Cancellations due to bad weather (summer only): tickets can be exchanged (not refunded).

    • Cancellations for other reasons: tickets may be exchanged (subject to availability) or refunded.

    • Exchanges: You may exchange for a later performance of the same show or another show in the same year (subject to availability). If the new ticket is more expensive, you’ll need to pay the difference if it exceeds £20.

    • Refunds: Only available when cancellations are not weather-related. Only the ticket price is refundable. Requests must be made within 3 months.

    Note: Winter Festival shows are indoors; weather cancellations do not apply.

  • No. Photography and filming are strictly prohibited. Stewards may ask you to stop if necessary.

  • 📧 boxoffice@waterperryoperafestival.co.uk

Travel and Parking

  • Holywell Street, Oxford OX1 3SD, near Broad Street and the Bodleian Library.

    • Train: Oxford Station (20 mins walk or short taxi/bus)

    • Coach/Bus: Gloucester Green Bus Station (10 mins walk)

    • Car: Parking is limited. Nearest car parks: Gloucester Green (10 mins) and Westgate (15 mins).

    • Park & Ride: We recommend Oxford Park & Ride for easy access.

  • 17 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5LT.

    • Tube: Baker Street (5 mins), Great Portland Street (7 mins), Regent’s Park (7 mins).

    • Train: Marylebone Station (5 mins), Euston/St Pancras (10–15 mins by bus/taxi).

    • Bus: Routes 2, 18, 27, 30, 88, 205.

    • Bike: Santander docking station on Beaumont Street (200 m).

    • Taxi/Ride-hailing: Drop-off directly outside.

  • No. All transport and parking are public/independent.

Accessibility

    • Wheelchair ramps are available.

    • Patrons unable to use stairs should book disabled seating in the front row.

    • Please notify us in advance of your access needs.

    • Yes, fully wheelchair accessible.

    • Ramp entrance from Marylebone Road, lift access to lower levels.

    • Accessible toilet with baby-changing on the lower level.

    • Assistance and service dogs are welcome.

Food and Drink

  • No, there are no festival-run bars or catering during the Winter Festival.

  • No. Food and drink are not permitted inside the auditoriums.

  • Please see our Plan Your Winter Visit page for recommended cafés, pubs, and restaurants close to each venue.

Seating and Performance Experience

  • Doors open 30 minutes before the start time. Please arrive early to ensure a prompt start.

  • Yes, free programmes will be available at the door.

  • Latecomers will only be admitted at suitable points in the performance, at the discretion of the Front of House Manager. You may need to wait until the interval.

  • Yes, but space is limited. Please bring minimal belongings.

Weather and What to Bring

  • No, all performances are indoors in heated venues.

    • Dress for comfort.

    • Holywell Music Room can become warm with a full audience — we recommend wearing layers you can adjust.

Local Area & Accommodation

  • Yes. Both Oxford and Marylebone have plentiful options (hotels, B&Bs, restaurants). We don’t recommend specific places, but advise booking early.

Supporting the Festival

    • Become a Friend (Bronze, Silver, Gold).

    • Join as a Patron or Benefactor.

    • Explore corporate partnerships and sponsorships.

    • Make a donation.

    • Volunteer with us.

    See our Support Us and Memberships pages for details.

Health and Safety

If you have further questions, contact us at boxoffice@waterperryoperafestival.co.uk.

We look forward to welcoming you!