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What happens if it rains at Glyndebourne?

Making the most of your Glyndebourne experience, even in wet weather!

Enjoying a picnic in our beautiful gardens during the 90-minute interval is a quintessential part of your visit to Glyndebourne Festival.
But, what happens if it’s raining? A likely occurrence given the British weather!

 

While our state-of-the-art auditorium will keep you dry for the duration of the performance, there are plenty of under cover options so you can still make the most of your Glyndebourne experience during the long interval, even on the rainiest of afternoons.

In this article, we will take you through all the options available in the case of wet weather – from ones you can plan ahead for, to on-the-day assistance we can provide.

Plan ahead and book under cover dining

We would always encourage you to check the weather ahead of your visit to ensure you can be prepared. If it looks like it may rain on the day of your visit, we recommend booking one of our under cover dining option, like the Upper Circle picnic tables, or inside one of our marquees or stretch tents.

However, with the unpredictability of the weather in Sussex, if you are surprised by a rain shower on arrival or mid-interval, our team will endeavour to relocate you to an under cover table on the day, subject to availability.

What to do in unexpected wet weather (and how we can help!)

Our wonderful Front of House team will be on hand to assist you in various ways to ensure you stay dry and comfortable.

From providing complementary use of umbrellas and blankets to stay warm, to helping you carry your picnic items and belongings to an under cover table, we aim to get you to a dry space as quickly as possible.

Please leave these in the umbrella stands when you are finished using them so we can help as many guests as possible! You can also purchase our Glyndebourne branded umbrellas from the Glyndebourne Shop!

Indoor spaces to explore during the interval

There are also several indoor areas for you to explore during the interval.

We have a thriving art programme at Glyndebourne, with two purpose-built exhibition spaces, presenting an annual programme of curated contemporary exhibitions and displays that are open during the Festival season.

Make sure to visit our Art Gallery, which is located on the Stalls level of the auditorium, and the Archive Gallery, which is located near the Veg Patch Stretch Tent and audience car park.

 

 

Another must-visit space at Glyndebourne is our Organ Room.

Located near the Horses Head statue, just across the way from the auditorium (red side), is the historic and iconic Organ Room – where Glyndebourne first began. The Organ Room was completed in 1920, commissioned by our Founder, John Christie, as a dedicated space for musical performances.

Look out for the secret door which used to open into the first Glyndebourne auditorium!

Photos:

James Bellorini and Sam Stephenson

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